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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Winn-Dixie Promotes Customer Service
For the first time in its history, Winn-Dixie has created an executive level position focused solely on customer service. The embattled grocery store chain has promoted Scott Moore from senior…
Wal-Mart Sponsors Debate About Wal-Mart
In another case of exploring uncharted territory, Wal-Mart is bring together a group of noted economists to the nation’s capital to debate whether the company’s impact on the economy as…
Real Estate Sell Off Rumors Follow McD’s
McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner says the company is not interested in spinning-off any of its real estate holdings but that doesn’t mean that some of its shareholders don’t have a…
The Cards Will Predict Holiday Performance
Retailers will find that their business fate this holiday season is all in the cards, not the Tarot variety, but gift cards. According to Deloitte & Touche, gift cards will…
GHQ Cover Story 11/05: A Bigger Picture
Retailers are increasingly turning to private label goods to differentiate themselves in the market. The success of retailers, including Loblaw’s, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, etc., has helped convince others that, if…
U.S.-Born Latinos Assimilating, Not Yet Assimilated
New research from New American Dimensions concludes: “Today’s young Hispanics may be assimilating, but they certainly have not yet assimilated. Their ethnic identities are strong, and they are looking for…
It’s About Time… Pathmark Offers Shopping Online
Its corporate slogan, “It’s About Time,” might mean Pathmark’s new online shopping service will save consumers what they have too little of. On the other hand, it might also mean…
The Big Bang Vs. Incremental Change Debate
Does it make more sense to implement major change all at once (aka Big Bang) or do it incrementally? Incremental change, say big bangers, is akin to “cutting a dog’s…
Retailers Going Mobile
Doctors may not do much of it anymore, but the house call is alive and well. Companies including grocery stores, pet groomers, auto detailers, dry cleaners and others are…
Bag the Plastic
Ireland’s success in using a tax to reduce the impact of plastic shopping bags on the Republic’s environment has led many national and local governments around the world to consider…
Government-driven Loyalty
When the government restricted Marlboro from using mass media, ad spending went down and profits went up. Not only does this cost Marlboro a heck of a lot less than…
Polar Opposites Rule Retail
The center has gone out of retail. Maybe it has gone out of America. At retail, the luxury market continues to remain strong while, at the other end, dollar stores,…
Farmer Jack Employees Looking for a Way Out
Next Tuesday, employees of Farmer Jack’s will vote on whether to accept a new labor agreement with A&P. Should members of the UFCW Local 876 choose not to accept the…
McD’s Wants Consumers to Smell/Drink Its Organic Coffee
McDonald’s made clear its intention to vie with Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks and any other company that sells coffee with the announcement the fast food chain will replace all the coffee…
Retailers Share in Electronic Sales Prevention Award
This is the story of Marylou’s search for small stereo speakers for her den. One afternoon, Marylou and yours-truly went driving around Paramus, New Jersey in search of said speakers…
Are Independent Retailers Technophobic?
Two surveys, the annual Minnesota University Supermarket Survey on supermarket operations and performance and one author Bill Bittner conducted with the Rutgers Business School, confirm that independent and small chain…
Federated Puts May Execs in Key Spots
Merging two large organizations, never mind two the size of the Federated and May department store chains, is never easy. But Federated may have done itself a favor by keeping…
McD’s to Put Nutrition Information in Plain Sight
From now on, when someone asks, “Do you know how many calories, fat, etc. are in that?,” you will have an answer. At least if you’re at McDonald’s, that is…
Scott: Raising Minimum Wage is the Right Thing to Do
Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart, says doing the right thing is something that is bred into the company’s culture. In a recent speech, Mr. Scott outlined a number of changes…
Kroger/Albertsons vs. Wal-Mart
If the rumors are true and Kroger’s bid for Albertsons eventually leads to a takeover of its grocery rival, then the stage will be set for the combined company to…
Generics Called One Answer to Lowering Healthcare Costs
A new study says American consumers could have held on to $20 billion last year if they had purchased generic drugs instead of buying a name brand version. It also…
