Gene Hoffman

The Super Bowl ads represented too much money chasing desperate greatness. I liked the polar bear chasing his Coca Cola ... but I'm still a little puzzled by the halftime show.

There is a growing list of important issues arising in America and one of them is the uncultivated food desert, caused by quality food accessibility and affordable pricing. Good nutrition is a vital issue, since too many Americans are having to exist with poor nutrition, which in turn creates...

At a cost of $116,666 a second, Super Bowl advertisers are marketing their 30-second commercials at every opportunity before the game. This process further enlarges this Big Bucks phenomenon, but it might also be transferring the game itself into a parallel event, not a solo feature.

As this ever-increasing...

Ralph Lauren has a similar opportunity to have his message connect with a lot of younger consumers just as Ron Paul has with his message. But, of course, that doesn't apply to everyone. Just focus on your desired audience.

So Ralphie, speak to the younger consumers' targets via their...

Who ever craved unsweetened candy or bitter orange juice? Nobody! Of course sugar is addictive. So is water, coffee, smoking, and booze. Most people like the enjoyment that sugar usually brings. The answer lies in educated self-discipline and moderation, not federal regulation.

Has the Daily Deal lost its appeal?
Will it slowly die or have a repeal?
Hope, the medicine for deals and sin,
Might energize daily deals again.

But that practice like many others
Has spawned better retailing drothers.
As the market becomes more mature...

John Browett has proved that he knows how to sell merchandise in today's paradigm. So hiring him seems like a good decision by Apple.

What will he need to further the Apple Store on its upward trajectory? A great cook and luck!

Viva la Difference! Fashion garments and food items come from slightly different planets. When you know what a "cool" purse -- or appliance -- looks like, or how your peer group feels about it, mobile technology shortens the decision process. Viva smart phone usage!

Food, since it is more...

Ending the carbon labeling program shouldn't damage Tesco's reputation on sustainable issues. Tesco at least tried to make the complicated program work and the public knows it.

Tesco should just keep running top-notch retail food stores, which they do very well, and not sweat the carbon labeling program. In...

Menards may be a pioneer in a possible new big-box store trend, but I find skepticism running through my fingers.

Menards is family owned and determines its own strategic procedures. That's a big advantage for Menards as they can act swiftly and do unique things. And one thing that...