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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Do malls need to add curbside pickup service to reopen?
Malls, already struggling to drive traffic pre-COVID-19, are essentially a gathering place — but mall shopping is now an activity either prohibited, restricted or flat out perceived as too risky…
Tyson Foods chair says ‘the food supply chain is breaking’
Tyson Foods ran a full-page ad this weekend to alert Americans to a problem with the nation’s food supply chain and to explain the steps it is taking to help…
Are Target’s skyrocketing online sales retail’s new normal?
In a financial update last week, Target detailed how its online sales accelerated and in-store sales softened as the coronavirus pandemic raced across the country. What lessons might be drawn…
Can grocers help sit-down restaurants stay afloat with to-go meal programs?
Last Thursday, SpartanNash launched a “Restaurant Meals To Go” program that brings heat-and-eat meals from eight West Michigan restaurants to its store aisles. H-E-B and Rouses Markets previously introduced similar…
The politics of sick leave
Paid and unpaid sick leave policies are facing wide scrutiny amid reports of infections and deaths among retail, warehouse, factory and delivery workers. Do you see more benefits in lenient…
Is it okay to profit from a pandemic?
Fashionable masks and coronavirus-themed t-shirts. Opportunists rushing to buy essentials to sell online at exorbitant prices. Sales racked up by grocers amid the hoarding. Do companies face an ethical dilemma…
Is now the right time for retailers to actively pursue AI?
Many surveys and much of the available research shows about a 50/50 split between companies that understand how to apply artificial intelligence technology to their businesses versus those that do…
Walmart teams with social hub Nextdoor to get neighborly during tough times
Walmart announced yesterday that it is teaming up with the social media site, Nextdoor, in the launch of a new program that aims to make it easier for people across…
Should grocers close their doors to customers for safety’s sake?
It is critical that grocery stores remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, yet they are a significant vector for the transmission of the novel coronavirus, putting customers and especially staff…
Getting back to business takes on a whole new meaning in the wake of COVID-19
When stores reopen, getting back to business will be both a relief and a challenge for execs in charge of keeping stores in stock with relevant merchandise. How do you…
Do retailers need pandemic insurance — now?
Retailers are calling on Congress to pass federal legislation that would establish a national program to help businesses obtain insurance coverage for pandemics. Do retailers, restaurants and other businesses need…
Will virtual trade shows replace in-person events?
Shoptalk last week became the latest conference to roll out virtual events, as numerous in-person gatherings have been canceled or postponed due to directives to avoid unnecessary travel. Will virtual…
Of all times, why is Cub Foods now running stores around-the-clock?
Many supermarkets have reduced store hours to give associates time to restock shelves and prepare for a constant stream of customers stocking up on everyday essentials. What do you think…
Beauty brands’ pandemic-era content aims to be more than skin deep
As consumers shelter-in-place, some beauty brands have refocused their messaging to mental health and wellness topics. Do you see an opportunity for retailers and brands to use mental health, wellness…
How should stores reopen?
Starbucks’ CEO Kevin Johnson said the coffee chain plans to employ a “monitor and adapt” strategy as it reopens stores amid a decline in new COVID-19 cases. Do you think…
Shake Shack returns $10M paycheck protection loan to the government
Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer and CEO Randy Garutti say the company was eligible for a Paycheck Protection Program. What they didn’t know was how complicated applying would be and…
Does anybody remember Earth Day?
Tomorrow will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the very first Earth Day. The realities of social distancing rules and stay-at-home orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will make…
Is America’s food supply chain nearing its breaking point?
The massive strain placed on the nation’s grocery supply chain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic may be revealing some shortcomings in the system. Which current supply chain challenges…
DTC brand sales soar in a time of social distancing
By edict or by choice, Americans sheltering in place have sent e-commerce orders for CPG goods through the roof, and direct-to-consumer brands have been huge beneficiaries of the shift. Will…
Should fashion retailers mothball spring?
In fashion, mothballing is possible but traditionally considered unthinkable. Yet, with retailers likely having to mark down below cost between 70 to 80 percent of inventory across the marketplace, the…
Some customers play bait and zero tip tricks on Instacart shoppers
While much of society has come to see people who work in stores and deliver groceries as a lifeline in this time of pandemic, there are others who not only…
