With 80% of eCommerce CFO’s reporting increased profits over the last 12 months in the 2024 Retail CFO Outlook Survey, what strategies are they leaning into to drive these results? What tactics are e-tailers employing to counter the negative effects the rise in returns has on their bottom line? And what role does AI play in e-tailer’s cost optimization strategies as they strive to continue the momentum? Tune in to this episode of 60-second Retail, where Michael Rosenthal, eCommerce Implementation Manager at BDO USA, answers these important questions, laying out some of the key lessons learned ..read more

Talent shortage was a major concern for many retail CFOs in 2023. This year, however, many retailers no longer view this as a threat to their business, with 48% citing this as less of a risk in the 2024 Retail CFO Outlook Survey. So then, where have retailer’s workforce concerns shifted? What critical competencies should they seek in hiring to deliver a worldclass customer experience? And what does a successful training program look like if your employees time is largely dedicated to being on the floor? In this episode of 60-second Retail, Ross Forman, Managing Director of Strategy & Innov ..read more

Almost half of retail CFOs in the 2024 Retail CFO Outlook Survey said they are building a proprietary generative AI platform this year - more than any other industry surveyed. So, why are retailers taking the lead on AI implementation? What risks should be top of mind as they look to deploy this cutting-edge technology? Tune into this episode of 60-second Retail, to hear Kirstie Tiernan, Principal - Data & AI at BDO Digital USA, explain why AI is taking off in retail and provide some advice on how to get your company started on the AI journey if you haven’t yet. Get the insights you need t ..read more

With over half of retailers surveyed planning to deploy scenario modeling software this year, the technology is quickly becoming “table-stakes” for the industry. So, what might be holding some retailers back? Is there a key ingredient to success? And what role, if any, does AI play in driving efficiencies in the operations center? To find out, tune into this episode of our 60-second Retail podcast, where R.J. Romano, Managing Director, Management Consulting & Supply Chain Advisory Leader at BDO USA, joins us in our continued discussion of the 2024 Retail CFO Outlook Survey results. Get the ..read more

While spending over the holiday season was higher than expected, all signs point to consumers tightening their wallets. With this trend underway, what challenges can the industry expect to face in the year ahead? Can retailers successfully raise prices even though consumers are actively seeking out deals and discounts? And what can retailers do to stay resilient in 2024? Tune into this episode of our 60-second Retail podcast, as David Berliner, Partner & National Leader of Business Restructuring at BDO USA, answers these important questions for us as we continue our discussion of the key f ..read more

Haven’t had a chance to read the 2024 Retail CFO Outlook Survey yet? The next few episodes of our 60-second Retail podcast are dedicated to reviewing some of the most important findings coming out of this annual report that can help sharpen your strategic edge. In this episode we examine what might be causing the gap between where retailers expected to be, compared to where they are on the thriving spectrum, and what can be done to close this gap. We also reveal some ways retailers can fortify their business’s financial health in the year ahead. Don’t miss this episode ..read more

ESG efforts are quickly becoming key to winning over the next generation of consumers and building brand loyalty today. But forward-thinking retailers have realized a plethora of benefits in leveraging these efforts to enhance supply chains, improve sourcing programs, minimize waste, and reduce returns. How are they doing this? Tune in to this episode of our 60-second Retail podcast where we unveil what returns and waste reduction might look like for the retail industry of tomorrow, and how retailers are capitalizing on new technologies to rocket their ESG efforts into the future ..read more

Social commerce sales in the U.S. were estimated at nearly $64.8 billion dollars in 2023 and are projected to grow to $150 billion by 2028. But boosting your bottom line isn’t the only benefit to earmarking dollars in your marketing budget for these strategies. So, what other benefits do retailers stand to reap with implementing social commerce and influencer marketing? What tools exist to aid in identifying where to focus efforts? What role will these strategies play in reaching customers in the not-so-distant future? Don’t miss this informative episode of our 60-second Retail podcast, as we ..read more

While there are many strategies being tested across the retail industry to improve supply chain efficiencies and forecasting, one has quickly come to forefront – scenario modeling. What is scenario modeling and how can it be leveraged to improve a retailer’s inventory turnover, continuity plans and product distribution? What technologies exist to aid in implementing scenario modeling and improving outcomes? Don’t miss this exciting episode of 60-second Retail as, R.J. Romano, Managing Director, Management Consulting & Supply Chain Advisory Practice Leader at BDO USA, reveals why scenario m ..read more

Why are retailers planning to take on debt even in the face of a potential recession? Who are the most vulnerable retailers as the economic volatility continues? How can retailers build resiliency in the year ahead? In this episode of our 60-second Retail podcast, David Berliner, Partner & National Leader of Business Restructuring at BDO USA, talks about some of the 2023 Retail CFO Outlook Survey findings and what it might mean for the retail sector in the year ahead ..read more