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A new consumer survey found a variety of key factors that are driving consumer shopping behavior. Ahead of the holiday shopping season, these results are crucial for retailers looking to stand out against the competition.

Retail sales climbed for the ninth month in a row during June as positive factors overcame challenges to the economy, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.

To track business performance, retailers should keep track of a handful of key measurements that provide an ongoing pulse of the business, identify trends and take corrective action before small issues become major problems.

Retail call centers shape customer perception at every touch point. When communication breaks down, customer trust erodes quickly. Addressing these issues with targeted solutions creates a more reliable support experience and can encourage repeat business.

In retail marketing, enthusiasm can be both an asset and a liability. And for retailers, the pressure to participate can feel relentless. Yet effective marketing is not about saying yes to every opportunity. In fact, the discipline to say “no” is often what separates focused retailers from those who scatter resources without meaningful results.

Small retailers face many challenges as the market grows and technology advances, including rising costs and improved competition. AI tools can make it easier for retailers to compete in the new business market by allowing them to use the same resources as industry giants. AI enhances the customer experience while making a small retailer's operations smarter and more efficient.

The impact of inflation, high interest rates and global supply chain disruptions is still fresh for consumers, influencing what they buy, how they purchase and where they shop. Considering these factors can inform retailers about pricing, channels and potential collaboration.

The holiday season is nearly here, and with the Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping weekend upon us, consumers are getting ready to celebrate the season of giving. Whether you're looking for gifting inspiration or just want to treat yourself, our Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone.

Supermarket customer intelligence and engagement ecosystem Birdzi announced that Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S., will implement Birdzi’s customer intelligence platform to better understand shopper needs and enhance promotional outreach.

The “swipe” fees that banks charge merchants to process credit card transactions will drive up the price of school and college supplies by $3 billion this year and cost the average family between $20 and $30.