Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
The Hidden Surge in Sales Promotion Fraud: What Retailers Must Prepare For in 2026
Sales promotion fraud is accelerating as retailers launch richer incentives in 2026, and AI‑powered bots and synthetic identities are now automating claim submissions at scale. Fraudsters exploit loopholes in cashback, rebate and trade‑in programs, using deep‑fake receipts and coordinated “promotion sweeps” across multiple brands. Most claim platforms lack real‑time monitoring, leaving retailers vulnerable to thousands of fraudulent payouts before losses are detected. Experts warn that only a layered, AI‑driven defense can preserve promotion ROI and brand trust.
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 26, 2026
Target Leans Into Spirit of Adventure with Roller Rabbit Collab
Target is rolling out a limited‑time collaboration with cult‑favorite lifestyle brand Roller Rabbit on March 7, offering more than 250 items that span apparel, travel gear, home goods and new categories such as luggage and outdoor products. The collection is anchored...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 25, 2026
Reading Your Data Tea Leaves: What Your Metrics Are Really Trying to Tell You
Retailers are pouring millions into data pipelines, yet most use the insights merely to streamline operations—faster email sends, quicker inventory moves, and real‑time dashboards. The article argues that this productivity focus creates generic experiences that annoy customers. By shifting from...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 23, 2026
Meet Every Shopper Where They Are: The Retail Imperative for Multimodal, Accessible Self-Service
Self-service technology now appears in checkout lanes, lockers, ordering tablets, and payment devices across retail environments. Many of these systems remain single‑mode, assuming shoppers can see, hear, and touch without assistance, which excludes a growing segment of customers. Multimodal, accessible...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 20, 2026
Designing a Smarter Logistics Network: The Hidden Growth Lever Most New Brands Overlook
Emerging retail brands are shifting logistics from a cost center to a strategic growth lever by redesigning their middle‑mile networks. AI‑driven consolidation, real‑time routing and intelligent zone‑skipping cut empty miles and reduce touchpoints, directly lowering operating costs. Faster, more predictable...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 19, 2026
Associated Wholesale Grocers Adopts Forecasting and Fresh Optimization Solution
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has chosen Relex’s forecasting and fresh‑product optimization platform to improve distribution‑center planning across its extensive network. The solution targets the cooperative’s 1,100 supermarket members operating in 3,500 locations across 33 states, aiming to boost forecast accuracy,...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 18, 2026
Ebay to Acquire Depop Resale Fashion Marketplace for $1.2 Billion
eBay agreed to buy Depop from Etsy for $1.2 billion in cash, with the deal slated to close in Q2 2026. Depop, a social‑centric C2C fashion marketplace, will keep its brand and culture after the acquisition. The purchase follows Etsy’s 2021 $1.6 billion...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Feb 17, 2026
Amazon Proposes Second Big-Box Store for Chicago Area
Amazon has submitted a proposal to build a 225,000‑square‑foot retail store in Oak Brook, Illinois, alongside a 150,000‑square‑foot Ashley Furniture flagship. The project would be the second Amazon big‑box location in the Chicago metro after the Orland Park store cleared...
By Retail TouchPoints
Deals•Feb 12, 2026
Altar’d State Places $7M Stalking‑horse Bid for Francesca’s IP
Specialty retailer Altar’d State has submitted a $7 million stalking‑horse bid to acquire the intellectual property of Francesca’s, following the brand’s recent bankruptcy filing. The bid includes a $210,000 break‑up fee and up to $150,000 in cost reimbursements, with the deadline...
Retail TouchPoints
Deals•Feb 5, 2026
Bob’s Discount Furniture Goes Public with $2.22 Billion Market Cap
Bob’s Discount Furniture began trading on the NYSE on Feb. 5, 2026, selling 19.45 million shares at $17 each. The IPO values the retailer at roughly $2.22 billion, within the expected $17‑$19 price range. The public listing marks the company’s transition from a private...
Retail TouchPoints
Deals•Feb 4, 2026
Skyline Investors Acquires Buddy’s Home Furnishings
Private equity firm Skyline Investors announced the acquisition of rent‑to‑own franchisor Buddy’s Home Furnishings, which operates over 220 locations across 18 states and Guam. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal also involves Standard Communities co‑founders Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott...
Retail TouchPoints
Deals•Jan 27, 2026
Anta Sports Buys 29% Stake in Puma for $1.8 Billion
Hong Kong-based Anta Sports announced it will purchase a 29.06% stake in Puma from Artemis for €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion), making Anta the largest single shareholder. Anta said it will seek representation on Puma’s supervisory board but has no immediate takeover plans.
Retail TouchPoints
Deals•Jan 23, 2026
Authentic Brands Group Takes Guess? Private in $1.4B Deal
Authentic Brands Group completed the acquisition of Guess? in a take‑private transaction valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Authentic will own 51% of Guess?’s intellectual property while existing shareholders retain the remaining 49%, making Guess? a privately held brand.
Retail TouchPoints