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  • A New Challenge to Mandatory Labor Peace Agreements Is Filed While Another Is Dismissed

    … cannabis industry. Similar laws have been challenged in Oregon, California, and Rhode Island. While several cannabis businesses have challenged …

  • High Art: Dispensary Combines Cannabis Sales and Gallery Space

    High Art: Dispensary Combines Cannabis Sales and Gallery Space

    Cannabis concept store Gotham has opened its fourth location, in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, with a dedicated Gotham Gallery art exhibition space. The retailer is pursuing new, emerging and sought-after artists to display their works, which will be shoppable through the Gotham website.

    Visitors enter through the retail space, featuring an array of premium cannabis products, design objects and lifestyle goods, before arriving at the 805-square-foot gallery. The adaptable space can host group shows, solo exhibitions and special activations, and also will be available for private events. The Gotham Chelsea location as a whole will serve as a community hub, hosting programs centered around art, activism and wellness, including meditation sessions and journaling workshops.

    Gotham will further support artists by launching Editions this fall. This collection of artist-designed products will include T-shirts, ashtrays, prints, rolling trays and more, offering additional income opportunities for the artists who have exhibited in the gallery space.

    Gotham Gallery’s first show, which debuted April 19, is “The World is Yours,” a collaboration between rapper Nas and the Objects Are By design studio. It will feature never-before-seen photos of Nas from 1994 and a limited-edition collection of homeware and apparel available exclusively at Gotham.

    “Chelsea has always been the beating heart of New York’s art scene, and we’re planting our flag right in the middle of it,” said Joanne Wilson, Gotham’s Founder, in a statement. “With Gotham Chelsea, we’re not just opening another dispensary — we’re redefining what a cannabis retail experience can be. Our first dedicated gallery space is a bold statement of our commitment to artists, creatives and the cultural landscape of New York City.”

  • Supreme Court Gives Trump Administration More Time To Consider Challenging Marijuana …

    Earlier this year, for example, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the ban was unconstitutional as applied to two defendants, writing that …

  • Grön Introduces New 100% Solventless Hash Rosin Pearls and MEGAs | The Manila Times

    … cannabis experiences. Grön products are available across the United States, including Arizona, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio …

  • How to Manage an Inherited Powdery Mildew Outbreak

    A CBT reader asks industry expert Ken Morrow how to manage a PM issue at a cannabis facility in a tropical climate.

  • Why CTV Advertising has Turned out to be a Hole in One for Golf Retailer J.Lindeberg

    Why CTV Advertising has Turned out to be a Hole in One for Golf Retailer J.Lindeberg

    Golf apparel and gear brand J.Lindeberg creates products that bridge the gap between sport and fashion, the better to provide clothing that “feels natural, aspirational and aligned with the modern consumer who moves fluidly between sport, city and lifestyle moments,” said Mandy Sa, Ecommerce Director for North America at J.Lindeberg in an interview with Retail TouchPoints.

    But how best to ensure this message reaches J.Lindeberg’s target consumers, not to mention does so when and where they are most likely to be influenced by it? Sa revealed how J.Lindeberg is leveraging CTV to answer these questions.

    Retail TouchPoints: J.Lindeberg ventured into CTV to break beyond “traditional channels.” Which channels or platforms had you been using prior to this?

    Mandy Sa: Prior to CTV, we heavily focused on Meta and Google. While effective, we were eager to explore channels that would allow us to be impactful and reach new audiences without needing to create different types of content. CTV was a great answer to that, as we were able to repurpose our existing campaign videos and reach people via a completely new medium for us. We understood that most of our customers discover our brand through sports, and they were already engaged and watching sports on their TV or streaming device — and with the MNTN CTV platform we can get in front of those customers with compelling visuals that keep their attention.

    RTP: Which CTV value props were most important to J.Lindeberg?

