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.

“OK Gen X: Purchasing Behavior of the Sandwich Generation” by Jasmine Glasheen

by admin | Feb 8, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Consumer Behavior, Generations, News, Retail Strategy

Which generational cohort has big middle-child energy? Enter the least discussed generation of all, born between 1965 and 1980, Gen X is dubbed “the Sandwich Generation” because they’re sandwiched between infamous baby boomers and equally infamous millennials. Gen X...

“Why Personalization Remains an Advantage for Independent Retailers” by Gourav Pani via Total Retail

by admin | Feb 4, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Local Search, News, Opinion, Retail Strategy

Credit: iStock.com by Marko Geber In today’s world, mega-retailers have changed the way we shop. They offer same-day delivery and auto-shipment and sell cheaper versions of popular brands. Because of this, consumers now expect faster, easier transactions. Yet,...

“How Retailers Are Investing in Their Sales Associates” by BOF Insights, McKinsey & Company via Business of Fashion

by admin | Jan 30, 2025 | Apparel /Fashion, Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, HR, News, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Sales staff have a valuable role to play in connecting with customers. (Shutterstock) Differentiating the in-store experience is key to reigniting demand for in-person shopping, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025. Brands can achieve that by empowering...

“Winter Returns: Up to Two Feet Expected in Parts of Western U.S.” by Joe Carberry via the Inertia

by admin | Jan 26, 2025 | Community, Industry, News, Seasonal Products, Snowboard

Please and thank you. Photo: Ikon Pass It’s been a lovely January for many parts of the West: clear and cold. But those regions sitting on healthy snowpacks received little, to no snow during the month. But winter is about to make a serious return as forecasters...

“This skateboarding economist suggests we need more skateparks and less capitalism” by Greg Rosalsky via NPR

by admin | Jan 24, 2025 | Industry, News, Opinion, Retail Economy, Skateboard

A young skateboarder riding in front of the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero in San Francisco California.Adam Hester/Getty Images This first appeared in the Planet Money newsletter. You can sign up here. “The Skateboarding Ethic and the Spirit of...

“Surf Expo Showcases Innovation, Sustainability, and Vibrant Industry Momentum” via Surf Expo PR on SES X Outdoor

by admin | Jan 22, 2025 | Industry, News, Resources, Trade Shows

More than 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers participated in the show. Surf Expo’s first event of 2025 was held January 8–10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Attracting over 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers, the show...