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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
What would an acquisition of Humana mean for Walmart and its rivals?
Walmart is in early stage talks to acquire Humana, the second largest Medicare provider and a top health insurer, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Does an acquisition of Humana…
Starbucks shifts happy hour to invite-only
Starbucks has brought back its popular afternoon happy hour with deals on Frappuccinos and extended the program to more items. The catch: it’s now invite only. How do you assess…
Walgreens focuses on healthcare services in new store format
The last time Walgreens revamped its look and feel, the chain was opening flagships and implementing new store features that added elements of grocery. Now Walgreens is planning an overhauled…
Former Walmart U.S. CEO raises prospect of breaking up Amazon
Bill Simon, the former CEO of Walmart U.S., thinks it may be time for Congress to take action and split Amazon.com up. Do you agree that Amazon is an anti-competitive…
Microsoft, Walmart and other brands play content police
Brands today are increasingly judged by the company that they keep and some, maybe even most, are becoming more particular in the selection process. Has the definition of brand changed…
Can gamification solve fashion’s mix and match challenges?
A new startup has developed a “styling game” that claims to not only solve the challenge consumers face finding items that pair well together but feeds cross-sell recommendations to retailers…
KB Toys plans a Christmas comeback
Toys “R” Us is now a part of retail history. But a major competitor from big box retail’s past is planning a return in hopes of filling the void left…
Do men and women still shop differently?
Men are not embracing online shopping as much as women and are more likely to shop in-store at full-price retailers, according to a survey from First Insight. Do you think…
Research ties regular shift schedules to higher retail sales
There may be another reason for retailers and restaurants to reconsider on-call scheduling of employees — the practice may be costing them sales. Does your experience support this new research,…
Are Amazon lockers turning Whole Foods into a quick shop destination?
Changes keep coming at Whole Foods since its acquisition by Amazon.com. One fairly small change, the addition of Amazon lockers at Whole Foods’ stores, seems to be having an impact…
Retailers can reduce turnover by treating employees like consumers
Retailers can build a digital workplace based on interconnectivity between departments. Do you agree that retailer employers can reduce turnover by incorporating digital tools and communications into the workplace that…
Bi-Lo, Winn-Dixie parent expects to thrive after Chapter 11
Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent company of Bi-Lo, Fresco Y Más and Winn-Dixie, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after announcing plans to close 94 stores. What conditions led to…
Where is the shopping opportunity with voice commerce?
According to a survey from Capgemini, 40 percent of consumers predict that three years from now, they will be more likely to use a voice assistant rather than engage with…
Whole Foods cuts local marketing staff
Whole Foods is eliminating all store graphic artist positions as well many other jobs in the chain’s regional marketing organizations. What do you see as the positives that Amazon has…
Will a new designer collaboration be a smash hit for Target?
Target is turning to a long-time differentiator — a limited edition collaboration with an iconic designer — to further boost its fashion reputation, and sales along with it. Will Hunter…
Has Facebook become toxic for advertisers?
In the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica revelations, should the advertising community join the #DeleteFacebook movement? Is the Facebook business model in danger of breaking down?
Should retailers emulate or differentiate from Amazon?
In discussions with 10 different retailers, RSR found strong agreement that Amazon.com is the enemy. But a debate then ensued on whether retailers should try to be more like Amazon…
Customers want to be left alone while shopping
A new customer survey by HRC Retail Advisory reports some rather startling findings: 95 percent of shoppers want to be left alone while shopping. How should stores balance technology investments…
In this digital revolution, stores are media
Innovative, digital-first retail concepts are sprouting physical stores as the revolution continues in how consumer goods are brought to market. Is the era of pure digital-only retailing coming to an…
IKEA asks, will virtual inventory be key to the new urban showroom?
The unique experience of shopping at an IKEA store is part of the brand’s appeal. But at World Mobile Congress, the chain gave a demo of a futuristic small-concept store…
New-gen D2C brands get more personal with consumers
Since 2015, Dirty Lemon Beverages has been selling its trendy, “active” beverages direct-to-consumer solely via text message. In a session at Shoptalk, the company’s CEO explained the ordering model and…
