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.

“”Welcome In” Isn’t a Greeting: It’s a Sales Killer” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | May 22, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, Opinion, Retail Strategy

You’ve heard it walking through stores: “Welcome in.” A phrase that sounds meaningful but isn’t. It’s retail’s equivalent of a shrug – forgettable and damaging to customer experience. I first noticed it in Manhattan during...

“Smart Tariff Navigation: 5 Customer-Focused Tips for Retailers” by Joy Taylor via Total Retail

by admin | May 20, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Predictions, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Tariffs

Credit: Getty Images by MoMo Productions Retail is experiencing a spending surge as consumers shop ahead of the looming tariff enactment dates. While this provides a welcome sales boost, retailers need to prepare for potential spending slowdowns that will occur should...

“U.S. China Tariffs: All Fluctuated Up” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report

by admin | May 16, 2025 | Governmental Affairs, News, Predictions, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Tariffs

The latest news that China and the U.S. have agreed to a 90-day ceasefire — albeit with tariff rates still substantially higher than before all of this started — has thrown the retail industry into yet another stage of panic as they scramble to see if they...

“75 Things Retail Employees Can Do When They’re Not Busy” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | May 12, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, HR, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Your payroll is still running even when the floor is empty. Here’s how to make every minute count. Originally, I shared just 50 of these ideas. The response was so strong, I decided recently to expand it. Now there are 75 ways your employees can stay sharp,...

“Tariffs Threaten the American Dream (The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Consumers) via National Retail Federation (NRF) Blog

by admin | May 4, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Predictions, Retail Strategy, Shipping, Tariffs

Small businesses, which make up 98% of retailers and support more than 13 million American jobs, are particularly vulnerable. Owning a small business embodies the ideals of freedom and opportunity that are central to the American Dream. However, tariffs jeopardize the...

“Short-Term Retail Fixes for Tariffs” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report

by admin | Apr 30, 2025 | Governmental Affairs, News, Opinion, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Tariffs

You really can’t argue with Joe Feldman, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group: “We are spending a lot of time on something that continues to change and is rapidly changing. It’s not even worth trying.” Ever-changing, ever-chaotic, ever-devastating, the Trump Tariff...