Retail news discussions and analysis. en-us http://www.retailwire.com Copyright 2013, RetailWire LLC santi@retailwire.com (Santi Briglia) webmaster@retailwire.com (Marc Funaro) http://www.retailwire.com http://www.retailwire.com/images/icons/retailwire-rss-feed-icon.gif http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16845/what-challenges-face-cpgs-with-direct-to-consumer Forget the middleman. According to new research, more than 40 percent of consumer product goods companies expect to sell directly to consumers through digital channels this year. Should almost all CPG firms today be selling directly to consumers through one platform or another? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16844/braintrust-query-i-need-an-app-for-my-apps According to a recent study, the most digitally-aided shoppers frequently use more than one shopping app. In addition, individual retailers offer their own specific apps for shoppers. With all the activity, could the solution be a "Community Shopping App"? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16843/will-vine-grow-as-a-retailer-marketing-tool For those who think there isn't all that much that can be effectively communicated in a six-second video, you might be mistaken. There is quite a bit that marketers and fans of brands can do on Vine. Is there a place for short videos through Vine and other apps in retail marketers' social marketing playbooks? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16842/retail-touchpoints-whats-causing-slow-mobile-pos-rollout According to a new report conducted by IHL Group, while 28 percent of retailers plan to adopt mobile POS in some form by the end of 2013, a third have no plans at all to implement handheld mobile POS devices within the next three years. What's causing the slow adoption of mobile POS? Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16841/is-safeway-wise-to-exit-the-canadian-market When Safeway made the announcement last week that it was selling its Canadian operations to Sobeys, it appeared to be a classic win-win situation. But a piece on the MarketWatch website questions the wisdom of the deal for Safeway. What is your assessment of the sale of Safeway Canada to Sobeys? Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16840/how-high-is-nordstrom-racks-ceiling Last year, Nordstrom announced its intentions to double the number of its Rack concept stores by 2016. The chain is comfortable with the expansion as it has found the discount Rack concept and its flagship stores can coexist peacefully. How far can Nordstrom go with its Rack off-price concept? Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16839/rsr-research-is-it-time-for-store-employees-roles-to-change If the purpose of the store is no longer mainly about acquiring products, then what are they there for? They're there for service that is, they're going to need to be there for service if they want to survive. Do you agree with the author's premise that, considering future possibilities for the store, "the role of the employee promises to be the most disruptive change of all"? Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16838/who-should-lead-lululemon-next Few retail CEO exits are covered by Matt Lauer, but Christine Day's decision last week to step down from Lululemon for "personal reasons" rated a spot as a topic on last Thursday's Today Show. How big a blow is Christine Day's pending exit from Lululemon? Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16837/should-merchants-share-space-to-cut-costs-and-build-sales It isn't a new idea, but many retailers think it's a good one. In order to attract more customers, retailers are sharing space with complementary businesses. Do you see sharing locations as more beneficial from a cost savings standpoint and as a way for retailers to attract additional customers? Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16836/why-arent-online-retailers-more-concerned-about-security Online shopper loyalty is typically built on convenience, free shipping and good prices, but if credit card information is stolen or e-mail hacked due to poor security practices, all the other stuff goes for naught. What are the most urgent privacy and security issues facing online retailers today? Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16835/will-best-buy-see-big-returns-from-overhauling-its-stores-and-website Best Buy needs fixing and, to its management's credit, that's what the company is attempting to do. Two recently reported cases in point: remaking its personal computer department and overhauling bestbuy.com. What do you think of the most recent moves made by Best Buy? Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16834/how-important-is-being-cute-to-retail-success While marketers of all stripes have long obsessed on what it takes to be "cool," maybe being "cute" is even more important at least to the female gender. Why is "cute" used so often by women to describe a wide range of items? Do you agree with the study's researchers on its "comfort" connotations? Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16833/rsr-research-supply-chain-is-alive-and-kicking-and-taking-aim-at-merchandising If there was any part of the supply chain that one could assume is "done," it would be warehouse design. So why did a presentation on the current state of warehouse design draw a standing-room only crowd? Because omni-channel changes everything. Where should retailers invest to make the most of omni-channel inventory? Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16832/will-wild-oats-rise-again If the reports are true, the Wild Oats banner will soon be back and flying over stores that currently carry the Fresh & Easy name. What do you think of Ron Burkle buying Fresh & Easy and then converting the business to Wild Oats? Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16831/what-does-md-love-mean-for-future-success-of-in-store-clinics The negative reaction in-store clinics received from doctors when the concept first rolled out may be changing as the number of in-store clinics appears set to double by 2015. Do you see clinics taking off as predicted with the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act? Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16830/retail-customer-experience-should-retailers-replace-the-4-ps-with-the-4-cs Successful retailers are quickly finding that this has become an environment where omni-channel is the new normal. In this consumer-centric world, virtual shelf will be as important as physical shelf. Do you agree that the 4 Ps of marketing are becoming less relevant in an omni-channel world? Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16829/how-can-retailers-more-effectively-use-e-mail-to-drive-holiday-sales E-mailing shoppers during the fourth quarter holiday season may not be the sexiest way to boost sales, but according to a presentation at last week's Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition, it can be very productive. For fourth quarter events, what advice would you give retailers seeking to increase sales via their e-mail promotions? Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16828/will-more-full-timers-give-cumberland-farms-a-competitive-edge While some large retail chains plan to reduce workers' hours to avoid covering them under the "Pay or Play" provision in the Affordable Care Act, Cumberland Farms, a 600-store convenience store chain in the eastern U.S. and Florida, is taking a completely different approach. What do you think of Cumberland Farms' decision to move a greater percentage of its workforce to full-time status? Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16827/whats-behind-high-shopper-satisfaction-rates-for-e-commerce-sites According to a study commissioned by UPS, 70 percent of more than 3,000 online shoppers surveyed in February indicated they prefer to shop their favorite retailer online. What lessons should brick 'n mortar operations draw from the quality of the online shopping experience? Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:25:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16826/how-will-retail-look-in-a-warby-parker-future The story of Warby Parker, an eyeglass brand/retailer is so "out of the box" that it makes you wonder about the future of long established chain retailers, and some brands as well. Could the Warby Parker model work in other categories? Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:25:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16825/why-do-millionaires-prefer-to-shop-at-walmart-in-canada Over the years, Walmart has attempted but failed to attract a more upscale audience in the U.S. That issue does not appear to have dogged Walmart in Canada. What is it about Walmart, the Canadian retail market and/or affluent consumers in that country that attracts millionaire households? Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:25:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16824/braintrust-query-in-the-loyalty-marketing-world-time-is-treasure As the saying goes, people have three principle assets to contribute to an organization or cause, their "time, talent, and treasure." Too often, the "treasure" simply equates to "my money." Do you believe that time-saving rewards can replace monetary ones? Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16823/should-social-tools-be-allowed-in-the-workplace Nearly half of employees report that social tools at work help increase their productivity, but more than 30 percent of companies often restrict their use, according to a new Microsoft Research study. Should social tools in the workplace be encouraged or discouraged? Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16822/should-retails-selling-floors-encourage-english-only Whole Foods Market last week indicated it was reviewing its employee language policy after two of its Spanish-speaking workers in New Mexico said they were suspended for complaining about it. What type of restrictions, if any, should retailers have over store associates speaking foreign languages? Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16821/has-penney-made-another-pricing-blunder Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. J.C. Penney, which drove customers out of its stores by eliminating sales under previous CEO Ron Johnson, may have found another way to keep shoppers away. What effect, if any, will the latest news reports on Penney's pricing practices have on its sales performance? Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16820/marketingcharts-retailers-facebook-updates-arent-being-ignored-by-online-shoppers A study of online shoppers by UPS and comScore reveals that the vast majority of those who have "liked" a retailer on Facebook pay either a little attention to its updates, or a lot of attention. Are Facebook "likes" a value to retailers and brands? Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16819/will-fear-of-amazon-cause-many-others-to-pursue-online-grocery Engaging in me-too behavior is often unwise, yet mimicry is often the name of the game in retailing. Will the expansion of AmazonFresh lead other food retailers to expand current online grocery programs or to launch new ones? Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16818/compete-blog-how-well-do-merchants-understand-consumers-digital-paths-to-purchase A study from GroupMNext and Compete exploring what role digital media plays in the path to purchase has identified six distinct segments of online consumers. Do you agree with the conclusions the study authors drew from their research? Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16817/will-whole-foods-be-a-hit-in-motown Whole Foods is looking to put its conscious capitalism to the test with the opening of stores in underserved areas. But nowhere has more attention been paid to Whole Foods' social/commercial experiment than in Detroit. What does opening in Detroit imply for the future of Whole Foods? Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16816/has-america-become-a-self-serve-nation When consumers tell store associates they don't need any help, they mean it. According to new research by Cisco, consumers prefer doing it themselves when it comes to buying at retail. Do you believe that a significant percentage of Americans are ready to shop in fully automated retail environments? Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16815/are-pop-ups-a-permanent-fixture-in-retailing A rash of pop-up stores have opened in recent years to fill in the darkened spaces that were created during the recent recession. But many market observers don't see the trend going away, even in better times. Are pop-up stores here to stay at retail or a side-effect of economic times? Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16814/will-l-a-love-amazonfresh It appears as though all the predictions that AmazonFresh will expand beyond Seattle will soon be proven correct, perhaps as early as this week. Is Los Angeles the right market for AmazonFresh to begin its expansion beyond Seattle? Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16813/will-change-in-reis-return-policy-affect-its-business As the outdoors retailer has become known as "Rental Equipment Inc, REI's 100 percent satisfaction guarantee pledge has gone from having no time limits to being capped at one year. Is this something that others with generous return policies will need to do, as well? Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16812/braintrust-query-when-will-e-commerce-and-entertainment-merge The use of a second screen opens interesting possibilities in the advertising world. From an overt perspective, advertisers need to figure out how to connect their TV commercials to the Web better. How do you see the merging of TV viewing and the e-commerce reshaping advertising and retail sales? Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16811/will-starbucks-smoking-ban-affect-its-business When Starbucks revealed it was not only going smoke-free inside its stores, but 25 feet outside them as well, people both happy and unhappy with the announcement took to Starbucks' Facebook page. Do you think Starbucks' ban on smoking outside its stores is a wise move? Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16810/can-costco-continue-posting-strong-comps Costco recently reported its fiscal third quarter numbers and they were, no surprise, strong. For the latest period ending May 12, comparable club sales in the U.S. were up six percent. What do you think are the biggest reasons for Costco's continuing success? Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16809/braintrust-query-how-can-retailers-avoid-drowning-in-big-data Last week, Mark Price met with a company that had the most complete data that he'd have ever seen. The company had invested in their data infrastructure as a key asset, but they weren't making money from the data. What are the key questions that any company should be asking when attempting to leverage Big Data? Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16808/what-is-the-significance-of-a-smile According to a new study, a smile and a friendly hello is the most common reason why consumers feel loyal towards small and independent retailers, but only 54 percent of small and medium size enterprises employ this practice. Do smaller retailers have an advantage over larger chains when it comes to engendering loyalty with shoppers? Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16807/do-beauty-consultants-make-sense-for-target After a test last summer, Target is expanding its Beauty Concierge program to reach 200 Target stores this summer. To succeed, how should Target's Beauty Concierge program particularly differ from the experience offered at department stores? Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:15:01 GMT