Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our B.R.A. Retail Members almost every day. Be sure to scroll through the most recent article or use the Search/Lookup feature to find topics and keywords related to articles that may help you to lower costs, increase margins or create more remarkable customer experiences.

“REI cuts 275 employees in store operations overhaul” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

by admin | Oct 18, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, HR, Industry, News, Outdoor, Retail Economy

A brick REI storefront. The outdoor retailer said its operating model is more than a decade old and no longer supports its employees. Daphne Howland/Retail Dive Dive Brief: REI is laying off about 275 people in “lead” roles in stores as it shifts its store...

“SURF EXPO SEPTEMBER SHOWCASES STRONG DEMAND FOR WATERSPORTS & BEACH LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS HEADING INTO 2024” by Amy Dufour via SurfExpo.com

by admin | Oct 12, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, News, Trade Shows

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow wrapped up its summer show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. With more than 730 exhibiting brands participating, the event served as the industry launchpad for retailers to discover...

“From Hype to Reality: The Transformative Power of AI in Retail CX” by Sarah Holbrook via The Robin Report

by admin | Oct 10, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, E-Commerce, Internet, News, Resources, Retail Technologies

There is an intrusive buzz that is impossible to ignore, it’s an incessant drone that has captured every executive’s attention: the paradigm-shifting nature of artificial intelligence. For retail leaders, the question is not whether we should engage but how. It’s time...

“RIP: Big Surf, America’s First Wavepool – Iconic Arizona Artificial Surf Spot to be Demolished” by Dashel Pierson via Surfer Mag

by admin | Oct 8, 2023 | Community, News, Rest In Peace, Surf

“Big Surf, the first American wavepool used for surfing was built in Tempe, Arizona, funded by hair-coloring giant Clairol, opened in 1969 and cost $2 million. The pool measured 300′ by 400′, and was set in a 20-acre Polynesian-themed complex located in...

“Some 300,000 Onewheel electric skateboards recalled after 4 deaths and dozens of reported injuries” by Kenneth Niemeyer via Business Insider

by admin | Oct 3, 2023 | Industry, Insurance, News, Outdoor, Public Health, Reviews

OneWheel. Emily Li About 300,000 Onewheel electric skateboards have been recalled. Future Motion received four reports of deaths involving the Onewheel from 2019 to 2021. The recall includes models that lack a haptic buzz alert to warn riders when something is...

“Are US Retail Workers Calling It Quits?” by Dennis Limmer via Retail Wire

by admin | Sep 27, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Service, HR, News, Retail Crime, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

According to a recent Bloomberg report, retail employees in the U.S. are “fed up and quitting at record rates.” A McKinsey study from 2022 found that the quit rate for retail and hospitality workers is over 70% higher than the overall U.S. quit rate. “Low...