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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Macy’s Says Its ‘Bold New Chapter’ Plans Are Working, Expanding ‘First 50’ Blueprint to 125 Stores in 2025
Macy’s executives formed a panel discussion at NRF this year. What topics were of most interest?
What Lessons Can Be Learned From Barnes & Noble as It Competes Against Amazon and Other Booksellers?
Barnes & Noble has reversed its previously dire fortunes under CEO James Daunt. What lessons can be learned?
Are Smaller Grocery Formats Still Where It’s At?
At the 2025 NRF Big Show, the CEOs of Morrisons and Sprouts Farmers Market discussed their pushes to open smaller stores. What are the primary and secondary factors driving the…
From Gen Z to Gen Alpha, How Retail Is Positioning Itself for Tomorrow’s Customer
Representatives from Claire’s, Sephora, and Roblox took the stage at NRF for a panel discussion. What insights can be garnered?
Did Walmart’s Logo Need a Refresh?
Walmart recently unveiled a “comprehensive brand refresh,” including its first logo change in 17 years. Does the revamp represent a significant improvement over the prior look?
What Are the Best Ways To Increase Sales in a Physical Retail Setting?
Physical retail sales remain important, despite the surge of online sales. What can retailers do to ensure their frontline sales stay strong?
Are Luxury Prices Way Too High?
At the 2025 NRF Big Show, Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Rent the Runway, lamented over the surge in prices of luxury items. Has this spike alienated both aspirational…
TikTok Ban Drives Brand Interest to Chinese Video App RedNote: Will Retail Sales Follow?
RedNote is making major waves in the United States. But can you actually sell products there?
Why Is Amazon Ending Its ‘Try Before You Buy’ Program?
Amazon is ending its “Try Before You Buy” service in part because artificial intelligence is helping solve size and fit issues for online shoppers. Does the closure likely reflect underlying…
Is Grocery Store Price Gouging a Concern — and Was It Real in the First Place?
Grocery prices continue to be a concern for many Americans. Is, or was, price gouging a concern?
Should Starbucks End Its ‘Open-Door’ Policy?
Reversing its open-door policy after almost seven years, Starbucks will require people visiting its coffee shops to buy something in order to stay or to use its bathrooms. What potential…
Should REI Be Exiting the Experience Business?
In a cautionary note around experiential retailing, REI Co-op announced plans to shutter its Experiences business. Is REI losing its differentiation?
Dollar Shave Club Returns to Irreverence in Cheeky New Ad Campaign
Dollar Shave Club is making a somewhat muted return to irreverence in its latest ad. How important is inclusivity in today’s ad world?
Retail Hiring and Firing in Flux: How Can Retailers Improve Frontline Worker Retention?
Retail hiring and firing patterns are in flux. How can retailers improve worker retention?
Amazon Retail CEO Champions Risk-Taking
Amazon exec Doug Herrington discussed the value of risk-taking at NRF 2025. What lessons can be learned?
FTC Investigates Publishing.com: Are AI-Generated Books a Real Problem for Amazon and Other Retailers?
Amazon and other booksellers are host to innumerable volumes of AI-generated books. What needs to change?
Should Retailers’ Gen AI Concerns Be Increasing?
Generative AI (Gen AI) is taking a strong foothold in retail. How should retailers and consumers respond?
Dry January: Will Alcohol Beverage Retailers Pivot To Match New Consumer Tastes?
Dry or damp January may be more than just a passing fad. Will retailers and manufacturers buy into NA beverages?
Is Walmart Missing its Climate Change Targets a Big Deal?
Walmart has admitted an inability to meet its near-term emissions targets. Is this a cause for concern?
Will Best Buy’s New Third-Party Marketplace Counterbalance Its Softening Core Business?
Best Buy is opening up an online marketplace in the U.S. for a second time. Will its fortunes improve this time around?
Are Return-to-Office Pushes About Encouraging Some Employees To Quit?
One hidden motivator behind the push toward return-to-office (RTO) policies appears to be encouraging some employees to quit. Do you see more benefits than risks in using this mandate?
