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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is Foxtrot primed for major expansion?
Foxtrot recently secured $100 million in new funding to open 50 locations over the next two years as it seeks to “modernize the nostalgic corner store experience” with a focus…
Did M&M’s characters need a makeover?
Mars has updated M&M’s five anthropomorphized color-coded mascots that appear in marketing campaigns as a way to promote inclusivity, leading some to question whether it’s another case of “wokeness” run amuck. …
Walmart shoppers find time is well spent in new incubator store
Walmart wants to keep its customers a bit longer. The retailer announced updates to its incubator store in Springdale, AR, that are focused on engaging customers throughout the shopping journey…
Should retailers add RFID to their marketing toolbox?
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is once again being viewed as a solution for item-level inventory tracking, but its side benefits in marketing, analytics and research are also gaining attention. What’s…
Will Americans go to Lowe’s to buy dog food?
Lowe’s customers in several states will not only be able to buy products for their household projects in the chain’s stores but can now also shop for dog food and…
Retailers need to prove their sustainability cred to grow sales
Retailers in 2022 will need to prove their sustainability commitments and establish their environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials or lose business. What will be some of the biggest trade…
How will grocers react to Instacart’s expanded digital ad network?
Instacart has added a number of digital ad products on its site to give brands more opportunities to reach consumers as they shop for the groceries. How should grocers that…
Amazon Go is going big(ger) in suburban locations
Amazon.com is opening larger versions of its Amazon Go convenience store concept in the suburbs.The retail and technology giant is planning a store for Mill Creek, WA, which is located…
Will private labels help rapid delivery firms reach profitability?
Two rapid delivery start-ups, Gopuff and Buyk, have announced plans to expand into private label in moves that promise to provide a competitive point of difference and support a road…
Will social shopping even the e-commerce playing field?
A new study predicts social commerce growth will spike in the years ahead and represent a “democratizing force,” opening up opportunities online for individuals and small businesses. Do you see…
Will 2022 be the year of trading down at retail?
The cost of everyday products has risen more in the past year than the incomes of average Americans, leaving consumers searching for ways to save money on their purchases. Do…
Can Amazon reverse the flight of its tech workers?
Recent reports suggest that Amazon has a serious human resources issue on its hands as large numbers of skilled tech staff are leaving the company. Is the turnover of skilled…
NRF 2022: Grocers stay prepared for tomorrow’s new and unexpected challenges
A senior partner at McKinsey & Company started his presentation last week at the NRF Big Show with perhaps the biggest understatement of the year so far. He said that…
Why is user generated content missing from physical retail?
Online platforms, and online customer reviews have long been seen as critical to supporting consumers’ purchasing decisions. User generated content, however, can barely be found in stores. Do you see…
Are perks the secret to associate job retention at retail?
Lululemon for the second year in row was the highest-ranking retailer on Glassdoor’s annual list of the “100 Best Places To Work.” Perks were particularly called out in employee reviews…
Kohl’s receives an unsolicited buyout bid, others may follow
Kohl’s has received an unsolicited acquisition offer of $9 billion from a group led by an activist hedge fund, according to a report. There is a high likelihood that this…
Amazon says first clothing store will be a fashion and technological revelation
Amazon.com has become the biggest apparel seller in the U.S. without any stores. Now it plans to open its first clothing store this year under the Amazon Style banner. What’s…
Will airbags calm fears about driverless vehicles?
Full-sized autonomous vehicles can make pedestrians and other drivers a little nervous. One of the big startups in the autonomous grocery delivery space is trying to address that with a…
NRF 2022: Will Chinese shopping festivals migrate to the U.S.?
At a 2022 NRF Big Show session, executives from JD.com and Authentic Brands Group discussed the massive opportunity around shopping festivals in China and offered some insights into their potential…
Will Meijer’s free grocery delivery gesture be rewarded by customers?
Meijer is offering free deliveries of groceries on orders of $35 or more through Jan. 29 in an attempt to support customers who may be unable to shop at its…
NRF 2022: Nordstrom finds freedom in alternative wholesale pacts
Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer at Nordstrom, said the adoption of non-traditional types of selling partnerships helps to keep up with online’s “endless aisle.” Do you see more benefits…
