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.
by admin | Jun 18, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Get Paid, News, Opinion, Predictions
Has Gen Z really made using cash cringe? Recent headlines definitely make it sound that way. Cash App recently reported that over half of Gen Z only use cash as a “last resort,” and nearly a third say people who pay with cash are “out of touch.”...
by admin | Jun 16, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Trade Shows
Trade shows are an integral part of the industry. Any industry. At their core, they are about brands meeting and greeting retailers in a structured environment. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? The problem, especially in this decade, has been the disconnect...
by admin | Jun 13, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, News, Opinion, Predictions, Retail Economy
The death of the physical store was exaggerated. Nearly 78% of retailers report moderate or significant in-store investment, and with more than 5,000 store openings forecast for 2026 (Coresight Research), this isn’t a boom. It’s a recalibration. What’s...
by admin | Jun 10, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Merchandising, Opinion, Resources, Story Telling
Brazil’s biggest retailer built an AI avatar from scratch and put her on the cover of Vogue Brasil.Her name is Lu. She started as a mascot for Magazine Luiza, grew into 30 million followers, and has since worked with Adidas, Samsung, and McDonald’s. Magalu...
by admin | Jun 8, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Resources, Skateboard, Surf, Trade Shows
More brands on the floor and more buyers in the room as the West Coast’s only surf, action sports, outdoor adventure, and coastal lifestyle trade show builds on its San Diego debut. ALPHARETTA, GA — June 4, 2026 — CARV Expo wrapped its second edition at the San Diego...
by Doug Works | Jun 4, 2026 | Associate Members, Brick & Mortar, News, Opinion, Product Reviews
A Sun Care Brand With Strong Shelf Appeal, Smart Repeat Sales Potential, And A Story Customers Connect With Not every sunscreen belongs in every store. Big-box SPF may work in a supermarket aisle, but independent surf, skate, wake, SUP, and outdoor retailers know...
by admin | Jun 1, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Sales Training
Product knowledge was a legitimate competitive edge when customers had no other way to get it. That world ended decades ago. Today’s customer walks in already researched. The retailers winning in 2026 aren’t the ones with the most knowledgeable associates...
by admin | May 29, 2026 | Industry, Legends, News, Opinion, Rest In Peace, Skateboard
Digital collage features screenshots from Transworld Skateboarding’s Modus Operandi Marc Johnson, a father, friend, mentor to many, and one of skateboarding’s most talented, creative, and influential practitioners, as well as one of its most unique and...
by admin | May 26, 2026 | Accounting and Business Services, Brick & Mortar, Data Driven Performance, Resources, Retail Strategy, Staffing
screenshot of Doug Works, Executive Director of BRA, and Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys Did you know that there are three small tweaks (just a 2% change) that you can make to significantly increase your bottom line? Watch this relevant and helpful webinar...
by admin | May 24, 2026 | Clearance Sales / Discounting, HR, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training
Why retail owners and CEOs can’t take more money out of their business – and how a waiting culture is the cause. Why can’t I take more money out of my business? That question lands differently depending on where you sit. If you own one store,...
