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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
eBay asks consumers what they want
eBay has come up with a straightforward way to fine-tune personalization efforts: asking consumers what they’re interested in. What’s holding back retailers from outright asking consumers their interests as part…
Sexism is still alive and well
Because there’s always been a lack of advice on how to deal with workplace sexism, Laura Davis-Taylor researched for a book on the topic. Is sexism in the workplace improving…
Will greater transparency drive a digital targeting backlash?
According to a Harvard Business School study, consumers are uneasy with many of the core techniques used in targeting digital ads. Will greater transparency likely lead to a consumer backlash…
Will store-within-a-store concepts make Hy-Vee’s more attractive destinations?
Competition between Amazon and Walmart exerts pressure on smaller and regional grocery chains to innovate. For Hy-Vee, it’s a store-within-a-store partnership. Do you think the Hy-Vee stores with Basin and…
Will American consumers go for ‘When Harry Married Meghan’ promos?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials seem to have captivated many Americans, and some U.S. marketers are looking to cash in. How successful do you expects retailers and brands to…
BJ’s Wholesale Club is going back to Wall Street
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced yesterday that it has filed paperwork with the U.S. SEC with the goal of listing its stock for public purchase. Do you see BJ’s planned IPO…
Walmart drops Scan & Go tech – again
Walmart’s self-checkout Scan & Go technology has been a hit with the company’s Sam’s Club members. The same cannot be said for Walmart, announcing it has ended a test of…
Ocado to automate Kroger warehouses in exclusive U.S. deal
Kroger has announced it has reached an exclusive U.S. deal to have Ocado develop automated warehouse facilities for its business. What will the Ocado deal mean for Kroger’s businesses across…
Managing the dark side of workplace friendships
Friendships at work are typically seen as being beneficial. But friendships can also create complexities and tensions for those inside and outside the circle. Do you agree that work friendships…
Amazon plans to become the fresh food safety leader
When it comes to food safety innovation, not many industry experts would consider Amazon.com a leader. The online retail giant is working diligently to change that opinion as it strives…
Can retailers find riches at sea?
Smack dab at the heart of the experiential trend, it appears to be “anchors aweigh” for cruise retailing. Is cruise retailing an untapped opportunity for many retail brands with its…
Will Target Restock undercut Amazon’s Prime Pantry?
Yesterday, Target announced that REDcard holders would now have their Restock boxes delivered the next day for free. Does Target Restock along with the other steps the chain has taken…
Retail loyalty programs are no longer in the cards
Macy’s will now allow customers to join its Star Rewards loyalty program without having to sign up for a store credit card. What do you think of Macy’s new Bronze…
Target sees stores as key to meeting its distribution challenges
One of the keys to Target’s good Q4 financials was its ability to handle distribution for nearly 70 percent of its online orders through its stores. Do you approve of…
Should Starbucks acquire Blue Apron?
Blue Apron’s recently announced partnership with Costco is meant to help the meal kit provider out of a year-over-year slump. But one consultant who spoke with RetailWire saw the Costco…
Is an on-demand workforce heading to retail’s selling floors?
Retailers have used a wide variety of on-demand delivery services to support online delivery, but an article in The Washington Post implies the practice of using on-demand employment is much…
7-Eleven Launches first augmented reality in-store experience
7-Eleven launched its first-ever augmented reality (AR) in-store experience that brings devotees of the “Deadpool” movie franchise into the store, “exciting fans with new surprise activities each week.” Will AR’s…
Is American Patients First good for retail pharmacies?
President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled his blueprint American Patients First program, designed to lower drug prices, a plan that seemed to have been expected if not embraced by the…
Consumers get the smart home experience at Amazon open houses
Amazon.com has teamed up with homebuilder Lennar to open model smart homes across the country that are driven by its Alexa technology. How do you see the Amazon/Lennar collaboration affecting…
The importance of prioritizing high(er)-value customers
Your customer base should be analyzed for not only your best customers but those with potential to become a best customer in the future. What advice do you have for…
Etsy succeeds with its Amazon-opposite approach
Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade and artisan goods, announced better than expected results during its first quarter as the site saw its traffic and revenue grow for the third…
