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.

“Tariffs force more Orvis store closures” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

by admin | Oct 24, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Tariffs

In 2026 Orvis will close 31 stores and five outlets. Cara Salpini/Retail Dive The outdoor retailer began scaling down a year ago in order to focus on its core sports fishing and bird hunting customer. Dive Brief: Orvis early next year will shutter 31 stores and five...

“Why “Cash Is King” Kills Retail Sales (and Why Credit Card Fees Are Really Marketing Costs)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Oct 11, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Consumer Behavior, Credit Card Processing, Customer Experience, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Credit card customers spend more than cash customers … a lot more. Research shows card users spend 12 to 18 percent more per transaction than those paying with cash. The Federal Reserve found non-cash purchases average more than four...

“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog

by admin | Sep 29, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, News, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Surf

Hi, I’m Cheyne Cottrell, General Manager and Co-Owner of Island Water Sports. My family has been riding the waves of the surf retail industry since 1977. This is my short story of how we navigated decades of challenges and expanded into new opportunities. I’ve also...

“TrackFly and ActionWatch Announce New Partnership” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor

by admin | Sep 16, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Data Driven Performance, Industry, News, Resources, Retail Partners, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Surf Expo, Trade Shows

The surf and skate industry’s main data firm is joining forces with a data company that provides a unified platform that is compatible with all retailer and POS systems, which will reduce data turnaround from days to hours. TrackFly, a company specializing in...

“Foot Locker shareholders approve Dick’s Sporting Goods acquisition” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

by admin | Aug 31, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Footwear, Industry, News, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

A Foot Locker store in Chicago. The proposed acquisition would combine Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ 800 or so. Kaarin Moore/Retail Dive Dick’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday the deal has received all regulatory approvals and should close...

“Retailers: In-Store Surveys Lie. Mystery Shops Don’t.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor

by admin | Aug 27, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Your customer surveys are lying to you. I know that’s harsh, but it’s true. Those QR codes and website URLs printed on every receipt? The feedback they generate is about as reliable as asking your mother if she likes your cooking. Receipt surveys attract...