Retail news discussions and analysis. en-us http://www.retailwire.com Copyright 2012, 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/16039/pizza-promotion-creates-controversy-controversia Saying "please" is understood as a basic courtesy when asking for something in the U.S., but evidently using the Spanish equivalent, "por favor," is enough to bring condemnation and even threats of physical violence. Is Pizza Patr n guilty of a discriminatory or racist campaign as some suggest? Thu, 24 May 2012 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16038/fd-buyer-training-for-profit Training is very important for all departments in a grocery store but many efforts fall short. For example, dairy and frozen sales are more than 16 percent of total store sales and net profits are more than 20 percent. But in most cases they don't have a department manager. What general guidelines would you suggest for training grocery department managers? Thu, 24 May 2012 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16037/walmart-express-turns-a-quick-profit In a poll taken last week on RetailWire, 65 percent thought Walmart's decision to go slow with its small store formats is a good idea. But it seems curious the chain is not going after the small store opportunity more aggressively since Walmart Express stores are already making money. How do you think Walmart has achieved profitability so quickly with the Walmart Express concept? Thu, 24 May 2012 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16036/braintrust-query-is-there-a-grocer-of-the-future We in the supermarket business always seem to have had a fixation with what our stores will look like in the future. Like all things that require only an opinion, there are many visions and views about this topic. What's your grocer of the future look like? Wed, 23 May 2012 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16035/tesco-ceo-turns-down-bonus You would think on the heels of Tesco's decision to cut performance bonuses for its store managers, there really wasn't anything else the chain's CEO could do but turn down his own. Do you agree with Tesco CEO Philip Clarke's decision to turn down his annual bonus? Wed, 23 May 2012 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16034/cpgmatters-occasion-based-marketing-triggers-coca-colas-solutions Shopping occasions and trip missions to the grocery store took on greater meaning for Coca-Cola Co. after the beverages giant uncovered research showing that six of ten trips are occasion-based with shoppers looking for solutions. What are the best ways for supermarkets to reach customers during occasion-and-trip-based shopping missions? Wed, 23 May 2012 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16031/drive-throughs-drive-sales-in-unusual-places In the past, if you thought of drive-throughs, you probably envisioned fast-food operators and banks. Now, other drive-through images might arise including those located at drugstores, convenience stores, and fast casual restaurants. In which retail channel, outside of fast food, do you see the greatest opportunity for drive-throughs? Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16032/c-wonders-wonderful-dressing-rooms While C. Wonder, a newer luxury concept, includes many dazzling features, the most surprising to some reviewers is its deluxe take on the dressing room. What do you find most impressive about C. Wonder's dressing rooms? Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16033/consumers-experiencing-private-label-fatigue New research suggests that many consumers are buying private label because they feel as though they "have to" rather than "want to" buy store brands. But other studies suggest that consumers may move back to brands when their personal finances allow. Will consumers move away from private label and towards national brands as they feel better about their own financial situations? Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16030/braintrust-query-clicks-to-bricks E-commerce is clearly still in its infancy as a volume-driving "channel," but the establishment of digital flagships, often in lieu of physical ones, is driving a host of additional benefits for retailers. How will the emergence of digital flagships and store-less markets change the retail landscape? Mon, 21 May 2012 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16029/facebooks-two-way-conversations While Facebook certainly found its share of critics on its way to its whopping $104 billion valuation in its IPO last week, Fred Leach, who heads up the social network's Partner Measurement Group, vows that brands shouldn't doubt its marketing reach. Are you more or less optimistic today about the potential of retailers and brands to connect with consumers through Facebook than in the past? Mon, 21 May 2012 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16028/american-eagle-getting-out-of-kids-business When American Eagle Outfitters launched its 77kids business in 2008, it was determined to take it slow and test the brand's appeal online first. By 2010, the first of 22 stores were opened. By the end of last year, however, 77kids had lost $24 million on sales of $40 million. Should traditional brick and mortar retailers see online success as reason enough to open stores? Mon, 21 May 2012 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16027/walmart-goes-slow-on-small-formats Does being first or fast count when you're Walmart? A Wall Street Journal article earlier this week questioned whether the retailer would achieve the results analysts are looking for with its new Walmart Express small store initiative, based on the relatively slow pace it was opening units. Do you think Walmart needs to be more aggressive opening small stores? Fri, 18 May 2012 13:35:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16026/tesco-managers-brooding-over-teeny-bonuses Senior store managers at Tesco are said to be "outraged" after