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.

“Apparel Retail Prepares for an Uncertain Holiday Season” by Dennis Limmer via Retail Dive

by admin | Nov 23, 2023 | Apparel /Fashion, Brick & Mortar, Holiday, News, Predictions, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

PHOTO BY PARKER BURCHFIELD ON UNSPLASH In the past year, apparel retailers such as Gap Inc. and Urban Outfitters battled an inventory surplus, forcing them to heavily discount items. This summer, they reported smoother sales, considerably reducing the need for...

“2024 Brings Higher Shipping Costs: FedEx and UPS Rates on the Rise” by Jen Deming of BRA Partnership Shipping Program

by admin | Nov 15, 2023 | Associate Members, Brick & Mortar, E-Commerce, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Returns, Shipping

Get ready for a hit to your shipping budget in 2024 as FedEx and UPS plan to bump up their rates by an average of 5.9%. But don’t be fooled by that number alone. Thanks to various fees and other adjustments, your actual shipping costs will likely rise even...

“What’s working for — and against — retailers heading into the holidays?” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

by admin | Nov 13, 2023 | Holiday, News, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

This shopping season isn’t likely to be like last year, or the year before, or the year before that, experts say. Holiday shoppers in Boston’s Downtown Crossing shopping district. This season retailers will be contending with yet another new set of...

“The Magic Of Retail Is Not Found On A To-Do List” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Oct 29, 2023 | Customer Experience, Customer Service, HR, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Retail stores face a challenge from within. Younger sales associates often team up on tasks that could be done individually. This teamwork has benefits, but it can distract from engaging customers. When staff focus too much on tasks, they might miss selling chances,...

“Unlock Your Best Holiday Season Yet: A Retailer’s Ultimate Guide to Boosting Sales and Winning Customers” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Oct 23, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Event Planning, Holiday, News, Resources, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

Retailers face intense competition during the holidays. How can you prepare for the holidays with your crew? The key is to start early. This guide offers holiday retail sales strategies to optimize your store’s performance. Preparing brick-and-mortar stores for...

“Unraveling the Illusion: The Hidden Costs and Dilemmas of ‘Free Shipping’ in E-Commerce” by Mike Robinson via Total Retail

by admin | Oct 16, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, E-Commerce, Resources, Retail Strategy, Shipping

Credit: Getty Images by asbe All of us are familiar with the phrase, “Nothing in life is free,” (including lunch), but this sentiment truly resonates when examining the intricacies of free shipping in e-commerce. What if we changed the script on free...