Thu.Jun 06, 2024

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Is service in luxury becoming a luxury?

Retail Focus

Ghalia BOUSTANI. Expert Manager at Univers Retail | Published author | Visiting lecturer. The luxury market has been flooded with high-end and accessible luxury brands offering products and services at high prices in recent years. An alarming trend has emerged: the decline in service quality. Consumers are discovering that paying a premium does not always ensure exceptional service.

Contrast 147
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Union bid to abolish youth rates risks ‘pushing young people out of retail’

Inside Retail

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association ( SDA ) – the retail and fast food workers’ union – has launched a case to abolish junior rates for workers, which retailers believe will pose challenges for young people getting their first job. The SDA is seeking to ensure workers 18 and over in retail, fast food and pharmacy are paid the full rate, the Australian Financial Review reported.

Shopping 289
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True Fit launches new Gen AI solution, Fit Hub, which synthesises all size & fit product information to solve retailers’ online fit challenges

Retail Focus

True Fit , the leading AI-driven platform that decodes size and fit for shoppers and fashion retailers, has announced the launch of Fit Hub, its new Generative AI (Gen AI) innovation to help consumers find the perfect fit and solve retailers’ online fit challenges. Fit Hub utilises Gen AI to synthesise all available fit and size information from retailers’ Product Description Pages (PDPs), from personal sizing recommendations, product reviews and User Generated Content (UGC), sales & returns

Fashion 147
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“We can help”: Ikea Australia CEO on its bold campaign to combat homelessness

Inside Retail

Ikea Australia overhauled its Sydney flagship in Tempe, NSW, to shine a light on the growing issue of homelessness in Australia. On Wednesday, customers were confronted with a car parked inside the store and a tent pitched in the restaurant, reminders of a societal issue that impacts 120,000 people every day but is often kept in the dark. It can be tricky for businesses to authentically partner with charities beyond simply making a donation to drive positive change for communities and societies.

Planning 278
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Is Your Business AI-Ready? Find Out with Orium’s Maturity Model

Generative AI is poised to redefine B2B, but scaling AI success in this space isn’t without obstacles. From fragmented data sources and complex buyer journeys to operational inefficiencies, the road to AI-powered growth can be challenging. To achieve a competitive edge, understanding your organization’s AI-readiness is essential. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model provides a quick, actionable way to assess your starting point.

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Timothy London launches innovation rich premium luggage collection with new Jermyn Street flagship store

Retail Focus

Game-changing travel innovation and expert craftsmanship define new premium luggage brand, Timothy London. The British-based brand stands out from the travel pack with its superior product design, showcasing travel-led innovation and engineering excellence. Timothy London is poised to establish itself as one of the world’s leading luggage manufacturers, delivering the perfect travelling companion for all of life’s adventures.

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‘Just another day in retail’: Study finds sexual harassment rife across industry

Inside Retail

Up to one in two women and one in four men working in retail have experienced sexual harassment, according to new research released Friday. Researchers from the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work (ACGEIW) published by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (Anrows) concludes sexual harassment is “pervasive and persistent” in retail work with physical contact, sexually suggestive comments and jokes, intrusive questions about their private life or ap

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Lululemon reports strong Q1 results with positive momentum

Inside Retail

Athletic apparel company Lululemon has released its first-quarter results, reporting a boost in net revenue of 10 per cent to $2.2 billion. Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon, said the first quarter saw strong momentum and growth in international markets. “We are pleased by the progress we are making to optimise our US product assortment,” said McDonald.

Apparel 147
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Lidl is on the hunt for three fashion-forward fans to become ‘Merch Muses’ this festival season

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Lidl is on the search for three festival fans to attend this summer’s party circuit as official ‘Merch Muses’ – individuals dripping head to toe in the supermarket’s new cult merch collection. Lidl’s merch range has already become an established staple of outlandish festival fashion, worn by only the most iconic partygoers.

Fashion 105
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Carhartt, cowboys and the romanticisation of the middle class

Inside Retail

Designer brands are working to combat the luxury slowdown. They have realigned their strategies to target older consumers with higher incomes who are typically less affected by economic downturns and spending more than pre-pandemic levels. This is causing the sector to become even more exclusive. Hermès, for example, is eschewing catering to the masses and doubling down on its scarcity-driven product and sales model.

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Navigating the New Design frontier: AI’s role in transforming creative processes

Design Wanted

In April, I attended HarvardXR 2024 Extended Intelligence, where I was astounded by the breadth of immersive technologies, the diverse applications of AI, theoretical transformations, social […] The post Navigating the New Design frontier: AI’s role in transforming creative processes appeared first on DesignWanted.