    Sa: The largest value prop of CTV was the concept of marrying rich media content on large screens with targeted audiences and behaviors. With traditional TV buys, you’re buying with a network and targeting a specific time segment, and trusting that their user demographics align with your brand. With MNTN’s targeting capabilities, we’re targeting specific behaviors and interests, and our content is served to users who match that, no matter what it is they’re watching. Maybe they’re watching a golf tournament or tennis match, maybe they’re watching The Real Housewives. As long as they’re in-market for golf apparel and fall within whatever other targeting parameters we’ve selected, our ads will reach them.

    Additionally, we aim to be as personalized as possible. We’ll take our golfer and run through what a day might look like for them. They might be traveling a lot, going to yoga class, meal prepping, etc. Taking ancillary interests into account really opened up business opportunities to get our products out there. We have a full collection of off-course items as well — we understand our audience loves the versatility of J.Lindeberg products and we found that the use of video allows us to demonstrate just how versatile our products can be and how the customer can incorporate them into all aspects of their active lifestyle.  

    RTP: Given that versatility, how does J.Lindeberg balance the fashion and performance aspects of its products?

    Sa: It’s quite easy to balance when our products themselves embody that concept. Our approach often starts with innovation in fabrics and the actual design. Every piece is made to meet the demands of an active lifestyle, engineered for movement and performance without compromising on aesthetics.

    This philosophy extends to every part of our creative direction. We focus on the technical innovation behind our products while keeping fashion at the forefront, integrating sport-focused elements into our fashion and vice versa.

    RTP: Are there specific parts of the MNTN offering that are helping J.Lindeberg communicate these messages to the right people?

    Sa: When we first launched on MNTN, MNTN Matched [an AI-powered keyword matching solution] wasn’t yet available. As it rolled out, we agreed to test it within some of our prospecting campaigns and found it to be successful for us. We were able to incorporate keywords for interests that we wanted to target, such as “golf apparel” and “performance outerwear,” and MNTN generated expanded keyword lists for us to choose from.

    It felt like we were combining things we loved about the other channels we were working on with the existing parts we loved about MNTN, and helping us to reach an even more refined audience who would be in-market for our product. Moving forward, we plan to continue using MNTN Matched for our prospecting efforts. 

    What’s great about MNTN in general is that we didn’t need to create content specifically for it. We were able to use what we already had and lean into the retargeting tools that MNTN provided. Brand awareness continues to be top priority for us, namely for our prospecting campaigns. Our retargeting campaigns are also starting to really see a boost in performance, so now we’re looking for organic ways to funnel our CTV efforts into our overall digital strategy.

    RTP: How are you continuing your test-and-learn approach to push the creative limits of CTV and move the brand forward?

    Sa: We did quite a bit of creative testing with MNTN last summer during our Team USA Olympic Golf sponsorship. We tested [things like] ad length, featuring ambassadors vs. models, product focus vs. general branding, you name it. After we had a significant amount of data to draw conclusions from, we would scale the winning creatives and incorporate them into any new campaigns we launched.

    RTP: Do you have any recommendations for peers who are either early in their CTV journey or are considering using it in the future?

    Sa: As cliché as it may sound, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Test, test, test. Test everything. And most importantly, give it time.

  • How Supply Chains, Retailers and Waste are Keeping Grocery Prices High

    How Supply Chains, Retailers and Waste are Keeping Grocery Prices High

    For millions of Americans, grocery shopping has become an increasingly frustrating experience. Every trip to the store seems to come with a little sticker shock, and despite political promises and economic shifts, food prices remain stubbornly high. In order to balance rising costs with everyday needs, families are stretching their budgets even further than ever before.

    While inflation and energy costs often take the blame, grocery prices are shaped by a web of deeper issues — ones that don’t always make the headlines. The reality is that supply chain breakdowns, retail pricing tactics and even the way we shop all contribute to the problem. Add in the staggering amount of food that gets wasted before it ever reaches a plate, and it’s clear that grocery prices aren’t just about the economy — they’re the result of an industry that hasn’t adapted quickly enough to meet the way we shop today.

