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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Which Tech Will Solve In-Store Inventory Woes?
Three major tech lineups are looking to solve retail inventory problems. Which is most suited?
Will Ford’s New Retail Experience Deliver Results?
Ford is revamping its global dealership model, in terms of physical space and other aspects. Will this rebrand drive meaningful spend?
Will Target’s Rebalancing Act Solve its ‘Sloppier’ Stores Problem?
Target is making an operational move to take fulfillment duties away from certain stores. Will this have an impact on improving store standards?
Have Retail Loyalty Programs Moved Beyond Discounts?
Loyalty programs are evolving. Are discounts still the top motivator for shoppers?
Could Whole Foods’ Micro-Fulfillment Plan Dilute its Brand?
Despite clear efforts to differentiate the front and back-of-house operations, Whole Foods is still expanding its assortment beyond its core offering. Will this work as well as anticipated?
Does Walmart Need Two Black Friday Events?
Walmart is holding two “Black Friday Deal” events this year for the first time, in addition to its Cyber Monday events plans. The events include: Walmart+ members gain early access…
Will Black Friday 2025 Reveal Any New Trends to Retailers?
Black Friday and other early holiday sales events, like Cyber Monday, could be a bit different this year. Will survey data hold?
Should In-Store Robots Resemble Humans?
The idea of robots working in service and retail roles isn’t a new one, but it is an emerging reality. Will it work?
Should Walmart Continue its Physical Home Catalog Experiment?
Walmart has tested the waters in a return to direct-mailed physical product catalogs. Should it continue with this experiment next season?
How Can Brands Avoid ‘Woke’ Accusations in Supporting Social Causes?
Many companies, including Target and others, have been accused of being ‘woke.’ How can brands avoid this characterization, or should they?
Will Saks’ Top Seller Program Empower Sales Associates?
Saks’ new top seller program seeks to empower sales associates. Will this approach pay dividends?
Is Bentonville the New Retail Innovation Capital? A Conversation with Are Traasdahl, Founder of Crisp
Could Bentonville be the new retail innovation capital? Are Traasdalh says “yes.”
Has Refundly Solved Online Return Refund Transparency?
Refundly is making a claim to simplify your online returns. Has it solved a pressing problem or not?
Is JCPenney Wise To Center Frugality This Holiday Season?
JCPenney is firmly zeroed in on advancing value proposition as central to its holiday ad campaign. Will this pay off?
Will Rationalizing its Corporate Workforce Quicken Target’s Recovery?
Target is slashing corporate jobs and declining to fill previously open positions. What are the motives and will the move play out as expected?
Are Commissaries an Up-and-Coming C-Store Secret Weapon?
Some c-stores are investing in sprawling commissaries to enhance their food service game. Should more convenience store chains follow suit?
Should Bealls Accept Crypto for Payment?
Bealls has signaled it will begin accepting crypto payments. Is this a well-considered play?
Stop Blaming Traffic: Retail’s Real Problem Is Conversion
How important is conversion to a retailer’s bottom line?
What Skills Do Today’s Retail CEOs Absolutely Require?
Retail CEOs are experiencing extremely high rates of churn. What skills do they need to keep them in the c-suite?
Are Trader Joe’s Private Label Names Too Whimsical?
Trader Joe’s on a recent podcast explored how it comes up with many of the playful names of its private label products. Hosts Tara Miller, the grocer’s president of marketing,…
How Can Restaurants Bring Diners Back to the Table?
A recent YouGov survey indicated that U.S. diners were wary of dining out as often, citing price concerns. What can restaurants do to change this perception?
