The Hot Retail Startups of 2023

For RIS’ fifth annual showcase of retail startups, editors highlighted retailers that are inspiring consumers in innovative ways. See who made the list.

Research and Reports

Store Experience Study 2023: Remodeling Retail

The annual “Store Experience Study” represents the 20th year of collaboration between RIS News and IHL Group. Benchmark your store technology stack against your peers and discover the retail industry’s tech investment plans for today and into the future.

Retail Executives

Nominations Open for CIO of the Year

RIS News is currently accepting nominations for its 12th Annual CIO of the Year Award, a prestigious program that recognizes executives for excellence in retail technology.

Store Systems
Best of NRF 2022: Top 10 Takeaways
Every year readers check in with RIS to see what retail news, trends and sessions were vital to the industry and to catch up on what they might have overlooked. The following are all the top takeaways from The Big Show 2022.
Supply Chain and Merchandising
Top Preferred U.S. Grocery Retailers 2023
Amazon dropped from number one to third place this year. Learn which two retailers moved up to take the top two spots and other key findings from this annual ranking.
Loyalty Programs
Petco Streamlines Loyalty Under Two-Tier Vital Care Program
Petco Health and Wellness, Inc. is streamlining its loyalty services, bringing over 24 million subscribers under a single, two-tier Vital Care offering.

In Store Experience
Bed Bath & Beyond Closing Another 87 Stores, Including All Harmon Locations
Struggling retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has announced another round of closures, shuttering 87 more stores and all 50 of its remaining Harmon locations.
Returns Management
Optimizing Returns Is Key to Revenue Retention
Here are a few ways retailers and brands can make returns a competitive advantage that helps them acquire and retain customers, while building loyalty.
Marketing
ChatGPT, TikTok & DraftKings: 4 CPGs Getting Creative for Super Bowl 2023
These are the four standout brands that are supplementing their Super Bowl commercials with engaging, digitally-focused campaigns.
Retail Executives
Crate & Barrel Taps Long-time Nike Exec as New Chief Operating Officer
Crate & Barrel Inc. is tapping former Nike executive Mike Brewer as their new chief operating officer. Brewer will be responsible for CBH's entire brand portfolio, including Crate & Barrel, CB2, Crate & Kids, and Hudson Grace.
Test Future White Paper
Value Chain
Walmart Promotes Digital Marketplace, Opens 30 New Sam's Club Locations
Walmart’s expansion shows no signs of slowing. The retailer is offering a slew of enticing, limited-time benefits to new sellers on their third-party digital marketplace, and will also open 30 new Sam's Club locations in the next few years.
Digital Commerce
David’s Bridal Launches Wedding Planning Platform and Vendor Marketplace
David's Bridal has launched yet another digital solution in its strategic effort to respond to changing customer needs, this time giving vendors access to its network of brides.
Retail Executives
Pacsun Names Brie Olson Co-CEO as Alfred Chang Steps Down
Pacsun is shifting its leadership structure, naming Pacsun’s president and board member Brie Olson, the company’s new co-CEO, leading alongside Mike Relich.