BrainTrust Query: OK, it's official - deflation is a real threat. What now?
The consumer price index had its largest decline since World War II in October. Regulators are pondering whether they need to step in to prevent a long period of price declines. Is deflation here to stay? What are some other things retailers can be doing now to cope?
7-Eleven Gets Gamey
Forget everything you've heard about the changing convenience store and how the channel is moving to bring in more upscale consumers, particularly those of the female variety. Nope, the business is still all about guys 18 - 34.... What do you think of 7-Eleven's move into videogame sales?
Does Price or Convenience Rule Online?
A piece in The New York Times reported online retailers are cutting prices as low as they can go to try and make something out of the holiday season. Then there's another piece in The Boston Globe on new research showing that when it comes to buying online, consumers put convenience and product selection above price. What factors do you think are most important to consumers shopping online for the holidays this year?