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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are Stores Set Up To Handle a Wave of Online Returns?
With many retailers no longer offering free online returns, in-store returns promise to see an uptick. Are stores ready?
Will Self-Checkout Ever Win Over Its Critics?
Self-checkout stations show little signs of slowing their expansion across retail, yet critics only appear to be getting louder. Do the benefits of self-checkout outweigh the drawbacks for both shoppers…
Are Private-Label Food Offerings Bound To Keep Growing?
A new report by FMI, The Food Industry Association, finds that 54% of shoppers plan to buy “much more” or “somewhat more” private-label brands in the future. What obvious and…
Amazon Crowdsources Friends’ Product Recommendations
Amazon is testing a new “Consult-a-Friend” feature that allows shoppers to request, view, and manage their friends’ feedback on products within the Amazon Shopping app. How much consumer appeal do…
What Is Craig Jelinek’s Legacy at Costco?
Craig Jelinek, the second CEO in Costco’s 40-year history, plans to retire in early 2024. What lessons should be taken from Craig Jelinek’s success at Costco?
Pepsi Opens Diner Pop-Up To Celebrate Anniversary
To highlight its 125th anniversary, Pepsi opened up a diner, Pepsi 125, from Oct. 19 to 25 in New York City. What do you think of this pop-up experience?
What Lies Ahead in the Future of Omnichannel?
The importance of omnichannel operations is well established, and that is driving customer expectations higher than ever. How do you expect the omnichannel experience to evolve in the coming years?
Is This the Perfect Formula for Visual Merchandising?
Visual merchandising is more than just about the eye of the beholder. What are some emerging trends in visual merchandising that retailers could consider adopting to stay competitive and offer…
How Can Retailers Maximize Sustainability Without Sacrificing Profitability?
Sustainability is becoming a big business, and retailers are paying attention. Is there an opportunity for sustainability to grow in importance as a “top driver” for purchasing decisions?
Is the Recent Retail Shrink Crisis as Bad as It Seems?
With seemingly endless reports coming in about retail shrink each day, it feels like theft is out of control in America. Do you agree with the skepticism regarding retailers attributing…
Is Livestream Shopping Taking Over or Is It in Decline?
Livestream shopping is being touted by many as the future of digital commerce. Can it overtake standard e-commerce shopping in the U.S.?
Are Grocers Misjudging the Fresh Foods Opportunity?
A Deloitte study finds grocery executives underestimating the premium consumers are willing to pay for fresh food and the importance they place on fresh food’s nutritional benefits. What insights may…
Should Retailers Turn Off the Lights When Not Open?
France plans to start fining businesses for lighting stores when they’re not open to clamp down on energy usage. Do the benefits of leaving lights on overnight offset the monetary…
Can Crocs Create a Successful Pair of Cowboy Boots?
Crocs is shaking up the market by releasing its very first Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot model on Oct. 23. Is Crocs’ success another example of an almost-guaranteed recipe for success…
Are Retail’s Executive Ranks Too Old?
Some experts argue that executive ranks need to get younger to drive innovation and solve problems that require a longer-term perspective. How would you rate the benefits of younger versus…
M-Commerce Takes Sales From Struggling Tourism Retail
U.S. retailers are grappling with dwindling sales, attributed to the sluggish return of international shoppers and the surge in online shopping. What measures do you think retailers can take to…
Can Instant Pot Survive Post-Bankruptcy?
Instant Brands, which created the beloved Instant Pot, has filed for bankruptcy. What does the company need to do to survive after the fact?
Will Inflation Reshape Gen Z’s Spending Habits?
Gen Zers are bracing themselves for inflation to persist in their lives. Will the recent inflation spike become a transformative event in the lives of Gen Zers and alter their…
Target Puts Toys, Tech, and Price Front and Center for the Holidays
Target is introducing a 360° shoppable experience on Target.com that will let shoppers explore a virtual room full of toys. Can the digital experience help Target stand out as a…
Vans Has Been Selling Shoes at Pre-Inflation Prices, but Is It Working?
Vans is having trouble skating by in its current state, but can it regain momentum?
What Should a Netflix Store Experience Be?
Netflix plans to open permanent physical locations, named Netflix House, with merchandise, food, and activities inspired by its TV shows and movie content. What do you think of the potential…
