Fresh benchmarking data reveals a significant shift as category-focused specialty retailers increasingly embrace unified commerce strategies to remain competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations.
What's driving this change? Scott weighs in.
Specialty Retail's Journey Toward Seamless Omnichannel Experiences
Specialty retailers embrace unified commerce strategies
Related
Inside the Digital Shift of Wholesale Clubs
Warehouse clubs are evolving from bulk buying to digital value hubs. Discover how Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s blend convenience, trust, and tech through scan and go, curbside, and retail media that redefine membership for the modern shopper.
Rethinking Retail Media for Small Brands
New analysis from Bird Dog and Keen shows how 400+ brands manage $16B in retail media. Learn why small brands can boost ROI by reallocating budgets, optimizing across networks like Walmart and Instacart, and measuring true incrementality instead of chasing spend.
Reclaiming the Merchant’s Role in a Tech-Obsessed Retail World
Data can inform, but only merchants create meaning. This episode explores how human judgment still drives retail success, from assortment and pricing to supplier relationships, even in an AI-driven world where curation, not automation, defines lasting customer connection.
Physical AND Digital: Rethinking Modern Retail Strategies
Retail success is no longer about physical or digital alone. Discover how integrated channel strategies, smarter return management, and brand-driven experiences are reshaping the future of commerce and driving profitability across today’s evolving retail landscape.
Latest
Bentonville Retail & Grocery Industry Expands as Walmart Deepens Local Investments
In November 2025, Bentonville’s retail and grocery industries grow through Walmart investment and tech innovation, despite signs of softer consumer spending.
Oil Prices Slide as Oversupply and U.S.–China Trade Tensions Weigh
Oil prices are retreating amid warnings of a 4 million‑barrel‑per‑day supply surplus and renewed U.S.–China trade tensions dampening consumption.
U.S. Government Shutdown Forces Major U.S. Airlines to Cut Flights
A U.S. government shutdown is forcing major airlines to cut up to 10 % of flights, disrupting travel plans and raising stakes for local businesses tied to logistics and tourism.
Holiday Shoppers Turn to AI for Deals, Gift‑Finding & Price Savvy
One‑third of holiday shoppers plan to use AI this season for deals, gift ideas and price comparison — pushing retailers to deliver smarter, AI‑enabled experiences.