Are you looking for ways to prepare for the challenges of the retail industry in 2023? We've compiled a list of the best resources for retail professionals, including blogs, podcasts, books, and guides to help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
We've also included a list of the top retail influencers and experts to follow on LinkedIn. Get a head start on the new year by exploring these resources and staying ahead of the curve in the dynamic retail industry.
Top 10 retail blogs to read in 2023
For comprehensive, easy-to-read, and insightful information, there's nothing quite like a good retail blog. Here is a list of some of the best retail blogs to check out in 2023.
1. Retail Dive
Retail Dive’s blog is filled with top trending articles. Every week, you will be able to follow the news and discover what’s new in retail technology, marketing, and operations. Also, RetailDive has another website that specializes in grocery news named GroceryDive. Give it a read too!
Read their articles here: https://www.retaildive.com/
2. The Retail Doctor Blog
Bob Phibbs, also known as The Retail Doctor is one of the biggest retail influencers. For more than 20 years Bob Phibbs offers amazing pieces of advice to retail professionals. You can find articles on various topics, including practical how-tos and short trend pieces.
Read the blog here: https://www.retaildoc.com/blog
3. National Retail Federation Blog
If you are a retail professional it’s impossible to have missed the National Retail Federation’s articles. You will find in-depth pieces about events, retail trends, sustainability, eCommerce, and much more.
Read the articles here: https://nrf.com/blog
4. Tokinomo Blog
Of course, we are going to include our insightful blog. No, we are not bragging, but even retail influencers recommend some of our articles. On Tokinomo’s blog, you will find expert round-ups, articles about innovative retail tech, and trips and tricks.
Read our blog articles here: tokinomo.com/blog
5. Retail Insider
Retail Insider is Canada’s most-read online retail industry publication. On their website, you will find useful resources, articles, and news that will help you keep up with the latest trends. They also have a magazine that provides additional information.
Read their blog here: https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/
6. Retail Wire
Retail Wire has over 20 years of activity. It provides articles and analyses that will maintain you informed. Also, Retail Wire has various weekly discussions where retail experts share tips and tricks.
Read their posts here: https://www.retailwire.com/resources/
7. Shopify Blog
Shopify is one of the biggest eCommerce platforms for online retailers. To keep its audience engaged and informed, Shopify has a resourceful blog. Their website is filled with insightful articles about online retail marketing, advertising tactics, and how-to guides.
Read the blog here: https://www.shopify.com/blog
8. Medallion Retail Blog
On Medallion Retail blog you will discover retail marketing strategies, investigations, and insights. They publish one article every couple of weeks, but each article is filled with useful information.
Check out the articles: https://medallionretail.com/retail-marketing-ideas/
9. Retail Week
Retail Week comes with updates on the retail industry. Their publication doesn’t only focus on articles and comes with amazing industry analysis and videos. Retail Week is the UK's leading provider of global retail industry news.
Read their posts here: https://www.retail-week.com/
10. Progressive Grocer Blog
The Progressive Grocer Blog is another great resource for those who work in the GPC industry. You can keep up with the latest news on the industry and discover insightful tips and tricks.
Check out the blog here: https://progressivegrocer.com/
Top 10 retail podcasts to listen to in 2022
The podcast industry is growing as we speak. It’s a convenient way to stay informed while working or driving so that’s why so many people resort to podcasts instead of books or blogs. Here’s a list of the best podcasts in the industry.
1. Retail Gets Real
Retail Gets Real is a podcast produced by the National Federation of Retail that focuses on the latest trends, customer needs, and innovative technologies in the retail industry.
Since its inception in 2017, the podcast has released over 280 episodes, each lasting approximately 30 minutes and featuring interviews with industry experts and leaders. The episodes are filled with valuable insights for those interested in the retail industry.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
2. Remarkable Retail
In the Remarkable Retail podcast, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc discuss the latest developments and strategies in the retail industry with experts, CEOs, and other professionals. Through interviews and discussions, they provide practical advice and insights for retail professionals looking to improve their businesses and enhance the shopping experience for their customers.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
3. The Jason & Scot Show
The Jason & Scot Show is a popular and entertaining podcast hosted by Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg and Scot Wingo, two well-known experts in the industry. Each week, they release a new 50-minute episode filled with valuable insights and discussion on the latest developments in the retail world. The show is widely beloved for its engaging and charismatic hosts.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
4. Modern Retail Podcast
Modern Retail is a podcast that began in 2019 and is hosted by Cale Guthrie Weissman, the editor of Modern Retail. It features interviews with entrepreneurs and discussions on how to improve the shopping experience for customers.
