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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Why are retailers falling short of their hiring goals?
The retail industry has a labor problem. Companies are looking to fill positions in stores, warehouses and field and corporate offices while dealing with an exodus of employees looking for…
How bad will product shortages get this time?
Costco plans to bring back purchase limits on toilet paper and other basic merchandise, largely due to supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures. How will the inventory challenges likely facing…
Will reducing seasonal hires pose a big risk for Target?
Target plans to reduce seasonal hires and give more hours to existing employees as it navigates a tight labor market. Do you see more benefits than risks in Target’s move…
Madewell launches a circular shopping experience with thredUP
Madewell has opened a pop-up called A Circular Store in partnership with thredUP, the fashion resale site, with a focus on re-commerce education. Does Madewell’s A Circular Store work mainly…
Is livestream grocery shopping on the way in the U.S.?
Albertsons’ e-grocery customers will soon be able to shop via video with a video platform that will place short-form shoppable videos and cooking experiences on its websites. Is a partnership…
Is retail ready to enter the metaverse?
On Wednesday, a new Fox series, “Alter Ego,” debuted that gives singers an opportunity to perform as an avatar they create in the latest example of a new concept and…
Destination XL Group proves a unique fit for customers who don’t like to shop
Destination XL Group CEO Harvey Kanter says it wasn’t that long ago that some thought the largest specialty retailer of big and tall men’s apparel was in trouble. Today, he…
Will ‘Built for Better’ put Walmart in a better light?
Walmart has launched an online shopping destination called “Built for Better” to make it easier for shoppers to identify and purchase products that are better for them and the environment. …
Are gig worker complaints a retail problem?
A new study finds that New York City’s app-based delivery workers regularly face nonpayment or underpayment, unsanitary or unsafe working conditions and the risk of violence. Do the continuing issues…
Dick’s WNBA deal continues chain’s push to win over women and girls
Dick’s Sporting Goods has been named as the Official Sporting Goods Retail Partner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) beginning in 2021. What will Dick’s deal with the WNBA…
Ron Johnson loves stores but says retail is moving to ‘commerce at home’
Ron Johnson, the former CEO of J.C. Penney who also ran Apple’s retail business and was VP of merchandising at Target, thinks the retail industry is moving towards a major…
What’s the best way to reap the benefits of consultants?
The reason companies often fail to fully benefit from the retention of consultants may be due to oversimplification or underestimation of what it takes to create results, and treating consultants…
Who protects store associates when shoppers lash out?
Disturbing stories about customers confronting retail employees, sometimes violently, have been unfortunately growing in frequency in the U.S. for a number of years, especially since the beginning of the pandemic…
Where are the weak points in in-store fulfillment?
A new McKinsey study finds retailers can significantly benefit from using their stores for online fulfillment or pickup. However, it also comes with challenges. Where do you see the biggest…
Buybuy Baby creates digital platform to help parents raise healthy and happy babies
Bed Bath & Beyond’s buybuy Baby chain announced yesterday an expansion of resources available to parents to help them navigate their way through their own individual journeys. Will buybuy Baby…
What’s Kroger doing most right?
At this week’s GroceryShop trade event in Last Vegas, Kroger chairman & CEO Rodney McMullen took the opportunity to enumerate a series of initiatives his company has pursued in the…
Will overstocking get retailers through the holidays?
Big box retailers are pulling forward orders earlier than normal and aggressively investing in core items as supply chain bottlenecks threaten to lead to empty shelves over the holiday season…
Will Taco Bell lovers sign up for a taco a day?
Taco Bell is testing a one-month subscription program, Taco Lovers Pass, offering one taco per day. Do you think a daily taco subscription program will be attractive to Taco Bell’s…
IKEA’s first-ever festival provides tours of homes from around the world
IKEA last Thursday hosted its first-ever IKEA Festival, providing tours of the homes of artists, interior designers, DJs, chefs and regular customers around the world for 24 hours. What do…
Will Macy’s be thankful it brought back its parade this year?
The Macy’s 2020 Thanksgiving Day Parade was scaled down significantly. This year New York City is preparing for the return of the event and a crowd of spectators to watch…
Retailers don’t have to choose between profitability and customer satisfaction
At the height of the COVID pandemic, retail profitability took a back seat to meeting customer demand by whatever means necessary. What will it take for retailers to return to…
