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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: Kohl’s vs. Macy’s
Retailers across the country are prepping for the fast dash leading up to Christmas. Two of those who could really use a win at this critical time of year are…
Can Barnes & Noble afford to take it easy over the holidays?
For a long time, it has been clear that Barnes & Noble needs to do something drastic to get back on track — but the chain won’t be taking that…
Why are brands so bad at identity resolution?
According to recent research, only half of brands are capable of fundamental identity resolution, like accurately finding customers across devices, controlling their messaging frequency and sequencing and building a unified…
Why is Allbirds asking Amazon to do a better job ripping it off?
Allbirds, the sustainable footwear upstart, didn’t sue Amazon.com for making a wool sneaker that mimics one of its popular models. Instead, it is encouraging the e-tailing giant to do a…
Mobile jumps out as retailers get a mixed start to the holiday season
Thirty-nine percent of all online sales came from smartphones on Black Friday, a 21 percent increase year-over-year, according to Adobe Analytics. At the same time, 61 percent of online traffic…
Will its ‘culture of recognition’ be a game winner for Dick’s Sporting Goods?
Dick’s Sporting Goods is crediting its recent performance improvements, in part, to increased investments in employees, including the launch of an associate training program earlier this year and a heightened…
Big things are happening as Small Business Saturday turns 10
American Express, for the first time, is playing up future technology to support Small Business Saturday, but the overall “shop small” message is resonating more and more as the event…
Will 2020 be the year retailers digitally transform their supply chain ops?
Satisfying customers is a tricky business. In 2019, retailers paid special attention to digitizing the shopping experience and removing friction in the selling process. In 2020, retailers will move their…
Why did Jet.com’s fresh delivery service go stale in NYC?
Only a year after launching its Jet City Grocery fresh food delivery service in New York City, Jet.com’s parent company, Walmart, is ending the experiment. What can retailers learn from…
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: Old Navy vs. T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods
Week two brings us a new matchup, with retailers Old Navy and TJX Cos. delivering 30-second spots that feature celebrities and discount/sale price messaging. Which retailer does a better job…
Will IoT reinvent the supply chain?
While IoT is promising to reinvent the in-store experience with smart shelves, robots and other connected devices, the big early payoff appears to be back in the supply chain. Does…
Can retailers take a bite out of organized retail crime?
Shoplifting is a perennial problem for retailers, but some sectors of retail have observed an uptick in an even more costly — and sometimes more dangerous — form of theft…
Why is Sephora paying associates to leave shoppers alone?
In at least some European markets, Sephora offers shoppers two basket options: a red one indicating “I would like to be assisted” and a black one indicating “I would like…
Private label foods need work
Outside of chains like Trader Joe’s, most retailers remain fairly risk-averse with their private label food offerings. Most are more comfortable following — albeit faster than in the past —…
Is secondhand gifting a holiday disruptor?
According to Accenture’s “13th Annual Holiday Shopping Survey,” giving secondhand gifts is gaining broad acceptance. Does it make sense that more consumers are open to receiving and giving used holiday…
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: Amazon vs. Etsy
We’re ready to kick off week one of year seven of the RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge. This year’s competition, as in the past, will feature commercials from two retailers every…
How does Backcountry.com come back from its trademark battle backlash?
Backcountry.com has spent the last two years taking steps to protect its “backcountry” trademark. Once consumers found out about it, however, a social media firestorm ensued. Will the backlash over…
Will Americans of all colors respond to ‘Shop Black Week’?
Today marks the beginning of the very first “Shop Black Week” (Nov. 22 – Nov. 29) when Americans are being asked to make at least one purchase from a black-owned…
Is Target killing department stores and specialty clothing chains?
All signs point to a strong holiday season as Target continues to make gains in apparel and online sales, while improving its inventory management and profitability in the process. What…
Kroger brings the farm closer to the table
Grocery shoppers won’t have to make a special trip to the farmers market to get in-season fruits and vegetables right off the farm if Kroger’s new pilot works out. Could…
Should Starbucks stick with its open bathroom policy?
A joint study found that Starbucks’ stores experienced a decline in traffic since shifting from a customer-only to an open bathroom policy in May 2018. Is an open, customer-only or…