The podcast has three main focus areas: the rise of direct-to-consumer businesses, the evolution of the retail industry, and the growth of e-commerce. Through these topics, Modern Retail offers valuable insights and lessons for those interested in the retail industry.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
5. Tell me Something Good about Retail
The "Tell me Something Good About Retail" podcast, created by Bob Phibbs, is a weekly show that focuses on the positive aspects of the retail industry. In each episode, which ranges from 20 to 50 minutes in length, Bob Phibbs interviews retailers and suppliers and discusses the uplifting and inspiring aspects of the industry. This podcast is a refreshing and positive look at the world of retail.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
6. Spieckerman Speaks Retail
The Spieckerman Speaks Retail podcast, hosted by well-respected retail expert Carol Spieckerman, offers valuable insights on the most important trends and developments in the industry.
The podcast is released every other Thursday and each episode is around 20 minutes long, making it easy to fit into your schedule. By listening to this podcast, you can stay up-to-date on where the retail industry is heading and learn from a respected expert in the field.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
7. The Retail Exchange
The Retail Exchange podcast is structured differently from others, with three different series: The Special, The Interview, and In Focus. In the Interview series, listeners can expect to hear actionable interviews with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and retail experts. These episodes offer valuable insights and practical advice for those interested in the retail industry.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
8. Total Retail Talks
Total Retail Talks is a podcast hosted by My Total Retail's Editor-in-Chief, Joe Keenan, with over 360 episodes to date. The show features interviews and advice from top retailers, brand managers, CEOs, and other experts in the field. If you are interested in the retail industry, this podcast is a great resource to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable insights.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify
9. The Retailistic Podcast
Retailistic is a podcast hosted by Deborah Weinswig of Coresight Research that explores the intersection of retail and technology. With only 40 episodes released so far, the podcast covers a wide range of topics and features discussions with entrepreneurs and retail professionals.
If you are interested in the role of technology in the retail industry, this podcast is a valuable resource to learn more and engage in meaningful debates on the subject.
Website / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts
10. Real Retail TV | WhizBang! Retail Training
Real Retail TV is a helpful resource for store owners looking for tips and tricks on how to run their businesses and increase sales. This podcast offers valuable insights and advice for those looking to improve their retail store. Be sure to check it out if you are a store owner looking to boost your skills and knowledge.
Top 9 guides and e-books to learn from in 2023
1. The Ultimate Guide to Omnichannel Retail in 2023 - Brisk Logic
The Ultimate Guide to Omnichannel Retail in 2023" is a comprehensive resource published by Brisk Logic that covers the latest developments and strategies in omnichannel retail.
The guide includes information on how to effectively implement an omnichannel strategy, the benefits and challenges of this approach, and examples of successful omnichannel retailers. This guide is a valuable resource for retail professionals looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in omnichannel retail.
2. POSM guide - Tokinomo
We believe that our POSM guide is also a must-read resource in 2023. The guide covers topics such as the importance of POSM in retail, how to effectively design and implement POSM in stores, and best practices for using POSM to drive sales and customer engagement.
This guide is a great resource for retail professionals that want to improve their use of POSM and enhance the shopping experience for customers.
3. 2023 Retail Predictions - Expert round-up - Tokinomo
Our latest expert round-up called “Retail Predictions for 2023” is another resource that you should bookmark. It offers insights and predictions on the future of the retail industry.
The round-up features contributions from 3 well-known retail experts, who offered their thoughts on the most important trends and developments to watch for in the coming year. The predictions cover a range of topics, including the impact of technology, the evolution of customer expectations, and the changing landscape of retail.
4. Consumer goods and retail outlook 2023 - EIU
According to the EIU's report to retail in 2023, inflation is expected to negatively impact retailers' profits in the coming year. However, nominal growth of 6% in global retail sales is expected to obscure the slowing of growth in real terms. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the retail sector for the coming year.
5. A guide to retail customer experience trends in 2023 - Adobe
A Guide to Retail Customer Experience Trends in 2023" is a resource published by Adobe that explores the most important trends in customer experience in the retail industry for the coming year.
The guide covers a range of topics related to customer experience, including the role of technology, the importance of personalization, and the impact of changing consumer preferences. It also includes insights and best practices for retailers looking to improve the customer experience in their stores and online.