    Why Grocery Prices are Still so High

    It’s easy to assume that inflation is the sole reason groceries cost more, but the truth is a little more complicated. While supply chain disruptions continue to push prices up, transportation delays, labor shortages and unpredictable weather all add to the larger problem. When it takes longer and costs more to get food from farms and factories to store shelves, those added costs don’t just disappear — they show up on our receipts.

    Retail pricing strategies also have a major impact on what we pay. Traditional grocers maximize profits by using dynamic pricing, promotions and supplier negotiations. Prices can change based on location, demand and even store loyalty programs, making it tough to predict what your grocery bill will look like from one trip to the next. Even things that seem like a great way to save, such as bulk discounts or promotional pricing, can often encourage consumers to buy more than they need, which drives up spending instead of keeping costs down.

    Then there’s how we shop: The rise of online grocery shopping has made food more accessible, but it also has introduced new costs to think about, like fulfillment and delivery fees. Meanwhile, shifting brand loyalties and bulk-buying habits have forced retailers to rethink their inventory strategies, which can lead to even more price increases for consumers. Understanding these factors is the first step in making smarter choices at checkout, yet there’s another major issue that isn’t talked about enough: food waste.

    The Hidden Connection Between Food Waste and Grocery Prices

    One of the biggest drivers of fluctuating grocery prices is food waste. Perfectly good food gets thrown out every day, not because it’s expired, but because of supply chain miscalculations, packaging updates, seasonal changes and other factors. That waste not only hurts the environment but costs the industry billions, and those losses get passed down to consumers.

    Retailers and manufacturers regularly overproduce to avoid running out of stock. When demand falls short, they’re left with excess food and nowhere to put it. A simple label change or the passing of a holiday can make a product “unsellable” in a traditional store, even though it’s still perfectly good. This worsens the food waste problem and drives up prices for everything else.

    The numbers are staggering. The U.S. wastes more than 30% of its food supply every year, a crisis that adds to climate change and also keeps grocery prices artificially high. Retailers are working to change that though, stepping in to help redistribute surplus food at lower prices, thereby offering shoppers a way to save while reducing waste.

    Simple Ways to Save on Groceries Right Now

    While we can’t change how grocery stores price their products overnight, we can change the ways that we shop. One of the easiest ways to save money is by rethinking expiration dates. Many shoppers toss out food that’s still perfectly good simply because they misunderstand “best by,” “sell by” and “use by” labels. Learning the difference can help prevent waste and cut down on unnecessary grocery trips.

    Other than infant formula, the federal government does not require expiration dates on food, and in most cases these labels are more about quality than safety. “Best by” indicates when a product is at peak freshness, but it’s often still good well beyond that date. “Sell by” is a guideline for retailers, not consumers, meaning the product can still be safely eaten afterward. “Use by” is the closest thing to an actual expiration date, typically found on perishables like dairy and meat, but even then, it’s best to check for signs that the product has gone bad rather than rely strictly on the label.

    Another way to lower costs is by looking beyond traditional grocery stores. Online discount grocers, surplus food markets and warehouse clubs often offer the same quality food at a fraction of the price, bypassing the traditional retail markups. Shopping smarter and not just cheaper also can make a big difference. Planning meals in advance, buying shelf-stable staples in bulk and wisely taking advantage of sales can significantly help stretch a grocery budget. Other effective ways to save more while wasting less can be by freezing perishables, batch cooking and getting more creative with leftovers.

    The Bottom Line

    Grocery prices aren’t just a reflection of politics or inflation but are tied to a long list of inefficiencies, from outdated supply chains to retail pricing games and unnecessary food waste. While government policies and economic shifts may eventually bring relief, shoppers need solutions now.

    The good news? Small changes like understanding food labels, exploring alternative retailers and making smart shopping decisions can help consumers regain control of their grocery bills. We don’t have to wait for the system to change, we just need to start shopping differently.

