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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Can retailers benefit from tapping employee emotions?
New research from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania finds major benefits to expressing emotions in the workplace. Is encouraging the sharing of emotions net beneficial on selling floors,…
Online grocery shopping is pretty much all about convenience
A new survey shows that convenience and not safety is now the main reason that consumers are buying groceries online. What does the consumer desire for convenience mean for grocers…
Should Banana Republic revisit its safari past?
Banana Republic is launching a new brand identity and positioning — “winking at its heritage while reinventing itself for today’s modern world.” Can Banana Republic’s original safari positioning help the…
Will Walmart’s latest test ‘pave the way for autonomous delivery’?
Walmart and Ford announced yesterday that the two companies are working together to launch an autonomous vehicle delivery service in Austin, TX, Miami and Washington, D.C. Are artificial intelligence systems…
Will the Kroger/Instacart deal redefine grocery shopping convenience in America?
Kroger and Instacart are working together to launch a new virtual nationwide convenience delivery service. Will the new Kroger Delivery Now service redefine what many Americans think of convenience when…
Rite Aid is going remote-first with its corporate workforce
Rite Aid is taking a remote-first approach when it comes to corporate associates by building a network of collaboration centers in markets where the drugstore chain operates to meet and…
Are consumers craving more warehouse and anniversary sales events?
David’s Bridal is holding its first-ever “$99 and Under Warehouse Sale” over a three-day weekend in late September at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Are you a fan of mega,…
Will Kohl’s be known for something other than its retail partners?
Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass has sought to create a unique identity for the chain since replacing Kevin Mansell in 2018. Yet just how much progress has been questioned by activist…
Will gym equipment showrooms pump up Hy-Vee’s supermarket sales?
Hy-Vee announced that it is partnering with Johnson Fitness & Wellness, the largest specialty fitness retailer in the U.S., to open in-store fitness equipment showrooms in select locations. Do fitness…
Walmart says crypto press release is a fake
Walmart has issued a statement calling a press release sent out by Globe Newswire a fake. The false press release claimed that Walmart would begin accept litecoin cryptocurrency payments for…
Is the government’s vaccination mandate plan good for retail?
The White House’s plan to require companies with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccinations or conduct weekly COVID-19 testing was applauded by many trade and business groups. Will most…
Can Kroger offset its margin headwinds?
Shares of Kroger fell nearly eight percent on Friday after the grocer reported that gross margins in the second quarter came in lower than expected due to higher food prices,…
Amazon marketplace sellers are becoming retail giants
Thrasio, the largest aggregator of third-party Amazon.com marketplace sellers, last week announced its three largest acquisitions ever and more deals in the works. Do you see the trend toward third-party…
What’s the ideal age to start a retail business?
A recent survey of more than 25,000 people, aged 18 to 40, across 35 countries found half believing their age would help their chances of success. What’s the ideal age…
Restaurant chains roll out virtual brands to reach new customer groups
Restaurants are finding unique advantages in launching “virtual brands” to draw in new groups of customers or to test out new menu items. Do virtual brands represent a good way…
Did the pandemic change digital marketing for good?
A report from Salesforce shows that nine in 10 marketing leaders believe that their digital engagement strategy has completely or somewhat changed since before the pandemic. What lessons has the pandemic taught…
Will Just Walk Out tech work for Whole Foods?
Two new Whole Foods Market stores scheduled to open next year will be set up with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to enable customers to shop without having to stop…
Will shoppers flock to or avoid stores for Halloween and Christmas?
While studies show relative improvement in shopping footfall over 2020, some data also indicate a growing hesitancy to shop in physical stores. What do you make of the data coming…
Primark picking up pace of U.S. expansion after being slowed by the pandemic
Fast-fashion retailer Primark announced last week that it will open its newest store in the U.S. in Philadelphia’s Fashion District on Sept 16. What do you think about Primark’s fast-fashion…
Higher wages can boost retailers’ bottom lines
While wage hikes amid a tight labor market are expected to contribute to higher prices for consumers, a new study finds a favorable tradeoff in higher levels of customer service…
Will Gen Z ditch Brandy Melville for wanting only pretty, thin, young, white workers?
Brandy Melville is a hot contemporary casual clothing retailer that caters to Gen Z female consumers who spend hours on TikTok and are fashion conscious. How do you expect consumers…