6. Retail in 2023 - The ultimate guide to business growth -Retail Group SEE
Retail in 2023 - The Ultimate Guide to Business Growth" is a resource published by Retail Group SEE that offers insights and strategies for retail businesses looking to grow and succeed in the coming year. The guide covers a range of topics related to business growth, including market trends, customer acquisition and retention, and the impact of technology.
7. How To Start an Ecommerce Business in 2023 (Practical Guide) - Shopify
How To Start an E-commerce Business in 2023 is a guide that provides information and advice on how to start an eCommerce business.
This guide covers a range of topics related to starting an eCommerce business, including choosing a niche or product to sell, setting up an online store, creating a marketing plan, and managing the financial and logistical aspects of the business. It also provides tips and resources for building a successful eCommerce business, such as how to drive traffic to your store and how to handle customer inquiries and orders.
8. Digital Transformation: A Guide for Retailers in [2023] - Tj Diaz
This guide provides information on how retailers can adapt and thrive in the digital age. Digital transformation refers to the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change how an organization operates and delivers value to its customers.
The guide covers a variety of topics related to digital transformation in the retail industry, including how to identify opportunities for digital innovation, how to develop and implement a digital transformation strategy, and how to measure the success of digital initiatives. It also includes practical tips and best practices for retailers looking to embrace digital transformation in order to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers.
9. The ultimate guide to retail in 2023 - Channable
"The ultimate guide to retail in 2023" is a guide published by Channable that provides a comprehensive overview of the retail industry in 2023.
This guide discusses a variety of topics related to the retail industry, including current and emerging trends, technological innovations, and the impact of eCommerce and other digital channels on traditional brick-and-mortar stores. It also includes insights into the key drivers of success in the retail industry, such as customer experience, brand reputation, and supply chain management.
Retail influencers to follow in 2023
Love to network on social media? You should definitely follow these retail influencers if you want to discover more about recent trends.
1. Doug Stephens
Doug Stephens is a retail expert and thought leader. Stephens is known as the Retail Prophet and has built a reputation as a leading authority on the future of retail.
In addition to his consulting and speaking work, Stephens also published numerous articles and blog posts about the retail industry. He is the author of the bestselling book "The Retail Revival: Reimagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism," which provides a blueprint for how retailers can succeed in the digital age.
2. Shep Hyken
Shep Hyken is a customer experience influencer who is known for his expertise in the field of customer service and customer experience. He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has been recognized as a thought leader in the areas of customer service, customer experience, and customer loyalty.
Hyken is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant and has worked with companies around the world to help them improve their customer experience and drive customer loyalty. He is the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations, a customer experience consulting and training firm.
3. Mike Anthony
Mike Anthony is a shopper marketing expert who has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of shopper marketing.
Anthony is a highly respected figure in the retail industry and is known for his ability to develop and implement effective shopper marketing strategies that drive sales and increase brand loyalty.
He is the author of the book "Shopper Marketing: How to Increase Purchase Decisions at the Point of Sale," which provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and best practices of shopper marketing.
4. Andrew Busby
Andrew Busby is a retail influencer and the founder and CEO of Retail Reflections, He is also a highly sought-after speaker and has given talks on retail trends and innovation at conferences and events around the world.
He is also the author of the book "Harry Was Right All Along: "A refreshing and thought-provoking insight into the rapidly evolving high street by a skilled practitioner," which provides a guide to the key drivers of success in the retail industry and helps businesses understand how to thrive in the digital age.
5. Nicole Leinbach Reyhle
Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the founder of Retail Minded, a media company that provides insights and resources for independent retailers. Reyhle is one of the top influencers in the retail industry. Through Retail Minded, she provides a range of resources and services for independent retailers, including consulting, training, and marketing support.
Reyhle is the author of the book "Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business," which provides a comprehensive overview of the retail industry and helps businesses understand how to succeed in the digital age.
6. James Tenser
James Tenser is a retail tech marketing strategist who is known for his expertise in the field of retail technology.
Tenser is the founder and CEO of VSN Strategies, a consulting firm. He is also a highly sought-after speaker and has given talks on retail tech trends and innovation at conferences and events around the world.
7. Bob Phibbs
Bob Phibbs, known as the Retail Doctor, is a well-respected retail expert and influencer whose opinions and analysis are highly sought after by industry professionals and businesses. As the CEO of The Retail Doctor and host of the podcast "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," Phibbs offers valuable insights and expertise on the latest retail trends.