Design 76
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eCommerce in 2025: How Customer Experience Drives Online Retail Success

Speaker: Jennifer Wright and Nick Barron

2025 is right around the corner, and with it comes a new wave of consumer expectations, competitive pressures, and operational challenges. Success lies in finding the balance between operational flexibility and creating experiences that keep customers coming back. The future of retail belongs to those who can stay ahead of shifting customer preferences and marketing trends. 🔮 In this session, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to keep customers engaged and your operations nimble, no matt

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Failed retailer C de C Shoes caught underpaying staff

Inside Retail

The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $86,674 in penalties and back-pay orders in court against the former operators of a Sydney shoe retailer C de C Shoes. The penalties are a direct result of the company’s failure to comply with a compliance notice ordering the calculation and back-payment of entitlements to a retail worker at the C de C Shoes stores between November 2019 and June 2021.

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Nodi Coffee by Office AIO

Retail Design Blog

Introducing a Fresh Narrative to a Lobby Cafe In the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Jing’an district, Nodi, a brand born.

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Singapore homewares chain Castlery opens in Sydney

Inside Retail

Singapore-based furniture and homewares retailer, Castlery has unveiled its Sydney showroom with the hopes of redefining the furniture shopping journey. The Sydney store, located in the heart of Supa Centa Moore Park, is unique from the brand’s other stores, all located in Singapore. The showroom facilitates the online-to-offline shopping experience with its 576sqm space fitted out with 17 immersive room sets.

Expansion 113
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Baker by Saeed Haroun

Retail Design Blog

Our packaging design for Baker brand is a celebration of innovation, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary flair to create a.

Design 80
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Is Your Brand AI-Ready? Find Out with Orium’s Maturity Model

Generative AI is reshaping retail, but achieving true AI success isn’t simple. Many brands face hurdles—underdeveloped data strategies, limited AI-ready infrastructure, or lack of seamless integration across systems. As you explore how AI can boost efficiency and transform customer experiences, understanding your business’s readiness is key. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model offers a clear starting point.

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What Alibaba’s Joe Tsai learned about building a winning culture from the NBA

Inside Retail

Alibaba co-founder and chairman Joe Tsai recently sat down with Kam Shing Kwang, JP Morgan’s chairwoman of North Asia and vice chair of investment banking in Greater China, for a fireside chat at the 20th annual Global China Summit. In addition to discussing the e-commerce giant’s investment in GenAI and innovation, he also reflected on building a winning culture, evolving as a leader and how he stays mentally and physically fit.

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The rise of waterproof wallpaper both in home design and outdoors

Design Wanted

Quality, technique, and aesthetics form the foundation of Wall&decò‘s daily work. This Italian company, headquartered in Ravenna, specializes in wallpaper production. Their latest achievements include two […] The post The rise of waterproof wallpaper both in home design and outdoors appeared first on DesignWanted.

Outdoor 59
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Freshippo private label brand to launch in Australia

Inside Retail

Alibaba’s retail label Freshippo has debuted at 99 Ranch Market, the largest Chinese supermarket chain in the US, and Yamibuy, North America’s largest online retailer of Asian goods and groceries. And its next step in a global rollout is Australia, the company has confirmed. The launch marks the first time a Chinese-headquartered supermarket has begun large-scale exports of its own-brand products abroad.

Marketing 100
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Mastering bespoke lighting design in Copenhagen – Meet Mernøe

Design Wanted

In the heart of Østerbro, Copenhagen, the family-run studio Mernøe merges tradition and innovation to craft bespoke lighting solutions. Founded by designer and engineer Morten Mernøe, […] The post Mastering bespoke lighting design in Copenhagen – Meet Mernøe appeared first on DesignWanted.

Light 59
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Loyalty 101: How To Turn Browsers Into Buyers For Lasting Engagement

Speaker: Shaunna Bruton, Danielle Wyllie, and Kailey Holmes

Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all retail, and say hello to experiences that keep your customers coming back for more! Customer loyalty isn’t just earned - it’s cultivated through meaningful engagement with the help of data. This webinar will take you behind the scenes of how top retailers turn customer data into personalized experiences that drive engagement and retention.

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Popeyes® UK is revolutionising drive-thru service with AI technology

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Want Fr-AI-s with that? Popeyes® UK, the New Orleans-born chicken brand, has officially launched its first AI powered drive-thru, following a successful pilot in Northampton. Following its success, the trial is being extended to two further drive-thru locations in Cardiff and Rotherham this month, as well as all future Popeyes® UK drive-thru sites – with

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Sumosan Dubai: Stylish ambience, exquisite flavours

Design Middleeast

Sumosan Dubai represents the pinnacle of modern Japanese eating. It was a voyage through great tastes, exciting beats, and elegant interiors. Stepping into Sumosan, we are immediately enveloped by its stylish ambience—a blend of modern elegance and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The venue’s design, with its sleek lines, warm lighting, and sophisticated decor, sets the perfect stage for a culinary adventure.

