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Retail doesn’t need more dashboards or automation - it needs better decisions. At behamics, we stopped chasing abandoned carts and started guiding shoppers in-the-moment. We built AI grounded in behavioural science, designed by people who understand why customers buy, not just when. The result: smarter journeys, higher conversions, and technology that amplifies human behaviour, not replaces it.

Skilled people are retail’s unfair advantage - especially in the Golden Quarter. When baskets spike and patience dips, it’s not attitude that makes or breaks performance, it’s capability. Product knowledge, customer sense, and operational fluency turn chaos into conversion. Train smart before peak, and your people will repay you in margin, momentum, and customer love.

Stay up to date with the latest in retail. This month’s highlights include rising NZ retail vacancies, Shein’s controversial move into French department stores, The Warehouse’s margin pressures, and Restaurant Brands’ takeover bid. Plus, THE ICONIC launches a new loyalty program, Google debuts AI shopping, and Kmart faces privacy backlash over facial recognition tech. Follow RX Group on LinkedIn for more retail and CX insights.

Retailers love to talk about “the power of people.” It’s right up there with “customer first” and “seamless experience” on the corporate...

Retail’s no longer playing a local game. From Shenzhen to Sydney, global marketplaces like Temu, Amazon and Shein are reshaping how ANZ brands compete. At Competing with Giants, we brought together the retailers, disruptors, and strategists navigating this shift — and uncovered bold ideas, real lessons, and the local edge we’ll need to grow on our own terms. The giants are here. The question is: how will we respond?

The sun shines differently at the Mount , and so does the retail. From street-level gems to sensory flagships, we spent a weekend in full retail recon mode. What stood out wasn’t one blockbuster store, but the collective charm, connection and character. This high street has a pulse, and it’s strong.

We make it easy to keep up with what’s happening in retail. This month’s headlines span collapses and comebacks: Smiths City has gone into administration, Kitchen Things into receivership, and Mosaic Brands fined $25m. Meanwhile, TK Maxx prepares its first Australian flagship, Hallenstein Glasson delivers a sales lift, and Consumer NZ reveals shoppers’ favourite brands. For more regular updates on retail and CX, follow us on LinkedIn: RX Group.

In retail today, purpose is no longer optional. Customers expect brands to stand for something real. At HealthPost, ethics and sustainability are built into every decision, from product standards to supply chains and community initiatives. The result is trust, loyalty, and long-term resilience. Purpose is not a constraint on growth, it is a competitive advantage.

Why are consumers claiming poverty while queuing for $17.50 McDonald's Happy Meals and Labubu collectibles? In NZ, 44% say they're worse off, yet Mecca opens record-breaking stores and Kmart profits soar 50%. This retail paradox reveals the new rules: emotional value beats functional, scarcity trumps abundance, and smart retailers make customers feel like winners. Traditional retail wisdom is dead—here's what's actually working in 2025.

From CEO changes to AI-powered smoothies, here’s what caught our attention in retail this month. Michael Hill names a new CEO following the founder’s passing. JB Hi-Fi reports strong growth as its CEO retires. IKEA highlights social impact, Amazon debuts a new ‘under $25’ range, and Heinz launches a ketchup smoothie. Plus: Gen Z insights every brand should know.

Auckland’s Enamoured Books is no ordinary bookstore, it’s a masterclass in niche retail done right. Ruby Wallace has built a romance lifestyle ecosystem that turns browsers into loyalists with curated collections, smart events, and a vibe customers never want to leave. From “Sexy Sundays” to BookTok-worthy launches, it’s proof that experience beats convenience, and that bold ambition still wins in retail.

In this must-read by Feedback ASAP founder Phil Prosser, discover how leading retailers are turning customer feedback into a commercial growth engine. Forget chasing NPS - this is about real-time action, smarter training, and using CX to drive ATV, justify pricing, and boost ROI. If your CX program isn’t helping your frontline win, it’s not working. It’s time to go from data-rich to results-driven.

ANZ retail expert Juanita Neville-Te Rito reveals peak season strategies that work. While Temu captures one in six Kiwis, smart retailers are creating emotional connections. Discover how Chemist Warehouse uses AI, Kmart leads with affordable fashion, and Chick-fil-A's micro-moments drive loyalty. Essential reading before IKEA opens in October and raises the retail bar across New Zealand.

Peak season success starts now. With talent tight and the clock ticking, August is your critical hiring window. Retailworld shares why waiting until September might be too late - and how to build a team that’s trained, ready, and customer-focused by Labour Weekend.

ICYMI: From surcharges being banned to bottle recycling trials, Paper Plus’ comeback, and Noel Leeming facing charges, here’s what’s shaping retail this month. Plus, Michael Hill’s passing, Tesla’s retro diner, and Temu’s local seller play.

Guest article | Celeste McCormick, Senior Account Manager & John Waltmann, Industry Manager – Retail, Google New Zealand Friends of RX,...

You're not just good at marketing. You get  retail. You understand customers. You love a data-led insight and you know how to turn a...

Tucked into Newmarket’s Osborne Lane, Fankery blends nostalgic Shanghainese flavours with modern baking flair. From mochi-filled tarts to gooey cookies, this petite bakery is full of bold personality and unforgettable treats. A must-visit for dessert lovers.

From retail awards returning and Amazon’s B2B launch, to facial recognition tech, viral toys, and AI pilots from Starbucks. ICYMI, here’s what’s been shaping the landscape across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond.

Discover the future of retail through RX Group’s insights from NRF’s Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore. From FairPrice’s AI-powered smart carts to live commerce innovations by BeLive, this blog unpacks the tech, trends, and takeaways shaping APAC’s dynamic retail scene. With highlights from our Kiwi retailer delegation and study tour, it’s a must-read for brands eyeing growth across Asia. #RetailInnovation #NRFAPAC #FutureOfRetail