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Will IHOP fans flip out over its new fast-casual breakfast foods concept?
IHOP has announced plans to open a new fast-casual restaurant concept called Flip’d by IHOP that features an all-day menu “inspired” by the chain’s signature items. Do you see Flip’d…
Kroger and Walgreens are in a purchasing alliance and seeking more partners
The Kroger Co. and Walgreens have formed a new group purchasing organization (GPO), Retail Procurement Alliance, which further expands joint efforts between the supermarket and drugstore powerhouses. How will the…
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: Best Buy vs. Big Lots
This week’s matchup between Best Buy and Big Lots may not provide the same level of creative storytelling as previous spots, but each features a unique take on playing to…
One of the best Christmas commercials ever cost almost nothing to make
How does a small hardware store in Wales with fewer than 3,000 subscribers on YouTube generate over 2.5 million views of its Christmas commercial? The answer is a do-it-yourself success…
Will Google take ‘going local’ to another level?
Noting that it’s seeing 350 times more search interest in “local” and “near me” than there was 10 years ago, Google recently updated its localization tools available for retailers. Do…
Will same-day delivery make for a merry Old Navy Christmas?
Old Navy needs a win. One piece of the retailer’s game plan to turn its fortunes around in the fourth quarter is same-day delivery of online orders. What do you…
Did Aviation Gin just make lemonade from Peloton’s lemons?
Actor Ryan Reynolds is a funny guy and also the owner of the Aviation Gin brand. This week, Mr. Reynolds and Aviation are in the news for not only reveling…
Chipotle asks sick employees to call the nurse
At Chipotle Mexican Grill, workers get paid to take the day off if they’re sick, but they’re often asked to check in with a nurse to validate their condition. Does…
Will female-led pop-ups add pop to Macy’s Christmas?
While department stores have increasingly reserved spaces for emerging brands, Macy’s is introducing holiday pop-ups in seven locations devoted to 12 female-led small businesses. How likely are pop-ups focused on…
Why do so many people say ‘no’ to retailer loyalty programs?
A significant number of customers are just not interested in joining loyalty programs, according to a new study, a fact that to some suggests how retailers might engage that cohort…
Canada Goose brings snow but no inventory to new concept store
Canada Goose has opened a store without inventory to leave room to create an Arctic adventure. Is the expansion potential of a hyper-experiential/inventory-less concept likely limited to a few showcase…
How has the retail seasonal hiring playbook changed?
Finding seasonal temps is a tough challenge for retailers in a market with a historically-low unemployment rate, but quickly onboarding them to support a variety of omnichannel tasks represents a…
To localize stores or not, that is the question for retailers
A recent forum featured a guided walking tour of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood to explore retailers that have mastered experiential retailing. When should a retailer hold true to their brand vs…
Will Rent the Runway‘s hotel concierge deal change how people travel?
Rent the Runway has teamed up with W Hotels in a deal that will enable guests to travel in style wearing select items from the subscription service’s wardrobe. Do you…
Are its Nordstrom pop-ups a sign that Glossier is ready to work with department stores?
Glossier has achieved success by skipping middlemen and selling directly to consumers online and in its two flagship locations in New York and Los Angeles. This week the company made…
Will Kroger’s dark kitchens cook up something good?
When customers order pre-made meals from Kroger in the future, the food might not have ever seen the inside of a Kroger. But if the hype about dark kitchens is…
Amazon decides it has sampled enough
Amazon.com is shutting down a program offering free product samples to consumers as a paid advertising service for CPG brands. Do you see sending free samples based on browsing and…
Do Black Friday mobile app downloads portend holiday season winners?
The 2019 Christmas selling season is off to a fast start, and for a growing number of Americans, researching and buying gifts begins and ends with their smartphones. Assuming there’s…
The holiday season promises many unhappy returns for retailers
More consumers than ever are buying online, which typically means reduced profit margins. The overwhelming majority of those receiving gifts plan to return at least some of them, further cutting…
Do independent liquor stores need a rehab?
A new study finds only 42 percent of owners and managers of independent liquor stores see them as viable in the long term. Do independent wine and liquor stores need…
Will Grinches steal Christmas from America’s front porch?
Consumers, retailers, third-party vendors and law enforcement are all seeking ways to cut down on package theft. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for retailers to cut losses due…
