Your Weekly Retail Rev Up Newsletter | Volume 14

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TODAY’S PICK 🎯

Why Are Sales Teams Missing Quota in 2025?

A Q&A on What Broke in H1 and How a Sales Operating System Can Fix It in H2

Nearly 50% of SaaS companies missed revenue targets in Q1 2025. And 78% of reps missed quota.

That’s not a rough patch. It’s a system failure. In this Q&A, we unpack:

• Why data alone isn’t enough to drive action

• What happens when strategy has no execution layer

• How companies like Fospha are turning it around with a Sales Operating System

If you’re relying on dashboards and headcount to fix performance, H2 will look like H1.

👉 Learn how a Sales OS makes execution measurable and strategy scalable.

📣LEADING VOICES 

INDUSTRY NEWS 🌐

Sainsbury's Launches StoryStream AI Social Commerce Tech With Argos, Habitat, TU Clothing

Sainsbury's has introduced StoryStream's AI-driven social commerce technology across its brands Argos, Habitat, and TU Clothing, aiming to harness user-generated content (UGC) for more authentic customer engagement. This strategic move focuses on replacing third-party plug-ins with an API-driven solution that delivers consistent, relevant social proof on over 500 product pages. It underscores the critical role of user-generated content in building consumer confidence and enhancing the shopping experience.

The adaptation of StoryStream technology is significant in supporting Sainsbury's commitment to a seamless eCommerce experience. By scaling this model across its product lines, Sainsbury's enhances customer interaction through curated high-quality UGC while maintaining control over its site. The approach not only supports informed purchase decisions but also promotes unified content discovery, a nod to the emerging trends celebrated at the RTIH Innovation Awards, where social commerce continues to shape the omnichannel retail landscape.

Smart Store Infrastructure Is Transforming Retail With Data-Driven Solutions

Harnessing the power of smart store infrastructure is now crucial for retailers to stay competitive. Static shelves and disconnected systems have hindered innovation, but transforming store shelves into data-rich platforms provides insights that drive efficiency and customer engagement. A McKinsey study notes that such strategies can increase basket sizes by up to 30%, demonstrating tangible benefits from real-time shelf analytics.

Incorporating IoT technologies and AI into retail environments ensures dynamic adaptation to consumer needs. Understanding foot traffic and stock levels can optimize operations and enhance experiences. Importantly, these infrastructures facilitate personalized shopping, significantly reducing waste and creating agile layouts. Modern retailers who invest in such foundational technologies at the shelf level continue to thrive, emphasizing that the shelf is indeed a pivotal platform for innovation.

Cryptocurrency's Emerging Role in Retail Payments, Loyalty, and Supply Chain

Cryptocurrency is steadily integrating into the retail sector, enhancing transactions and customer engagement. Stablecoins, pegged to traditional currencies, offer efficient and swift transactions, appealing to retailers for their stability and speed. These digital currencies allow for seamless cross-border payments, benefiting both consumers and businesses by cutting traditional transaction costs and wait times.

Moreover, cryptocurrencies are revolutionizing loyalty programs by allowing customers to earn traceable digital tokens instead of points. This system offers flexibility and security in managing rewards, which can be creatively tailored to customer behavior. Additionally, blockchain enhances supply chain transparency, providing consumers with accessible product origin information, fostering informed purchasing decisions. As retailers continue to explore branded digital tokens as versatile store credit and navigate regulatory and security challenges, cryptocurrency's role in retail becomes increasingly pivotal, focused on utility and evolving consumer expectations.

Retail Leaders Skeptical About Current AI Capabilities, EY Survey Finds

The research highlights a growing recognition among retail leaders of the importance of analytics and AI, despite many feeling their current capabilities are insufficient for a competitive edge. Over three-quarters acknowledge the need for these technologies in driving innovation, yet fewer than one-third believe they've harnessed them effectively. The study surveyed 500 industry executives, revealing that AI and data analytics are paramount priorities, with significant investments noted.

However, the integration of AI in retail strategies shows varied objectives. More than half of the leaders aim to reduce labor costs through automation, while the remaining focus on enhancing employee productivity. Companies like Best Buy and Walmart are actively exploring AI applications to enhance consumer experiences. This indicates that while the industry embraces digital transformation, it must still navigate the challenges of optimizing these technologies for tangible advantages.