Carol Spieckerman

Richard's point #4 reflects my take. A simple re-ordering of the revolution could have made all of the short-term difference, with store modifications and shop-in-shops taking shape before the new pricing strategy. Physical retail is a visual experience and Penney had an opportunity to make the most of it...

This is an interesting alternative to other retailers' ship-to-store models, but one that would seem to limit Macy's online aisles to something less than "endless." I don't see this competing with the highly-efficient, robot-staffed, hanger-like spaces that back Amazon's fulfillment arm but for a clicks and bricks retailer such...

I visited the test Walmart store shortly after launch and a store associate told me that iPad sales were already on the uptick. The displays, demo stations and supporting accessory walls looked terrific (dare I say better than in some of the more cluttered Best Buy stores?) and traffic...

Target's ousting of Kindle marks the completion of its decoupling with Amazon. Its first move was when Target severed ties with Amazon's online platform by taking its e-operations in-house. The Kindle move is insignificant to both parties; however, I find it interesting that Apple shop-in-shops keep getting thrown into...

Family Dollar's aggressive expansion has the potential to thwart mass retailers' comparatively sluggish small-format forays. I think Walmart is most vulnerable since Target hasn't really ramped up its City Target concept (yet). Now that Family Dollar has the brands, will they make a meaningful multi-channel move? That's when things...

It's nice to see Gap departing from its insular past by snagging a real fast-fashion maven (let's hope that he brings, not just the fast, but also the fashion). Gap had a window of opportunity when Uniqlo was playing wait-and-see. Hopefully it won't be too little too late as...

This is exciting. Oddly enough, I use my restaurant-finding apps quite often in airports and of course, my iPhone is continually out of its holster when traveling -- more so than at any other time. In fact, the only time I have used a location-based coupon offer was in...

A great move by Walmart. Let the naysayers prattle on about how Walmart customers aren't online (don't understand streaming media, etc.), in the meantime, Walmart will take it to the bank with the un-banked. This move also takes puts Walmart one big step closer to realizing its global omni-channel...

Target's greatest strength is the near-bullet-proof loyalty it enjoys from many of its customers. Its loyal base looks for excuses to make purchases at Target and groceries are a perfect reason to make the trip sooner than later. Target's biggest opportunity for improvement is to create a more intimate...

"Retail" has been redefined and broadened in ways that fly in the face of old school merchant sensibilities and limitations. Sears, under Mr. Lampert, has played a major role in making that happen and, I'll say it again, they can change many games with or without winning them. He...