Confounding dour predictions of soggy holiday sales — and defying COVID headwinds — America’s resilient shoppers drove the November-December holiday period to a record-breaking $768 billion in sales, a remarkable 8.6% leap from last year’s $707 billion. 

Under the pandemic’s ongoing public health and economic impact, retailers are being challenged to do everything possible to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their indoor shopping areas and work environments.

Explosive growth in e-commerce has shaken up the retail industry, challenging traditional brands to find new ways to digitally engage customers.

Despite the arrival of the vaccine, we expect the first half of 2021 to reflect a continuation of 2020’s acceleration toward digital and omnichannel as most shoppers remain at home.

Many retailers have adjusted to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by committing to online-only sales and expanded sales periods.

It’s becoming increasingly important for organizational leaders to consider the potential impact of artificial intelligence on company culture. 

It’s undeniable that COVID-19 has significantly impacted the retail industry in nearly all ways, especially when it comes to e-commerce.

Retailers are facing many challenges this holiday season. 

For consumers, December brings boxes tied up in string, long lines for the season’s best deals and lots of wrapping paper, bows and bags.

For retailers, pleasing Wall Street and private equity expectations was a matter of a quarter-by-quarter measure of comparable sales and profit margins.