hearing that their annual bonuses had been slashed by more than 80 percent following a rare down year for the U.K. retail giant. What do you see as the pros and cons of performance-based bonuses? Fri, 18 May 2012 13:35:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16025/foodies-go-all-googamooga-over-festival Promising to convert Brooklyn's Prospect Park into "an amusement park of food and drink," the first-ever GoogaMooga festival takes place this weekend, with food vendors, brewers, winemakers and celebrity chefs taking over the meadow in the center of the park. Will Millennials be even bigger foodies than their Baby Boomer parents? What factors do you think are supporting the culinary push at music festivals? Fri, 18 May 2012 13:35:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16024/fair-and-square-penneys-stock-plunges It's fair to say that when J.C. Penney announced last year that it had hired former Apple and Target wunderkind Ron Johnson as chief executive, the reviews were almost universally positive. However, there were many who voiced skepticism about his ability to get the job done. Are you more or less optimistic today about Ron Johnson's plan to turn J.C. Penney around than you were at the beginning of the year? Thu, 17 May 2012 13:25:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16023/rsr-research-jobs-vs-careers-in-retail In a typical RSR "Selling Technology Value to Retailers" (STV) session, we can have 25 technology sales representatives in a room. We'll start the session with round-the-table introductions and the two questions we ask are, "Have you ever worked for a retailer?" and "Why did you leave?" How does IT talent in the retail industry compare to other industries? Thu, 17 May 2012 13:25:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16022/birth-rates-point-to-very-different-future-for-america For the first time since the founding of the nation, the majority of babies being born in the U.S. are not of European descent. According to the Census Bureau, 50.4 percent of babies born between July 2010 and 2011 were of ancestries classified as minorities. How will the changing face of America shape the business of retailing in the years to come? Thu, 17 May 2012 13:25:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16021/coupons-get-personal-with-check-in-service Foursquare, the popular check-in app service, will soon offer personalized coupons. Starting in July along with an update of the app, Foursquare will let merchants pay for special placement of personalized local offers. What do you think of the prospect of personalized coupons tied to mobile check-ins? Wed, 16 May 2012 13:25:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16020/macys-stores-counter-amazons-logistics-edge Macy's Inc. is doing a lot right these days. Same-store and online sales were all up in the first quarter of 2012 versus last year. The company has acknowledged that online is vital to its success and has made substantial efforts to integrate that part of its business with its traditional brick and mortar operations. Will the use of store locations to fulfill online orders close any perceived customer service gap between brick and mortar retailers? Wed, 16 May 2012 13:25:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16019/latest-fashions-hit-the-streets-in-trucks In the past couple of years, food trucks have become all the rage in foodservice circles as they have helped expand the notion of what can be achieved in the fast/quick service arenas. Now there are some independent merchants who think the concept will work peddling clothing and accessories. What do you think about the mobile boutique opportunity for clothing? Wed, 16 May 2012 13:25:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16018/a-tweet-too-far-cfo-loses-job Francesca's Holdings, which operates over 280 women's wear and accessories boutiques in 41 states, announced that it had terminated the employment of the company's chief financial officer Gene Morphis after becoming aware he had "improperly communicated company information through social media" sites. Should all companies have a formal social media policy in place for employees? Tue, 15 May 2012 13:30:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16017/retail-customer-experience-using-associates-to-reduce-self-checkout-theft While video analytics and other technologies may be the ultimate answer to reducing theft at self-checkouts, staffing the areas and training promise a quicker path to stem any losses. What role should associates play in reducing theft at self-checkouts? Tue, 15 May 2012 13:30:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16016/in-store-clinics-good-for-what-ails-chains Many doctors and the organizations that represent them are still not happy about clinics located in retail stores, but that hasn't had much effect in stopping the growth of the health services outlets in locations across the U.S. Do you expect the pace of in-store clinic openings to increase, decrease or remain the same between now and 2014? Tue, 15 May 2012 13:30:00 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16015/penney-eliminates-commissions In its ongoing effort to reinvent the traditional department store model, J.C. Penney is eliminating commission sales for groups of sales associates. Do you agree that non-commissioned hourly associates are better "motivated by meeting the needs" of customers than those paid commissions? Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16014/braintrust-query-of-habit-and-target The New York Times Magazine made people nervous with its February 19th cover story by author Charles Duhigg. Its chilling headline, "How Companies Learn Your Secrets," seems to have compelled readership as a matter of personal protection. Is the power of habit underrated by marketers? Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16013/local-manufacturing-gets-spotlight-in-san-francisco The local movement has perhaps not so surprisingly gone extreme in San Francisco. Last week, the city held a second-annual week-long celebration of local manufacturers. What's the likelihood that locally-made movements will become more prevalent across the U.S. in the years ahead? Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16012/braintrust-query-when-a-customer-freaks-out While waiting for a flight, BrainTrust panelist Doug Fleener watched a very stressed passenger freak out on an airline representative. The passenger's behavior was embarrassing and completely unacceptable, and he observed how the agent handled it. What are some obvious and less obvious ways for retailer staffs to handle extremely irate customers? Fri, 11 May 2012 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16011/associate-inclusion-can-make-a-big-difference-for-retailers Until now, diversity training has revolved around gender, race, creed, ethnicity, etc., generally focusing on what not to do. Just as important, according to Rich Brandt of the RDR Group, who presented a session on this subject at the recent FMI (Food Marketing Institute) 2012 convention, is creating an environment of inclusion. What are best practices for getting employees of different backgrounds to work together for the good of the company? Fri, 11 May 2012 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16010/bed-bath-and-food By all accounts, Bed Bath & Beyond's $495 million deal to acquire Cost Plus will create a match made in heaven. The two companies have engaged in a successful test of specialty food departments in BB&B stores. What is your reaction to the Bed Bath & Beyond acquisition of Cost Plus? Fri, 11 May 2012 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16009/braintrust-query-an-open-letter-to-millennials Surveying a recent study of Millennials by The Boston Consulting Group, we can say that the younger generation now outnumbers Boomers, and that they are "Engaged," Optimistic" and "Charitable." What's missing from current research around Millennials, particularly around how they want brands to communicate with them? Thu, 10 May 2012 13:20:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16008/managers-overestimating-staffs-love If you're a manager, you may have great ideas and a good opinion of the ways in which you communicate them to staff. If you're one of those staff members, your opinion may differ slightly, or so says a study conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Are U.S. store managers likewise delusional about their working relationship with staff? Thu, 10 May 2012 13:20:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16007/amazon-making-moves-to-rule-fashion-world Strike the Amazon pose. Jeff Bezos and company is getting ready to rock and rule the upscale fashion world. According to a report from The New York Times, Amazon.com is doing what it always does when it wants to become a driving force in any category "go big and spare no expense." How big a player do you think Amazon will become in the high-end fashion category? Thu, 10 May 2012 13:20:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16006/braintrust-query-will-tablets-usher-in-an-era-of-dumber-retail-sales-help The ubiquity of tablets is well underway with retail being one of the industries to begin roll-outs to customer facing employees. The idea is that a more empowered salesperson will provide shoppers with better information, personalization and service. But will it? Is the promise of tablet-enabled retail employees being overhyped? Wed, 09 May 2012 13:15:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16005/target-to-debut-standalone-specialty-store The big news is that Target plans to open its first store in San Francisco this October. The smaller news is that the company also plans to debut its first standalone C9 Active Apparel branded specialty store in the city at the same time. What are your thoughts on Target opening a C9 by Champion standalone concept store in San Francisco? Wed, 09 May 2012 13:15:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16004/apple-core-to-targets-walmarts-ce-strategies Many accepted the premise that Target's test of an Apple store-within-a-store concept at 20 of the chain's locations may have played a role in the decision to drop the Kindle. Now, according to a Dow Jones Newswires report, Walmart is also testing an Apple concept at a location near the company's headquarters. What would a widespread rollout of Apple store-within-a-store concepts mean for Target and Walmart respectively? Wed, 09 May 2012 13:15:01 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16003/costco-wants-more-to-go-clubbing-online Costco is no lightweight when it comes to selling online, generating $2 billion a year in sales and being among the top 20 online merchants in the U.S. Yet that performance, while respectable, is not what the Costco organization expects of itself. How important is it for Costco to improve its online performance? Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:03 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16002/amazons-going-hollywood Building on its move in late 2010 to get into the movie production business, Amazon said last week it is soliciting ideas for comedy or kids series that can be distributed over the company's video streaming service. How important is developing original content to the success of video streaming services? Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:02 GMT http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/16001/brazilians-like-retailers-new-digital-hangers C&A has gone thoroughly modern with the addition of hangers in its stores in Brazil that feature a digital readout displaying the number of people who have "liked" a particular item on the company's Facebook page. What do you think of C&A's Fashion Like campaign? Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:01 GMT