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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is Amazon Go heading for a hard stop?
Amazon had planned to open 56 Go locations by the end of 2019 and 156 by the end of 2020, according to a report discussed on The Verge. Amazon has…
What keeps online shoppers from creating user accounts?
While a report found that 46 percent of the more than 1,500 U.S. adult consumers surveyed use online accounts for all or most of their purchases, some factors are making…
In power move, Walmart expands Delivery Unlimited
Walmart announced today that it is expanding its grocery delivery subscription program, Delivery Unlimited, to 1,400 stores across the country. What will Delivery Unlimited mean for Walmart’s grocery business?
Will Walmart have more success creating consumer direct brands than acquiring them?
Marc Lore, who leads Walmart’s e-commerce operations in the U.S., says the retailer is turning away from looking for acquisitions and turning its attention to developing its own digitally native…
Will multistory warehouses mean faster deliveries from Amazon, Home Depot and others?
Amazon.com and Home Depot are looking to up their delivery games, and a new three-story warehouse in Seattle may hold the key to their future plans. Do you expect multistory…
WRT #digitaltransformation success
The reason to “improve analytics maturity” is because it’s a fundamental part of any successful digital transformation. How should retailers and brands be looking to modernize their analytic infrastructure to…
Nordstrom Local hopes for big returns from the competition
As retailers try to woo customers with next-level convenience, they have begun introducing offerings that might have appeared to compromise their competitive edge in an earlier era. Will the traffic…
Will a loyalty program give Americans more reasons to shop at Target?
Target announced yesterday that it would roll out its new Target Circle rewards program nationwide following an 18-month test that produced “overwhelmingly positive” results. How do you think the launch…
Will others follow Starbucks’ lead on employee mental health programs?
Starbucks last week committed to investing in several initiatives focused on the mental health and wellness of its associates. Are most store managers adequately prepared to identify and refer associates…
Ace Hardware builds through acquisition in the do-it-for-me market
Ace Hardware has closed on the acquisition of Handyman Matters Franchise, a franchisor of home repair and maintenance services. What synergies do you see coming from Ace Hardware’s acquisition of…
Will Apple’s texting tool create more personalized shopping experiences at Burberry?
Burberry has partnered with Apple to roll out a new chat service, which will allow its high-value and mobile-first customers to text directly with store associates. In what ways is…
Glossier poaches Amazon exec to drive growth
Glossier, the billion-dollar Instagram-driven beauty brand, has appointed 19-year Amazon.com veteran Melissa Eamer as its COO. She will be responsible for overseeing the growth-driving parts of Glossier’s business. How might…
Would you go to Walmart to see a doctor?
Walmart is opening a health clinic called Walmart Health in Georgia that will provide comprehensive and low-cost primary care. Services also include dental, hearing tests, counseling sessions, vision and hearing…
Starbucks developing new store dedicated to pickup and delivery orders
In recent years, Starbucks added online ordering with in-store pickup and home delivery to try to manage its line problem. How important a feature will mobile order and in-store pickup…
Is virtual training better than real-life role-playing?
Reporters from The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times recently simulated firing a virtual employee to explore how well virtual reality (VR) works as a training tool for…
Whole Foods wants a hand from shoppers at checkout
If Amazon implements its latest high-tech checkout innovation at Whole Foods, customers won’t need to pull out a credit card — a wave of the hand will do the trick…
Will Jockey inspire brand loyalty with its very first pop-up shop?
Jockey International, the premium underwear and apparel brand, announced that it will open its first-ever pop-up shop at Simon’s edit @ Roosevelt Field space, which provides a showcase primarily for…
Will stores help Vitamin Shoppe stand out in crowded supplement subscription market?
The Vitamin Shoppe announced it is moving into the crowded supplement subscription market with the launch of Only Me, a program that delivers a tailored mix of vitamins and supplements…
Will Walmart’s customers accept its rejection of the firearms ‘status quo’?
Walmart will, as a precaution, discontinue sales of short-barrel rifle ammunition, once the company has fulfilled its current obligations with suppliers. Do you think retailers are compelled to take steps…
Will miniature Meijers be a big hit?
Now one of the biggest names in Midwest grocery has announced the launch of a second small concept store in one of its major Michigan markets. Will launching small, urban,…
Simple answers to fix retail’s loyalty marketing mess
As we continue to observe loyalty programs across multiple sectors, time and again we see failures that can readily be solved. What do see as some common shortcomings in the…
