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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Chipotle’s expansion plans include adding ‘digital-only’ restaurants to its menu
Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced plans to open its first “digital-only restaurant.” Do you think digital-only restaurants are a viable option, beyond the pandemic, for operators to expand into areas…
Do affiliate links undermine the marketing value of holiday gift guides?
Holiday gift guides have arrived from numerous publications and sites promising curated collections of tasteful gift offerings. They also include commission-driven, affiliated links. Do you consider commission-driven affiliate marketing programs…
Target reopens looted store as a symbol of its pledge to do better for Black communities
A Target store near its Minneapolis headquarters gained national attention in May when it was looted. Now, the retailer is reopening the store with the goal of doing better by…
Will Amazon’s Dash Smart Shelf drive auto-replenishment from SMBs and consumers?
Amazon.com, after retiring the Dash Button last year, has introduced a replacement, Dash Smart Shelf, that promises to shake up the office supplies space and bring auto-replenishment to households. Does…
Is it the right time to open an experiential, socially-distanced toy store?
COVID-19 has made it difficult for people of all ages to socialize safely, including children. A new retailer in Brooklyn is trying to give kids a safe, socially-distanced experience while…
Dick’s and Etsy’s Christmas spots deal with COVID-19 realities in different ways
The two 30-second commercials being presented today are quite clear in their messaging about addressing the realities associated with the pandemic. Which does a better job of connecting with each…
What makes a great retail store manager?
A great retail store manager develops teams, continually inspires and elevates morale. The job has become increasingly tech-savvy. Having the right attitude and being open to feedback, however, is a…
Will self-driving, electric vehicles power Walmart’s contactless delivery future?
When Walmart’s customers in Scottsdale, AZ place their home delivery orders early next year, they may find their groceries arriving in a self-driving electric car. Are retailers and their technology…
Will Ulta shops turn Target into a beauty destination?
Target and Ulta Beauty have announced a strategic partnership that will result in the launch of a “shop-in-shop” concept — Ulta Beauty at Target — that the two retailers believe…
Are grocers downplaying curbside pickup at their own expense?
A university study finds grocers overly relying on in-store pickup as a quick, low-cost roll-out during the pandemic. As a result, many are not maximizing opportunities from providing curbside and…
Moms will decide how much holiday cheer retailers enjoy this year
Retail sales expectations for Christmas are hopeful, but in the end, it may come down to how moms with kids are feeling about their financial situations when the books are…
What will President Joe Biden mean for retail?
Joe Biden hopes aggressive spending will revive a pandemic-battered economy and offset any negative impacts from new taxes and regulations. Much depends, however, on which side controls the Senate. What…
Should Trader Joe’s have gone public with COVID-19 rates?
Last week, Trader Joe’s announced that 1,250, or 2.4 percent, of its 53,000 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past eight months. Was Trader Joe’s decision to reveal…
AI poses a leadership test for business
The increasing attention being paid to artificial intelligence (AI) raises questions about its integration with social sciences and humanity, according to a business school professor. What adjustments may retail leadership…
Will store certifications make customers feel safer?
With stores open but COVID-19 concerns remaining, customers are seeking assurance that retailers are taking safety seriously. An industry group hopes to give them that assurance with a new certification…
Under Armour does a Nike me-too and expects success
Under Armour has announced that it plans to cull “undifferentiated retail partners” from its distributor list to focus more on its own consumer-direct digital initiatives. Do you think Under Armour…
Can virtual working move beyond clumsy Zoom calls?
Caught Zoom fatigue yet? New research predicts advanced technologies and 5G will add options for a full range of sensorial experiences to help companies reimagine the virtual working experience. Do…
Did Gap just learn that no good tweet goes unpunished?
The marketers at the Gap released a Twitter post of a hoodie, half blue and half red, that was not of an actual item for sale, but just imagery to…
Stop & Shop goes back to the future with nostalgic brands
Stop & Shop has launched a special section on its website spotlighting a curated selection of food items harking back to the 1990s. Do you see a bigger opportunity for…
Is it time for mainstream retail to get into the legal weed business?
Many politicians across the U.S. no longer see the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational issues as a red or blue issue. The only color they see is green. …
Grocery workers continue to be at a high risk from COVID-19
Grocery shopping has settled into a rhythm since the tumultuous early days of the novel coronavirus pandemic, but a new study shows that a significant risk remains for employees. Do…
