⚙️ Is Automation the Future of Retail?

🗃️ What’s Shaping the Shelves?

More retail closures are on the horizon in 2025, with Joann, JCPenney, and other major retailers shutting down locations across the U.S. The closures reflect ongoing struggles in traditional brick-and-mortar retail as consumer habits shift toward online shopping and experience-driven spending. Retailers must rethink store formats and customer engagement strategies to stay relevant. Read more.

🧙 Retail Masterclass - Is Automation the Future of Retail?

In this podcast, Jane Cheung, the Global Research Leader at IBM, explores how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing customer experiences, from dynamic pricing to hyper-personalized recommendations. Retailers adopting these technologies are staying ahead by improving efficiency and tailoring interactions to consumer preferences.

💡 An Everyday Market Hack

Retailers can increase impulse purchases by strategically placing small, high-margin products near checkout. Whether online or in-store, showcasing limited-time offers and complementary items can drive last-minute sales and boost average order value.

🧐 Shopper Insights

Online and nonstore retail sales continued to rise in January 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, sales dipped slightly from December 2024, which saw a surge due to Cyber Monday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving both falling in December. This extension of the Cyber 5 shopping period led to a 33% increase in online sales for the month.

Retail Innovation

🏷️ Featured Brand - PayMore

PayMore, the buy-sell-trade retailer specializing in electronics, is planning a massive expansion, nearly tripling its store count in 2025. The company’s success highlights the growing demand for refurbished and pre-owned tech, as consumers look for affordable and sustainable alternatives to new gadgets.

🌱 Eco Trends

Retail sustainability takes a new turn as CoolSys launches a service to remove and recycle defunct Redbox kiosks. By repurposing outdated retail infrastructure, businesses can reduce waste while making room for new revenue-generating opportunities. Retailers focusing on eco-friendly disposal solutions can strengthen their sustainability efforts and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

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