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 Is a Permission Game” by Rich Honiball via The Robin Report

by admin | Oct 6, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy

There is a competitor retailers rarely put on the competitive map. It isn’t Walmart, Amazon, Temu, or the retailer across the street. It isn’t even another brand. It is nothing. Don’t buy another sweater. Keep the television another year. Skip the furniture upgrade....

“Surf Expo September 2026 Continued 50th Anniversary Year With Strong Retail Attendance, Debut Creator Program and Expanding Dive Category” by Angie Marks via Surf Expo News

by admin | Sep 30, 2026 | News, Opinion, Outdoor, Resources, Retail Strategy, Reviews, Skateboard, Social Media, Surf, Trade Shows

Photo courtesy of Surf Expo Surf Expo September 2026 Continued 50th Anniversary Year With Strong Retail Attendance, Debut Creator Program and Expanding Dive Category   ORLANDO, Fla. – September 29, 2026 — Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal...

“Do Shoppers Want to Be Left Alone in Stores?” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Sep 27, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

No. Shoppers want to be left alone by an associate who opens with “Can I help you find anything?” They welcome one who earns their trust in order: a greeting, a personal connection, then one question about what brought them in. Skip those steps and you get...

“More Photos from Surf Expo September 2026” by Tiffany Montgomery via SES Outdoor

by admin | Sep 21, 2026 | Industry, News, Opinion, Surf, Surf Expo, Trade Shows

From left: Barrett Rhymes of AFTCO and Marsh Wear Clothing; We ran into Brixton having a team dinner in Orlando; Marlen owners Doris Gonzalez and Ricardo Villanueva are longtime industry reps and have now started their own brand. Photos by SESO. Surf Expo’s September...

“JAMIE O’BRIEN AND FUN DAY SURF BRING THE STOKE BACK TO SURF SHOPS” via Building The Revolution

by admin | Sep 15, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Opinion, Surf, Surf Expo

Every few months someone in the surf industry asks the same question: “How do we grow surfing?” The answers usually revolve around social media strategy, influencer marketing, YouTube analytics, paid advertising, or the latest content campaign. What rarely gets...

“Why Are Stores Closing Fitting Rooms?” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Sep 12, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Opinion, Resources, Sales Training

Theft is the reason usually given. Labor is the reason that keeps surfacing underneath it. And in the most-watched case of 2026, no reason was given at all. Four companies have closed their fitting rooms in the last three years. Their stated reasons do not match, and...