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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Walmart sets its sights on becoming a top-10 ad platform
Walmart has announced an “expanded vision” for its ad business. Which components of Walmart’s advertising revamp appear to offer the highest potential for brands looking to reach consumers?
Is Hobby Lobby making a mistake (a big one) ending 40 percent off coupons?
Hobby Lobby has decided to end its use of 40 percent off coupons in its stores and its customers do not appear amused. Is there a good way for a…
Not every retailer is sold on curbside pickup
At RetailROI SuperFriday just before the NRF Big Show, a retailer roundtable hosted by Aptos discussed some of the trends that emerged in retail in 2020 and which ones appear…
Are small brands eating big food’s lunch?
New measured channel data shows that small and extra small manufacturers and private label suppliers gained market share in 2020 as a variety of factors helped accelerate trends that began…
Will vaccine reluctant Americans slow the retail comeback from COVID-19?
Getting back to some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy in the U.S. is entirely dependent on the nation’s ability to get a handle on the coronavirus. Do you think currently reluctant…
A digital first approach is essential to retail success
Given the recent past, “digital first” has become an edict. It’s how the customer thinks and, subsequently, it must also be how we think. How has the definition of being…
Is Target’s limited-edition collab with Levi’s a sign of bigger things to come?
The latest limited edition designer collection offered by Target will come from Levi Strauss & Co. The Levi’s for Target line will be made up of more than 100 home and…
Will Walmart gain an unrivaled edge by automating its local grocery fulfillment?
Walmart knows that its stores work. The chain is continually searching for ways to keep prices down and grow its market share. That’s where local fulfillment centers come in. Do…
Can Rosalind Brewer cure what is ailing Walgreens business?
Walgreens Boots Alliance has reached a deal with Rosalind Brewer to join the company as its new chief executive officer, replacing Stefano Pessina who announced last summer that he would…
NRF 2021: Fanatics’ CEO showcases benefits of vertical commerce
During a keynote session at the NRF Big Show, Doug Mack, Fanatics’ CEO, discussed how the online fan gear leader’s vertical commerce model helped the company make fast adjustments during the…
Bud is latest major brand player to punt on Super Bowl spots
What would the Super Bowl broadcast be without the Budweiser Clydesdales? Fans will get to find out as the beer brand has decided to take a pass on advertising on…
Will retail and brand CMOs play it safe in 2021?
Seventy-three percent of chief marketing officers (CMOs) will rely on existing customers to fuel growth in 2021 rather than look to develop new markets, according to a survey from Gartner…
Is a labor storm developing at retail?
Considering the ongoing struggle between management and labor unions, the question is whether nonunion frontline workers have become more disposable during the pandemic and if they will turn to collective…
Will Godiva’s stores ever come back from the pandemic?
Godiva on Friday announced plans to exit all 128 North American locations as COVID-19 has forced the company to restrict in-person experiences. Do you think Godiva is making a wise…
Conquering store associates’ selling fears is key to driving sales
The death of creativity and imagination are at the heart of low sales in retail shops around the world. Some think technology is the answer — not The Retail Doc…
Will the local food movement see a post-pandemic boost?
Surveys show consumers are eager to buy from independent retailers and restaurants faced with challenges created by the spread of COVID-19. Some of this community support may have been extended…
NRF 2021: Will Lululemon ever get tired of winning?
During the pandemic, Lululemon Athletica’s success is clear. At the virtual NRF Big Show, an exec demonstrated that success isn’t simply a matter of happenstance. Do you think Lululemon is…
NRF 2021: Saks doubles down on its ‘luxury disrupted’ strategy
Marc Metrick, president and CEO of Saks, speaking yesterday during a session at the NRF Big Show’s virtual event, said the luxury department store retailer was fairly well-positioned to handle…
NRF 2021: What did it take for consumer-direct startups to get through the pandemic?
While many businesses have added tech services due to the pandemic, two direct-to-consumer brands featured in a virtual session at the 2021 NRF Big Show doubled down on existing brand…
Do boutique hotels and housing make sense for RH?
RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, last week announced plans to invest $105 million in real estate in the ritzy mountain town of Aspen, CO. The project will result in…
Albertsons’ pilot is latest part of the plan to supercharge omnichannel ops
Albertsons wants a bigger slice of the grocery market pie and the supermarket giant sees frictionless shopping experiences as a means to achieve that goal with the novel coronavirus pandemic…
