Sam Kliger, founder and chief executive officer of KWI, shares insights into what's driving the retail industry heading into the second half.

Rihanna is promoting her new collection of socks and actually got behind the register to ring up customers.

There has been some big news in the retail world. I recently wrote about Sears and Amazon teaming up on the tire business, and now Walmart announced it will sell luxury goods from Lord & Taylor on its website. The deal will boost Walmart’s higher-end merchandise and will give Lord & Taylor access to a much bigger audience. In another intriguing move, Macy’s just acquired retail experience company Story.  Story works with brands like Jet.com and DressBarn to create immersive and curated shopping experiences. "Bringing [Story founder] Rachel Shechtman's perspective to the table will help create more enriched and engaging in-store experiences and brand activations," Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette said in a statement. "We are committed to growth in 2018, and this is one important step along the way."

According to Frank Weil, chief customer officer at commerce solution focused firm KWI, it’s essential for retailers to connect online and offline channels. “While technology allows retailers to be faster and smarter, at the core, customers still want to be treated with a personalized touch and feel known as an individual shopper. 

When you’ve reaped retail success in the U.S.—or have been approached by international customers for your product—it’s natural to set your sights abroad. After all, total global retail sales in 2020 are projected to amount to nearly $28 trillion. The outlook for international brick-and-mortar retail is sunny: In Great Britain, for example, the British Independent Retailers Association shows that more shops were opened than were closed in the first quarter of 2017. This was an increase of 414 shops in the first three months of 2017, compared to a net increase of just 4 shops for the same period the previous year.  

A store's return policy is an important part of your overall approach to customer service, but it's not as simple as making your guidelines strict or lenient. Return policies are very specific to your brand and what you're looking to accomplish — there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.

Business insider just released their list of 25 companies that are revolutionizing retail. Yes, all of these brands introduce something new to the retail landscape, but when analyzing this list, we see a different story. Providing a full shopping experience and considering the consumer at every point of purchase - before, during, and after - matter more than ever. 

I love shopping. Yes, it’s my business, but personally it’s my passion, too. For example, I recently felt the need to write a letter to the owner of a high-profile fashion brand. I walked into the store, expecting to come out with a few new things as I enjoy the clothes — the quality, the minimalist look. Instead, I walked out with conviction for what companies such as KWI are doing for the retail business.