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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Should workers accept pay cuts in exchange for working remotely?
A recent survey of 600 U.S. adults found 66 percent willing to take a pay cut for the flexibility of working remotely. To what degree varied, however. What are your…
Is retail’s contactless future here now?
Germs are top-of-mind worldwide thanks to the novel coronavirus pandemic and many are looking to limit physical contact, a major factor speeding adoption of contactless technologies. Do you see contactless…
How murky has COVID-19 made retail data?
COVID-19 has made past purchasing data less relevant, impacting everything from loyalty program strategies to AI-driven product recommendations, personalized emails and merchandising decisions. What challenges have sudden behavior changes caused…
The Queer Eye for the Walmart guy
There’s good news for fans of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” reality show who also love low everyday prices. Walmart has just announced the debut of an exclusive home furnishings line inspired…
Is a federal $15 minimum wage virtually a done deal?
While a generous labor pool typically favors employers, a new appreciation for the work done by frontline associates may bring about wage changes long championed by worker advocates. If that…
Are subscriptions a winning strategy to get through the pandemic?
While some retail models and segments have run into significant difficulties withstanding the pandemic and demands of social distancing, subscription services seem to be thriving. Should CPGs and retailers who…
Did Amazon just put its Go technology in a shopping cart?
Amazon.com is rolling out a new smart shopping cart that will eliminate the need for customers to stop at registers in order to check out of a store. Do you…
Nike debuts member-driven concept
Nike last week launched a new store concept — Nike Rise — in China that promises a curated “1-to-1, personalized shopping experience that connects consumers to sport, their communities and…
What will retail’s back-to-school season look like this year?
The prospects for back-to-school — retail’s second largest sales event annually — have been rendered obscure due to COVID-19 as the selling season greatly depends on how kids will begin…
Bed Bath & Beyond banks on private brands
When Mark Tritton left Target to take over as CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond last November, he set immediate priorities to improve the omnichannel experience, aligning assets with cost…
Will battery power energize retailing performance?
We live in a nanosecond world where batteries have fueled shopper expectations for mobility, immediacy, flexibility, transparency and sustainability along the entire shopping journey and much is facilitated by a…
Will Boomers and Gen X keep shopping online post-pandemic?
Older consumers, forced to shop online in response to COVID-19, are expected to drive e-commerce growth in the short- to medium-term, predicts a new study. What’s the likelihood that the…
Starbucks becomes latest retailer to make masks mandatory
Starbucks last week joined a small group of multi-state retailers that are requiring customers to wear masks for entry across all locations. Will Starbucks’ move to make masks mandatory for…
Is Uber/Postmates a bigger deal for restaurant or grocery delivery?
Uber’s move to acquire Postmates is predicted to help the company grab market share in restaurant delivery and significantly expand its capacity to deliver groceries and other staples. Is Uber’s…
Retailers need way more fulfillment space to keep up with booming online sales
Retailers will need an additional one billion square feet of industrial real estate by 2025 as the need for warehouse space grows along with online sales, according to a new…
Is consumer arrogance driving word-of-mouth recommendations?
A new study from Michigan State University finds consumer arrogance often drives word-of-mouth and suggests that marketers may be able to leverage this “bragging” tendency. What do you think of…
Can a socially distanced event launch a sneakerhead hub?
On July 9, international streetwear and sneaker retailer SNIPES added its first stateside experiential flagship, launched in a city with both sneakerheads and multiple other experiential footwear flagships. Is now…
Will doctors prove a cure-all for Walgreens competitive ills?
The doctor is in at Walgreens. The pharmacy chain announced yesterday that it has reached an agreement with VillageMD to locate between 500 and 700 primary care doctor’s offices in…
How blemished are beauty retailers by COVID-19?
Beauty sellers are facing a double-whammy from COVID-19. Make-up has become unsafe to try on in stores and less necessary as many women shelter at home. Are the difficulties of…
Dunkin’ retreats from gas stations
Dunkin’ is pulling away from being an add-on experience for people buying gas as it continues to redirect its focus towards its standalone “next-gen” stores. Is it wise for Dunkin’…
Will Walmart’s best shoppers ditch Amazon Prime for Walmart+?
More than half of Walmart’s top customers have Amazon Prime memberships. Walmart wants them all to itself as it prepares to officially launch Walmart+. How important is it for Walmart’s…