    Louise Fritjofsson is a mission-driven four-time founder with two exits. With startups ranging from online grocery, digital marketplaces and adtech, she has a footprint in both Europe and the United States. She’s built a broad understanding of the global startup ecosystem and has won awards such as “Entrepreneur of the Year” and being listed as one of Europe’s leading female entrepreneurs over her career. Currently, Fritjofsson is transforming the problem of food waste into a solution for food insecurity as the Co-founder of Martie, the online discount grocer aimed at making good food more accessible.

  • How can cannabis consumption lounges turn a profit? – MJBizDaily

    Operators in Nevada appear to grasp the situation. Regulators have issued 21 conditional-use permits to would-be lounge operators who so far have …

  • Loyalty as a Quiet Force in the Fight Against Ecommerce Fraud

    Ecommerce fraud is rising fast. Global losses are projected to reach $44 billion in 2024 and could climb to $107 billion by 2029. Two thirds of customers whose security is compromised won’t shop with that retailer again. For online retailers, the challenge is rather stark. Fraud is not only expensive, it’s also evolving quickly. Most brands already use multiple detection tools and many are increasing their budgets, but they’re still missing a valuable layer of protection: the loyalty program.

    Often viewed purely as a retention tool or a clever marketing tactic, loyalty programs can actually play a quiet, steady role in reducing fraud. From encouraging honest behavior to identifying red flags early, a thoughtful program can help protect businesses and customers alike. Loyalty programs work to create deeper relationships, more visibility and stronger reasons for customers to act in good faith. Why would they want to mess with a company who has supported them?

    A more complete picture of your customers

    One of the most significant benefits of a loyalty program is the data it allows you to collect. In order to earn rewards or progress through tiers, customers need to create an account. That account allows you to collect valuable behavioral data over time. Purchase history, browsing patterns, referrals and even the devices customers use all contribute to a clearer picture of what normal activity looks like. But it’s not just useful for selling to them.

    This means that when something is off, it stands out. Maybe someone is suddenly placing bulk orders to unfamiliar addresses. Maybe an account that used to buy once every two months is now making three purchases a week from different devices. These kinds of anomalies are much easier to spot when you’ve got the right data. Loyalty discourages ‘friendly fraud’

    Not all ecommerce fraud is hostile or obviously criminal. In fact, a large portion of fraud comes from customers who genuinely like the brand. One survey by Signifyd found that 21% of consumers admitted to requesting a refund by claiming their package never arrived, even though it had. Another 22% said they had asked for a refund by falsely stating that a product in good condition was actually unsatisfactory. This kind of “friendly fraud” is often rationalized with thoughts like, “I shop here all the time, they won’t miss one thing.”

    This is where loyalty becomes powerful. Customers who are part of a program have something to lose. Whether it’s points, a birthday perk, or a near-upgrade to the next VIP tier, the potential cost of fraud suddenly feels more real. That pause can be enough to make someone think twice. It’s not about punishment. It’s about creating an incentive to keep doing the right thing.

    Don’t let prevention get in the way of experience

    Fraud detection tools are good at spotting risks, but they can also be blunt. When settings are too tight, they start to block legitimate customers. People get frustrated when they’re asked to verify again and again or when their order is suddenly flagged without explanation. It’s a short path from frustrated to gone – never to return.

    Loyalty programs offer a more human response. Instead of simply tightening the rules, brands can reward the behaviors they want to see. Maybe that’s a thank you for not returning an item. Maybe it’s early access for customers with consistently positive reviews. These small gestures help reduce fraud while reinforcing trust.

    In categories like beauty, fashion, or wellness, that experience matters. The relationship is often emotional. Trust, care and familiarity are part of the product. So protecting the customer journey without adding friction is key.

