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.

“CARV Expo Returns Bigger in Year Two” by Evan Shoda via CE Blog

by admin | Jul 2, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Resources, Skateboard, Surf, Trade Shows

More brands on the floor and more buyers in the room as the West Coast’s only surf, action sports, outdoor adventure, and coastal lifestyle trade show builds on its San Diego debut. ALPHARETTA, GA — June 4, 2026 — CARV Expo wrapped its second edition at the San Diego...

“From Clicks to Bricks: Taking Full Advantage of In-Store Pickup” by Grant Gustafson via Total Retail

by admin | Jun 25, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, E-Commerce, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy

Paths to purchase have changed significantly over the past decades, with customer journeys nearly unrecognizable compared to those of the early 2000s. With the internet at their fingertips, shoppers are more informed, connected to brands, and able to discover new...

“Retailers’ Ace in the Hole Was Product Knowledge – in the 1950s. Here’s What It Has to Be in 2026.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog

by admin | Jun 17, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Sales Training

Product knowledge was a legitimate competitive edge when customers had no other way to get it. That world ended decades ago. Today’s customer walks in already researched. The retailers winning in 2026 aren’t the ones with the most knowledgeable associates...

“A SIT DOWN WITH DOUG WORKS (BRA Executive Director) at CARV EXPO” by Berto via Frank 151

by admin | Jun 13, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Trade Shows

Trade shows are an integral part of the industry. Any industry. At their core, they are about brands meeting and greeting retailers in a structured environment. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? The problem, especially in this decade, has been the disconnect...

“Your Big Sale Worked. That’s the Problem.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | May 26, 2026 | Clearance Sales / Discounting, HR, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Why retail owners and CEOs can’t take more money out of their business – and how a waiting culture is the cause. Why can’t I take more money out of my business? That question lands differently depending on where you sit. If you own one store,...

“How retailers can leverage their private label marketing advantage over national brands” by Erin Cabrey via Retail Boss

by admin | May 12, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Private Label, Resources, Retail Strategy

Private label sales continue to grow, reaching a record $283 billion last year, with sales and unit volume growth outpacing those of national brands. While retailers are often selling private label products that are similar to, or even dupes of,...