8. Carol Spieckerman
Carol Spieckerman is a speaker, retail influencer, and podcast host who is recognized for her expertise in the retail industry. She is the president of Spieckerman Retail, a consulting firm that helps businesses stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the rapidly changing retail landscape.
In addition to her consulting and speaking work, Spieckerman also hosts the podcast "Spieckerman Speaks Retail," which delves into the latest developments in the industry.
9. Jeff Sward
Jeff Sward is the CEO of Merchandising Metrics, a company that provides data-driven insights and solutions to help businesses optimize their merchandising and marketing efforts. Sward is an experienced business leader and retail expert and is known for his ability to develop and implement effective strategies for driving sales and improving shopper experiences.
Sward is also a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences and is often sought out by businesses looking to improve their performance and drive growth.
10. Steve Dennis
Steve Dennis is a respected retail influencer and expert who shares his insights on the latest trends and developments in the industry. He is the founder of SageBerry Consulting and a regular contributor to Forbes, where he writes about retail trends. Dennis is also the author of the book "Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Digital Disruption."
Top 10 retail and shopper marketing books to read in 2023
Looking for more in-depth, actionable insights? Here’s a list of the 10 best retail and shopper marketing books that you should read in 2023.
1. Remarkable Retail: How to Win and Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption
"Physical retail isn't dead, but boring retail is," according to the author of this insightful book, Steve Dennis. While many retailers are focusing on eCommerce, physical retail is often overlooked. However, in this book, Dennis outlines eight essential strategies for retailers who want to thrive in an uncertain future.
2. Inside the Mind of the Shopper: The Science of Retailing
Dr. Herb Sorensen, a world-renowned retail consultant, shares valuable insights on how the consumer's brain behaves while shopping in this book. Sorensen provides tried-and-tested strategies for designing more effective stores and increasing sales.
3. The Shopper Marketing Revolution
In this book, Mike Anthony and Toby Desforges share proven techniques that can help retail professionals transform their businesses. They introduce a five-step Total Marketing model that creates coherent links between the end consumer and the in-store environment.
4. Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World
This book is a must-read for business professionals in the retail industry who want to grow their businesses after the pandemic. It covers a range of topics beyond just marketing and is essential for anyone looking to succeed in the retail industry.
5. Consumerology: The Truth about Consumers and the Psychology of Shopping
In Consumerology, readers can learn about the emotional and psychological triggers that influence consumers' shopping decisions. This book answers questions such as "Why do consumers choose a certain product?" and "What influences our shopping decisions?" and provides valuable insights into the motivations behind consumer behavior.
6. Retail Marketing Strategy: Delivering Shopper Delight
Retail Marketing Strategy: Delivering Shopper Delight is a handbook filled with retail marketing strategies focused on shoppers. Author Constant Berkhout provides answers to difficult questions in retail, including how to innovate and develop new ways to interact with customers across multiple channels. If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to retail marketing, this book is for you.
7. Using Semiotics in Retail: Leverage Consumer Insight to Engage Shoppers and Boost Sales
In the competitive retail industry, it is important to understand the needs of customers and provide an excellent experience. With over 20 years of global marketing experience, Rachel Lawes shows retailers how to improve their marketing tactics in order to succeed.
8. Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business
Retail 101, written by Nicole L. Reyhle and Jason A. Prescott, is a valuable guide for those who are starting their own store (online or physical). This book offers strategies and tactics to help you manage and market your retail business successfully. It is especially useful for those who are at the beginning of their journey in the retail industry.
9. Shopper Marketing: How to Increase Purchase Decisions at the Point of Sale
Markus Ståhlberg and Ville Maila provide practical, actionable advice that every shopper marketer should consider in their book. The book also includes tips and tricks from 35 contributors from top companies.
10. The Retail Revival: Reimagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism
Even though it was written almost 10 years ago, Doug Stephens' book addresses some of the biggest challenges in retail that are still relevant today. It is a book about change and how businesses can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry. If you are in the retail industry, this book is worth reading.
Read, listen, and learn about retail
There are numerous resources available to those in the retail industry looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. Whether you prefer to read books, and guides, listen to podcasts or follow influencers, there is a wealth of information available to help you succeed in the fast-paced world of retail.
From the insights of well-respected retail influencers to the practical advice of experienced consultants, these resources can provide valuable guidance and inspiration as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the retail industry. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