    Marketing Technology News: MarTech Interview with Stephen Upstone, CEO & Founder @ LoopMe

    When trust is broken, loyalty helps repair it

    Sometimes fraud happens outside the brand. Fake ecommerce sites, phishing emails, and lookalike domains trick people into sharing personal information. It’s damaging for the customer, and it’s damaging for the brand.

    Now, picture a customer named Jamie. She’s loyal, shops regularly, and refers friends. One day, she clicks a link in an email that looks like her favorite brand, enters her password, and doesn’t realize it’s a fake site until money is taken from her account. She’s upset, and while the brand didn’t do anything wrong, she’s suddenly lost trust.

    This is the moment where a loyalty program can do more than a refund ever could. Jamie’s brand could credit her account with extra points. They might bump her to the next tier or offer early access to a new launch. These small but meaningful actions help reestablish the relationship. They show that the brand values her and is trying to make things right.

    Encouraging honest behavior, quietly and consistently

    A loyalty program can also encourage behaviors that help prevent fraud in the first place. Customers who don’t return items might receive perks. Those who refer real people instead of gaming the system could be given a special bonus. Even a small reward for updating account security details could help keep fraud at bay.

    This kind of culture-building works. It gives customers a sense that they’re part of something and that their actions matter. In turn, it makes fraud less appealing and more costly in terms of what they could lose.

    A longer-term mindset in a fast-moving problem

    Ecommerce fraud isn’t going away. As long as people shop online, there will be those trying to take advantage. Most brands will continue investing in detection tools, which is essential. But there’s also room for a different approach – one that works alongside technology rather than against it.

    Loyalty programs give you that. They add context, shape behavior, and help you spot trouble before it causes damage. They reduce the sting when something goes wrong. And they do it without sacrificing the customer experience.

    Trust is both fragile and powerful. But the right loyalty strategy goes beyond being a marketing tactic. It’s a quiet, consistent way to keep your customers safe, make them feel valued – and keep them coming back.

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  • AI-Powered Digital Assistants in MarTech: From Customer Service to Predictive Engagement

    Digital assistants have revolutionized the marketing technology landscape. Their development has propelled smart customer interactions and enabled companies to attain seamless, omnichannel engagement. These intelligent tools are transforming the way companies interact with customers, combining automation with personalization. Let’s examine this change and its effects.

    Evolution of AI-Powered Digital Assistants in MarTech

    AI in martech has advanced from simple programmed bots to smart, context-sensitive systems. Initial digital assistants had restricted functionalities but have significantly improved due to advancements in machine learning and natural language processing.

    • Initial Automation:

    At first centered on repetitive tasks, these assistants optimized customer inquiries with preset replies.

    • Smart Learning:

    Contemporary assistants utilize data analysis to comprehend user intention and circumstances.

    • Predictive Abilities:

    They now anticipate customer requirements, improving both proactive interaction and service provision.

    • Contextual Interactions:

    The incorporation of advanced algorithms has allowed for tailored responses and more fluid interactions.

    • Developing Ecosystems:

    As martech landscapes advance, digital assistants consistently adjust to intricate customer paths.

    How to Enhance Customer Service with Intelligent Digital Assistants?

    Within the martech ecosystem, smart digital assistants enhance customer support by facilitating quick and efficient communication. They assist businesses in responding to questions accurately and compassionately while minimizing response durations.

    • Effective Solutions:

    Automating routine tasks allows these assistants to liberate human agents for intricate problems.

    • Continuous Availability:

    24/7 assistance guarantees that customer inquiries are responded to swiftly.

    • Lowered Operational Expenses:

    Automation enhances efficiency, allowing companies to manage resources effectively.

    • Ongoing Enhancement:

    Machine learning algorithms consistently improve answers, increasing the overall quality of service

    Driving Proactive Engagement and Predictive Interactions in MarTech

    AI-driven assistants are revolutionizing proactive customer engagement in MarTech by anticipating needs and facilitating timely, significant interactions. Using sophisticated predictive features, these tools assist marketers in engaging with audiences more efficiently. They examine previous interactions to predict future actions, ensuring proactive involvement that seems natural.

