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.


“Retail’s AI Taskmaster: Technology Turns Associates into Digital Servants” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

“Retail’s AI Taskmaster: Technology Turns Associates into Digital Servants” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by | Mar 26, 2025 | Artificial Intelligence / CHAT GPT, Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, HR, m-commerce, Resources, Retail Strategy, Social Media

I shared a story last month about a visit to Saks where associates were too engrossed in their smartphones to look up at shoppers. A friend commented they had the same experience and when they asked the manager, they were told, “Oh, they’re clienteling.” First, I...
“SVP Spotlight – How can Earthpack help you to take action to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Day with shop-branded recycled and reusable shopping bags and other sustainable packaging needs?” + request your free sample kit by Doug Works via BRA

“SVP Spotlight – How can Earthpack help you to take action to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Day with shop-branded recycled and reusable shopping bags and other sustainable packaging needs?” + request your free sample kit by Doug Works via BRA

by | Mar 26, 2025 | Associate Members, Brick & Mortar, Private Label, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sustainability

Most of you embrace and celebrate Earth Day, but what do you do to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Day? Who can help you with shop-branded recycled and reusable shopping bags and other sustainable packaging needs? Founded by Dave Bock in 1989 in Irvine,...
“Tariffs Aren’t Your Problem: The Truth About Retail Pricing” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

“Tariffs Aren’t Your Problem: The Truth About Retail Pricing” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by | Mar 18, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Clearance Sales / Discounting, Governmental Affairs, News, Opinion, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

I don’t care what side of politics you are on, the new administration in its first month in office unleashed waves of uncertainty surrounding the continued funding of federal grants, the work of federal employees and tariffs.  With many retailers already...
“Ultraskate Win + Heart Attack + Longboarding to Recovery.” by Bill Ennis (BRA Board Member and owner of Dig Paddlesports) via Dig Paddlesports Blog

“Ultraskate Win + Heart Attack + Longboarding to Recovery.” by Bill Ennis (BRA Board Member and owner of Dig Paddlesports) via Dig Paddlesports Blog

by | Mar 10, 2025 | Competitions, Customer Experience, Event Planning, News, Outdoor, Skateboard, SUP

I checked my carotid pulse. It was there. February 25, 2024. 0300 hours. Radial pulse next. Blood was flowing through my wrist. “What in the hell is happening?” My back popped, but not much. I drank water, feeling dehydrated. I shifted my position in bed....
“Combined book and speaker review for ‘All In’ and its remarkable author (and record-breaking waterman/ ocean pioneer), Chris Bertish” by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)

“Combined book and speaker review for ‘All In’ and its remarkable author (and record-breaking waterman/ ocean pioneer), Chris Bertish” by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)

by | Mar 6, 2025 | Book Review, Industry, Reviews, SUP, Surf, Surf Expo, Trade Shows

Leading up to the most recent Surf Expo Trade Show, George (BRA Chairman and owner of Modern Skate & Surf) and I were evaluating potential guest speakers for our Board Retailers Association (BRA) Surf Expo Kickoff Breakfast, which was slated to happen on Day 1 of...