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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
The Chipotle/e.l.f. collab has made guac eye shadow a thing
e.l.f. Cosmetics and Chipotle have collaborated on a limited-edition makeup collection inspired by ingredients used by the Mexican fast-food chain. What’s driving the appeal of the limited-release collaboration between e.l.f…
Live from TikTok, it’s Walmart!
Walmart’s interest in TikTok continues. The retailer worked with the video platform in December and the test went well enough that it has planned a return performance to host an…
Will shoppers get their nails done at Hy-Vee?
Hy-Vee has announced a partnership with The W Nail Bar to open several nail salons in select stores by the end of 2021. What other services may work within grocery…
Target begs your indulgence with its new store brand
Target this week released news that it will introduce a new wide-ranging snack products store brand that appeals to American’s desire to get a little decadent and self indulge. How…
What will the post-pandemic growth slowdown do to grocers?
After scrambling for months to meet unprecedented demand, grocers are facing new challenges as vaccines roll out and consumers return to normal spending patterns. Do you see a rocky path…
Will Bed Bath & Beyond’s store brand overhaul elevate the chain’s fortunes?
Mark Tritton, CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, is looking to remake the retailer with the same approach that has enabled his former employer, Target, to achieve record-setting results in…
IoT could be the key to ending food spoilage in grocery stores
Connected devices are emerging as a new way for grocers to reduce losses due to food spoilage and energy waste and some of the biggest in the business are already…
Does Saks.com make sense as a separate business?
Hudson’s Bay Co. (HBC) is spinning off Saks Fifth Avenue’s online operations as a separate business in large part to take advantage of lofty valuations being fetched by fashion luxury…
Wholesale curtailed. Is retail’s favorite model faltering?
The wholesale model has been driving retail for decades. Today, a mini-movement is underway, as brands like Nike and Under Armour announce pullbacks on wholesale relationships. Is the wholesale model…
Burlington Stores thinks small to grow larger
Burlington Stores has doubled its long-term goal for potential stores to 2,000 from 1,000 due to increasing confidence in a small store prototype, at 25,000 square feet. What do you…
Will Walmart make a sizable impact with its latest ‘Made in USA’ commitments?
Walmart has announced that it plans to invest an additional $350 billion over the next 10 years to source products made, assembled or grown in the U.S. Is Walmart leading…
Will Tonal shops help Nordstrom strengthen its fitness cred?
Nordstrom released news earlier this week that it has struck a deal with Tonal, the smart home gym and personal trainer device and service, to open 40 of the fitness…
Regional retail chains have the highest rated loyalty programs
The loyalty programs that are rated highest by customers are not necessarily those of the most well-known retailers, a recent nationwide survey shows. Why do you think some of the…
Is Texas messing with retailers?
Many retailers found themselves facing a dilemma this week after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas was lifting its mask mandate in the state. Are governors that lift face mask…
Are CTOs finally getting the respect they deserve?
Thirty-seven percent of CEOs identified the CTO/CIO role as among those responsible for the most crucial functions over the next two to three years, the highest-ever spot in the “2021…
EQ is the special ingredient to feed entrepreneurial success
New research found that IQ is unquestionably the better predictor of job performance and career success, but when it comes to entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence was found to be the stronger…
Will a third-party marketplace step up and give Amazon a run for its money?
A new survey of over 1,000 U.S. brands finds online marketplaces to be their strongest growth opportunity, although some are looking for options beyond Amazon.com. How much of an uphill…
Target CEO says record-setting 2020 was no ‘fluke’
Shares of Target fell yesterday after the retailer chose not to release guidance on the upcoming fiscal year due to the complexity of forecasting in the age of COVID-19. What…
Will seniors trust CVS to keep them safe with in-home IoT?
CVS recently announced the rollout of a medical alert system to meet senior customers’ healthcare needs in their homes. Do you think CVS and other retail pharmacies will succeed with…
Is off-mall where it’s at?
Sephora and Bath & Body Works have announced plans to aggressively open off-mall locations in 2021. The moves come as traffic woes impact enclosed malls and strip malls, lifestyle centers…
Macy’s leadership changes focus on digital ops and supply chain
Macy’s, Inc. announced yesterday that its chief operating officer, John Harper, will be leaving the retailer on Aug. 1 and that the position will not be refilled. What do you…
