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.

“The Best Advice I Can Give Retailers Right Now” by Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys

by admin | Aug 6, 2023 | Associate Members, Resources, Retail Strategy

So let’s get down to something important.  In times like these, the winners are those that can become hyper-focused on the truly important things.  It’s very easy to get distracted by the problems that exist in our industry, to throw up your hands and just...

“WHY ARE BOARD PRICES ON THE RISE?” by Lucas Wisenthal via JENKEM MAG

by admin | Jul 29, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Corona Virus, Industry, News, Resources, Skateboard

The most stable part of skating used to be the price of a skateboard. Whatever the brand, whatever the graphic, in America, a pro board cost about $55. But unless you get skateboards for free, you’ve probably noticed that, lately, you’ve been paying more for them....

“Retail rents rise in Q2 as availability tightens: CBRE” by CBRE National Retail Report via Retail Dive

by admin | Jul 28, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Commercial Real Estate, News, Resources, Retail Strategy

A busy road lined with strip centers. In Q2, demand for retail space in the suburbs outpaced demand in downtown markets, according to CBRE. “Strip Mall City” by Jacob Norlund is licensed under CC BY 2.0 As more retailers move to strip centers, space is opening up at...

“Unmoderated Reviews: The Secret Killer to Consumer Trust and Experience” by Joshua Buxbaum via Total Retail

by admin | Jul 25, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Resources, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Reviews

Authenticity is at the forefront of every consumer buying decision, thus making reviews a barometer for a product and a company’s trustworthiness. Forty-nine percent of consumers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations...

“Defensive Selling Isn’t Customer Service: Insights for Retail Managers” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Jul 23, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Clearance Sales / Discounting, Customer Experience, Customer Service, Resources, Retail Strategy

Defensive selling is a sales approach typically driven by a sales associate’s anxiety and the assumption that a customer will only make a purchase if the salesperson is proactive to perceived customer objections. Salespeople feel it is customer service, but...

“Uncertainty around UPS is ‘kryptonite’ to supply chains, RILA warns” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive plus link to enroll in BRA FedEx PartnerShip Discount Shipping Program

by admin | Jul 20, 2023 | Holiday, News, Resources, Returns, Shipping

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien speaks during national contract negotiations with UPS. The Retail Industry Leaders Association urged the two sides to strike a deal in order to avoid risk to supply chains and the economy. Permission granted by...