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Ocado Retail releases inaugural sustainability report

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Ocado Retail has released its first sustainability report, outlining its future ambitions and progress to date with regards to its sustainability strategy and its goal to become a net-zero business by 2040. Under its #PlanetTogether sustainability brand, the online retailer has committed to five key pillars – aligned with the United Nations Sustain

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What is Competitive Shopping?

Scrube

Shopping as a whole is competitive. Looking for the right product and making sure it’s in stock can get quite intense at times, especially around the holidays. For retailers, staying ahead of the competition is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. The best way to achieve this is through competitive shopping. So what is this type of shopping method?

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Mastering E-commerce Strategies to Drive Growth in B2B Distribution

B2B distributors and wholesalers: this webinar is for you! Discover the game-changing potential of composable commerce—a flexible, modern approach to e-commerce—and explore the strategies and technologies transforming the B2B landscape. Learn how to create custom digital experiences for your business from the leaders at Orium , commercetools , and Contentful as they walk through real-world examples, providing actionable insights on how to future-proof your business, integrate new opportunities s

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Gander announces new service partnership with C-Store Collective

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Leading tech firm Gander is announcing a new service partnership agreement with C-Store Collective, a renowned name in the convenience and forecourt sector. This strategic partnership aims to expand the reach and enhance the availability of Gander’s product to a broader customer base.

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From Data to Dollars: Australian Metal Fabricator’s Journey to Enhanced Productivity

Global Shop

Located in Bassendean, Western Australia, Pressform Engineering has been a regional cornerstone of expert metal fabrication since 1976. Catering to a broad spectrum of industries – including industrial, mining, oil, gas, architectural, chemical, and water supply infrastructure – Pressform Engineering offers a comprehensive array of services working with a variety of metals from stainless steel and nickel alloys to aluminum, copper, and brass.

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easyJet to serve Costa Coffee onboard all flights from this summer

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! easyJet and Costa Coffee have today announced a new collaboration that will see two of the UK’s leading brands take flight together. Serving millions of customers across Europe, Costa Coffee will be available onboard all easyJet flights from this summer.

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Rethinking retail deliveries for a more sustainable future: the rise of pedal power

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! By Rob King, CEO and co-founder, Zedify It’s often quoted that the retail sector is the backbone of the UK’s economy. Given it employs over 4.9 million people, it’s easy to see why. But it’s also true that while it’s an economic powerhouse, it’s also a major polluter, especially with the rapid growth of e-commerce […] If you want more informa

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How To Craft Your Perfect Retail Tech Stack

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Brian Walker

The era of all-in-one platforms is over. Now, retail success depends on integrating a blend of diverse technologies to thrive. As customers and stakeholders expect agility and innovation, how can you meet these expectations efficiently without stumbling into complexity? Explore a customer-centric approach to navigating digital transformation in retail.

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Amazon expands grocery delivery to all customers for the first time in the UK

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Amazon is now offering grocery deliveries to all its customers in eligible cities across the UK. Customers across the UK have a range of options to get groceries delivered by Amazon including Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Co-op, and Iceland.

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Over a quarter (27%) of UK shoppers now only buy goods on promotion, according to Pricer’s research

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Increasing numbers of UK consumers are limiting their spending exclusively to goods on promotion to trim costs and make squeezed budgets go further, the latest research from Pricer, the leading in-store automation and communication solutions, reveals.

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UEFA Euros spending: retailers for £2.1bn boost during tournament

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Retailers and hospitality venues are set to make £2.75bn during the Men’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, kicking off on Friday 14th June – a new report reveals. The Men’s UEFA Euro 2024 Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk, the UK’s most trusted savings site, reveals that 35.4m supporters are expected to tune into tournament at home, bars, pubs, and res

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Retailers double down on social media to reach new customers, finds new American Express research

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! New research from American Express has revealed a significant appetite from retailers to invest in social media marketing as a way of tackling the perennial challenge of attracting new customers and driving loyalty.

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A Blueprint for B2B Commerce

In the B2B space, digital expectations are higher than ever. Consumer platforms have made online experiences incredibly user-friendly and efficient, adding pressure for businesses to follow suit to meet the expectations of the modern B2B buyer. Take inspiration from B2C commerce strategies and adapt them for B2B digital interactions. Learn to create engaging and well-crafted consumer shopping experiences with insights and tools from Orium’s report, A Blueprint to B2B Commerce.