The Best (& Most Outrageous) Tariff Tactics
They say necessity is the mother of invention, but that goes for calamity too. Bloomberg recently reported that Robert Keely, who runs a guitar pedal company called Keely Electronics, was hit with an $11,000 tariff bill for a load of imported merchandise. With no other options, he cashed in 1.83 million American Express rewards points to pay for it.
The Latest Retail Industry Insights and Analysis
Good News For Retailers: Malaysia Is the Happiest Asian Country
Malaysian consumers are remarkably optimistic in these gloomy times—even by Asian standards. Can it last long enough for global brands
The Retail Marketing Test: AI or Human?
AI may replace some marketing functions as a more precise, cost-efficient way to reach and retain customers. Join Shelley and
Facing the Facts: Workforce Mental Health Decline
Retailers have to take tangible metrics like productivity seriously as a red flag on employee wellbeing. Think about it: Can
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Retail Unwrapped
Our weekly podcast with Shelley E. Kohan, & guests. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
Experience
Are You Kwell? Are You Sure?
Fashion’s old engines—luxury department stores, fashion magazines, global catwalks—are sputtering. Like the sewing machine that migrated from New York to
The Power of Retail Influencers
Retail influencers drive online and in-store sales through live events, creator products, and authentic, staff-generated social media content.
Retail’s New World Order: What’s Your Personal Data Worth?
Gen Z sees personal data as currency—sharing it for fun with friends, but demanding transparency and compensation from brands and
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Opinion
DEI: Courageous Efforts or Cowardly Responses?
Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a two-article point-counterpoint series on recent retail decisions about DEI. We are
Costco’s DEI Challenge: Why It Should Concede Instead of Fight
Explore Costco’s DEI Challenge, highlighting its commitment to inclusion while navigating calls for risk evaluation and defending its policies.
DEI: Courageous Efforts or Cowardly Responses?
Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a two-article point-counterpoint series on recent retail decisions about DEI. We are
Costco’s DEI Challenge: Why It Should Concede Instead of Fight
Explore Costco’s DEI Challenge, highlighting its commitment to inclusion while navigating calls for risk evaluation and defending its policies.
New Episodes Weekly
The Retail Unwrapped Podcast
Retail insights on-the-go, with Shelley E. Kohan. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
From Our Partners
Placer’s 10 Brands to Watch + 3 Surprises
Check out Placer.ai’s latest enlightening report on the 10 Top Brands to Watch in 2025 when it comes to retail
How LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat Are Crushing Consumer Engagement
Watch and learn LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat are building engagement and social media strategies that matter to today’s younger consumer.
Technology
Placer’s 10 Brands to Watch + 3 Surprises
Check out Placer.ai’s latest enlightening report on the 10 Top Brands to Watch in 2025 when it comes to retail
The Risks of In-Store Retail Tech Misalignment
Retail tech risks misaligning with consumer needs by prioritizing novelty over practicality, overlooking human interaction and shoppers values.
Retail AI Trends Outlook for 2025
Retail AI Trends in 2025 emphasize the shift from isolated innovations to customer-centric systems that balance technology with human connection.
Management
Hailey Bieber Scores as e.l.f. Purchases Rhode
Three short years – and post-pandemic ones, no less — that’s all the time it took Hailey Bieber and her
Brian Cornell: The Sequel?
Target faces major challenges, and while Brian Cornell once saved it, the company now needs a bold new leader to
Operations
Good News For Retailers: Malaysia Is the Happiest Asian Country
Malaysian consumers are remarkably optimistic in these gloomy times—even by Asian standards. Can it last long enough for global brands
Hotel Chocolat and Knoops Face Off with Godiva
Hotel Chocolat’s Thirlwell described the acquisition of the 250-acre Rabot Estate in Saint Lucia and transforming it into a boutique
Aging QVC Pins Its Dreams on TikTok
QVC bets on TikTok and its “Age of Possibility” campaign to reverse declining sales and reconnect with women over 50