MKR Blog
The retail landscape has been reshaping since the pandemic, and what seemed like temporary changes have now solidified into permanent shifts in how consumers shop and what they expect from retailers. Here are the key trends shaping retail this year. Value-Oriented...
Small retailers have a rough go competing against big chains and e-commerce giants, but there’s one thing these smaller stores have that Amazon doesn’t: community. Local stores have the opportunity to build connections with their customers. Building partnerships...
After a period of workforce reductions and aggressive cost-cutting measures, major retail companies are shifting toward optimization strategies—investing in technology, process improvements, and operational efficiencies that enhance productivity without sacrificing...
Effective positioning is crucial for brands seeking to connect with their target audiences and drive sales. But what exactly is positioning, and why does it matter? This article will explore the fundamentals of positioning and practical steps for retailers to develop a compelling positioning strategy.
Mastering the art of marketing is a required skill to reach and engage target audiences effectively. Two powerful strategies to accomplish this are push and pull marketing. Understanding the distinct roles of these approaches can make all the difference in driving...
Consumer trust and loyalty are paramount in the competitive retail industry, and brand transparency is a powerful catalyst for unlocking sales growth and building long-lasting connections with customers. In this article, we explore the various ways retailers can use...
Small retailers often find it challenging to compete and thrive in markets driven by big stores and retail chains. However, with the right strategies and a focused effort, small retailers can carve out a niche and strongly compete with larger stores. Here are some key...
The retail industry has experienced considerable changes in the past few years, and 2023 is on track for continued transformation. Retail companies can expect to see several key trends impacting businesses this year, including the growth of e-commerce, the focus on...
Both small and big companies have been impacted by the labor shortage that has spanned the country since the pandemic. A short-staffed company can lead to overworked and burnt-out employees, dissatisfied customers, and even a decline in sales. Below we’ll discuss how...
Online shopping isn’t new by any means, but the EY Future Consumer Index, which has surveyed thousands of consumers since the Covid-19 pandemic began, discovered that 43% of U.S. consumers now shop more often online than in brick-and-mortar stores. All signs point to...
What builds customer loyalty? Sure, clever campaigns, major sales, and successful product launches can build loyalty, but more often, real loyalty is built in quieter ways. It’s built over time through small, everyday actions that prove your reliability and...
With high inflation, high gas prices, and high mortgage rates, it’s no wonder Americans feel like saving for the future is currently an uphill battle. Financial anxiety is up, and many Americans are cutting back on their 401(k) contributions. But for millions of...
The construction industry needs to bring 349,000 new workers in 2026 just to keep labor supply and demand in balance. That’s according to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). And most of that demand is coming from the need to replace retiring workers....
If you’ve been sleeping on the Roth 401(k), it’s time for a second look. Yes, they used to come with that inconvenient drawback known as the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), where you had to withdraw money on a set schedule, whether you needed it or not. But with...
Telehealth is long past being just a pandemic workaround. It’s now a core part of how healthcare practices deliver care. But simply offering virtual visits isn’t enough. The real value comes from how well telehealth is built into everyday operations. If you want to...
When it comes to reinvesting in their businesses, small business owners are pros. Buying equipment, hiring employees, and upgrading systems tend to come naturally. But setting money aside for retirement? That often gets put in the “later” category. Here’s the problem...
Key Takeaways Hourly billing rewards time, not results. The traditional billable hour model creates a misalignment between client and firm. Clients want efficiency, but firms earn more when work takes longer. That tension is prompting a shift toward alternative fee...
Key Takeaways Not coordinating 401(k)s can cost couples real money. Research suggests couples who don't prioritize the highest employer match may lose an average of $14,000 in retirement wealth over their lifetime — not from saving too little, but from saving in the...
Key Takeaways AI can automate the basics of money management. From tracking spending patterns to suggesting realistic budgets and automating transfers to savings, AI-powered financial apps help people manage cash flow without the guesswork of manual tracking. AI is a...
Inheriting an IRA might feel like a financial win, but the rules today are different than they were just a few years ago. If you’re not up to date, an unexpected tax bill could catch you off guard. Here’s what changed, and how to plan around it. Changes Made by the...