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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
What’s J.C. Penney’s next move?
J.C. Penney entered bankruptcy proceedings with a sense of urgency, setting a deadline of July 15 to secure support from lenders on a reorganization plan or pivot to pursuit of…
Would an Uber/Grubhub merger be good for restaurant meal delivery?
Uber is reportedly in talks to acquire Grubhub in what promises to reshape the restaurant meal delivery space. Would an Uber and Grubhub merger be a positive development for restaurants…
Are Amazon’s at-cost face shields an act of goodwill or predatory behavior?
Engineers at Amazon.com’s Prime Air unit have developed face shields that will soon be made available at a very low cost to frontline healthcare workers on the e-tailing and tech…
McDonald’s publishes playbook for reopening restaurants
McDonald’s “The Dine-In Reopening Playbook,” published for franchisees and company-owned restaurant managers, describes in detail the process for welcoming customers back to eat at the chain’s more than 14,000 U.S…
How can brands support shuttered independent retailers?
Brands in the active lifestyle space have been rolling out support programs to help their independent specialty store partners weather the COVID-19 storm. What do you think of independent retailers…
Should grocers keep paying their associates like heroes?
Since the novel coronavirus pandemic began, low-paying frontline positions in grocery have been recognized by the public as some of the most indispensable and dangerous in the country. As states…
Does a Neiman Marcus and Saks hookup make sense?
Mudrick Capital Management, a hedge fund and creditor to Neiman Marcus, has sent a letter to the board asking it to explore a sale to or merger with Saks Fifth…
Pandemic stresses retail HR departments
Retail staffing has become its own version of a “Tale of Two Cities” in the age of COVID-19. Essential retailers are hiring like crazy, even as non-essential retailers are firing…
Where can robots assist in retail’s COVID-19 efforts?
Robots have been hailed for their effectiveness as contagion-proof workers in hospitals and are being seen as a potential solution for retail’s new COVID-19-related challenges. In what areas will robots…
Americans are shopping more impulsively online
Recently released research shows that many people who stay at home for extended periods of time increase the amount of money they spend on impulse purchases online. Have you seen…
Is it safer to shop at farmers’ markets than in supermarkets?
The way people grocery shop is changing — maybe temporarily, and maybe for good. One shopping trend that was experiencing pre-pandemic popularity might offer unique advantages in the era of…
What has made Walmart a shutdown star?
A massive store base, legendary supply chain capabilities and omnichannel investments have given Walmart a sizable advantage amid the pandemic and appears to position the chain for e-commerce success long…
How should retailers manage touch-but-not-buy?
The ability to have customers return merchandise, try on clothes in fitting rooms and even touch merchandise has been clouded by concerns over the transmission of COVID-19. How should retailers…
PepsiCo launches direct-to-consumer sites for its brands
PepsiCo has announced the launch of two new direct-to-consumer websites to let you order some of the company’s favorite brands online and have them shipped directly to your home. Do…
What should retailers do about social distancing renegades?
Last week, a security guard at a Family Dollar in Michigan was fatally shot after telling a customer to wear a face mask. Other high-profile incidents involving rebellion have occurred…
Neiman Marcus must survive both bankruptcy and COVID-19
Neiman Marcus’ bankruptcy filing has been directly attributed to exorbitant debt levels. Now the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt the famed luxury chain another major blow. How will COVID-19 impact the…
Is the coronavirus pandemic sparking a meal kits comeback?
Meal kits have undergone a quick resurgence during the pandemic as families under lockdown rediscover home cooking and seek to avoid supermarket runs. How should meal kit companies position their…
Gap plans move into non-apparel categories
Apparel retailers are struggling with lockdown restrictions, but those that were already struggling before have an extra tough road ahead of them — and that includes Gap Inc. Now, Gap…
How should indie retailers prepare to reopen under the now normal?
COVID-19 changed everything. We aren’t living in the new normal, we’re still deep into the now normal where things change daily and retailers need to be prepared as they reopen…
Will mall owner’s $5 billion revitalize retailers weakened by COVID-19?
It’s not exactly a Marshall Plan for retail businesses hurt by COVID-19, but Brookfield Asset Management has announced the launch of a program to provide retailers with funds they need…
Is curbside pickup just getting started?
With scores of retailers introducing curbside pickup and continuing to offer it as stores reopen, more consumers are getting accustomed to the convenience of the service overall. Has curbside pickup…