    They offer practical insights that refine marketing strategies and improve decision-making in real time. Customized suggestions, powered by predictive algorithms, match products or content to personal preferences, enhancing relevance. By identifying promising leads, they enhance the processes of lead qualification and nurturing.

    These assistants additionally enhance strategic communication, enabling companies to maintain continuous conversations that foster trust and loyalty, reinforcing their MarTech edge.

    Marketing Technology News: MarTech Interview with Stephen Upstone, CEO & Founder @ LoopMe

    Hyper-Personalization: Transforming the MarTech Landscape

    Hyper-personalization signifies an advancement in martech, where digital assistants utilize advanced data analysis to tailor interactions. This method guarantees that each customer interaction seems specially customized.

    • In-Depth Customer Profiles:

    They create thorough profiles derived from behavior, preferences, and interactions.

    • Real-Time Content Adaptation:

    Content is modified instantly to match the unique paths of each customer.

    • Improved Engagement Metrics:

    Customization increases customer involvement, leading to higher conversion rates.

    • Decisions Based on Data:

    Ongoing data assessment guides each interaction, guaranteeing relevance and promptness.

    • Brand Loyalty:

    Customized experiences promote repeat purchases and enhance relationships with the brand.

    How to Integrate AI Assistants into Seamless Omnichannel Strategies?

    Incorporating AI assistants into omnichannel approaches is essential in today’s rapid MarTech environment, where smooth customer experiences distinguish companies from one another. These smart tools integrate communications across various channels, maintaining consistency and clarity. By merging customer data from various interactions, they generate a unified, detailed perspective of every journey. This allows for consistent messaging, as assistants provide uniform communication across all platforms, whether it’s email, social media, or chat.

    They enhance operations by automating tasks, eliminating redundancies, and improving efficiency. Cross-platform engagement becomes effortless, fostering smooth interactions everywhere customers connect. Plus, their adaptability ensures they evolve with shifting needs, strengthening a business’s omnichannel presence in MarTech.

    The Road Ahead for AI and the Martech Ecosystem

    New trends suggest continued progress in customer service and engagement strategies propelled by cutting-edge technologies.

    • Enhanced Natural Language Understanding:

    Upcoming versions will more effectively grasp intricate customer questions, thereby decreasing misinterpretations.

    • Improved Predictive Analytics:

    Ongoing advancements in data analysis will deliver increasingly precise customer insights.

    • Augmented Reality Interfaces:

    Incorporating AR could provide fresh avenues for engaging customer interactions.

    • Responsible AI Development:

    A focus on transparency and ethics will promote the accountable advancement of AI technologies in martech.

    Strategic Recommendations for Effective AI Integration in MarTech

    Companies seeking to utilize AI-driven digital assistants in marketing technology need to implement a strategic plan. This part highlights essential recommendations to guarantee effective integration in line with overarching marketing goals.

    • Recognize Essential Customer Pathways:

    Outline customer engagements to find where AI can provide the greatest benefits.

    • Build a Strong Data Infrastructure:

    Develop reliable systems for data gathering and analysis to facilitate informed decision-making.

    • Emphasize Training and Adjustment:

    Frequently refresh digital assistants with current information and insights from customers.

    • Achieve Uninterrupted Integration:

    Implement systems that function harmoniously across different martech platforms.

    • Track and Adjust:

    Regularly assess performance indicators and enhance approaches to align with changing customer demands.

    Conclusion

    AI-driven digital assistants are transforming the martech environment by delivering advanced, predictive, and highly personalized engagement techniques. As technology evolves, these tools persist in providing substantial advantages by improving customer service, optimizing operations, and fostering business growth. Companies need to take a strategic stance to fully leverage these capabilities, making sure that each interaction enhances a smooth and engaging customer experience.

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