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.

“What About Brands?” by Jeff Harbaugh via JH & A Market Watch Blog

by admin | Sep 4, 2025 | Industry, News, Opinion, Resources

Many years ago, I wrote a Market Watch column on branding.  I opined that the importance of brands might be declining in the action sports world as products became reliable and similar.  My friend and, at that time, editor Sean O’Brien at Transworld thought...

“Foot Locker shareholders approve Dick’s Sporting Goods acquisition” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

by admin | Aug 31, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Footwear, Industry, News, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

A Foot Locker store in Chicago. The proposed acquisition would combine Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ 800 or so. Kaarin Moore/Retail Dive Dick’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday the deal has received all regulatory approvals and should close...

“Retailers: In-Store Surveys Lie. Mystery Shops Don’t.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor

by admin | Aug 27, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Your customer surveys are lying to you. I know that’s harsh, but it’s true. Those QR codes and website URLs printed on every receipt? The feedback they generate is about as reliable as asking your mother if she likes your cooking. Receipt surveys attract...

“Dale Webster, The Man Who Surfed For 14,641 Consecutive Days, Has Passed Away” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia

by admin | Aug 14, 2025 | Community, Legends, News, Surf

In the history of the sport, there are few who have matched Dale Webster’s dedication to surfing. Known as “Daily Wavester” or “Everyday Dale,” he lived his life with a singular purpose: to maintain the longest streak of consecutive days surfed – a feat...

“Stopping Rising Retail Crime Requires a Layered Approach to Security” by James Stark via Total Retail

by admin | Aug 9, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, News, Retail Crime

Credit: Getty Images by GoodLife Studio A recent survey from the National Retail Federation revealed that 50 percent of retailers are more concerned with retail crime than they were just one year ago. That same survey found that the average number of...

“Retail buyers are reacting to tariffs with AI and early orders” by Dani James via Retail Dive

by admin | Aug 7, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Holiday, News, Retail Economy, Seasonal Products, Tariffs

Customers shop at a Target store during the holidays. A Deloitte survey found that most retail buyers are worried about adequate inventory this holiday season. Courtesy of Target A Deloitte report found the industry is using the tech to navigate a shifting trade...