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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
New Boss at Pathmark
Yucaipa wants a solid return on the $150 million it has put into Pathmark and the investment firm now has its own man, former Rite Aid chief financial officer John…
Wal-Mart’s New ‘Tude
It wants more upscale shoppers without driving away its core consumers. It wants to be known for chic as well as cheap. It is Wal-Mart. The retailer has recently announced…
The High Cost of Gas Theft
Based on the numbers, Jeff Lenard is right. The National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) spokesperson told The Associated Press, “As the price of gas climbs, people’s values decline.” Do…
The United States of Obesity
Don Imus, the cantankerous and turkey-necked host of the popular syndicated radio program Imus In The Morning, has been known over the years for remarking on the weight of guests…
Gap Goes Forth & Towne
Forth & Towne, Gap Inc.’s highly anticipated retail concept, is opening for business in the New York City suburb of West Nyack at the Palisades Center mall. The 8,000-square-foot unit…
Some Retailers Happy to See Record Gas Prices
The owner of Scooter Centrale and Vespa Hartford in Plainville, Conn. has no worries about the rise to record gasoline prices at the pump. The motor scooter business has never…
Help Wanted: Tattoos/Piercings Not a Problem
Unemployment in Hawaii is at an all-time low and restaurant operators and retailers are learning that, to find good employees, it is necessary to get beyond their looks, as in…
The Multi-Generational Home
It is becoming increasingly common to find households in the U.S. where grandparents are caring for grandchildren or where three generations -grandparent(s), parent(s) and children – are living under one…
Peapod, Drugstore.com and Others Sweat Higher Fuel Prices
The price at the pump has kept going up and e-tailers are caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. If companies pass on costs to customers in the form…
Shopping ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’
Ruben Cavazos would make Sam Malone proud. The fictional bar owner on the old Cheers TV program ran a business where patrons liked to go because “everybody knows your name.”…
Loyalty by the Custom Publishing Book
Volkswagen views its vehicle owner’s manuals differently than other automakers, not only striving to make its car manuals more attractive but also more informative than those available from other auto…
Gap’s Pressler Receives Nod for ‘Buck Stops Here’ Award
In an era when retail executives find pretty much everything under and including the sun to blame for business being off, Gap Inc.’s president and chief executive officer contradicted…
Decline in Crop Diversity – Big Problem for Everyone?
According to an article in the International Herald Tribune, crop diversity is declining, and we all have a lot to worry about. Last year, a UN treaty required countries to…
Take the CIO Challenge: Five to Stay Alive
Whether you’re in IT, or need to deal with IT, here’s a good exercise to keep your wits sharp… You’re the new chief information officer at a venerable retailer –…
Non-Pet Food Companies Pursue Pamparing Pet Parents
Attention frozen food category managers: make room for doggie. According to the Chicago Tribune, Dreyer’s is scoring a big hit with its Frosty Paws Frozen Treats for Dogs and it’s…
Why Didn’t Our Hispanic Marketing Campaign Work?
It seems that complaints of less than optimal results from Hispanic marketing efforts surface more and more these days. Retailers seem baffled by failed attempts to gain, satisfy and retain…
Best Buy Builds a Store for Jill…and Buzz, Barry and Ray
Under the directive of chief executive Bradbury H. Anderson, Best Buy is taking a strong initiative to move “Customer Centricity” beyond the realm of marketing buzz phrases. In fact, the…
County Legislators Want Retailers to Pay for Medical Benefits
A bill backed by both Republicans and Democrats in Suffolk County, NY would require businesses that meet certain revenue and square footage requirements to set aside $3 for every hour…
Women Gaining Clout Steadily, But Slowly
The C200 Business Leadership Index, a report that provides a year-to-year benchmark of the progress women are making in influencing U.S. business, calls this year’s numbers “sobering” because, while females…
Educator Consumers Are Chains’ Most Loyal Customers
Don’t look for any members of the NEA union to be calling for a boycott of any of the large office-supply chains anytime soon. Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot have…
Target Looks to Hit Bull’s-Eye with Food
Target plans to more than double the amount of refrigerated, frozen and shelf-stable foods it carries in its discount stores, reports The Chicago Tribune. Target is looking to fuel its…
