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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Wal-Mart Know-How Doesn’t Travel Well
Those Wal-Mart executives who have jumped ship, lured by rivals hoping to make use of their insider prowess in order to better compete with the world-dominating retailer, have not met…
“Axis” Brings the Evil Prospect of Deflation to World Economies
China, the Internet and Wal-Mart: a powerful new economic axis “fueling a global surge in cutthroat competition, driving down prices worldwide” is a proposition put forth in the April 28…
So Old It’s New, Hopes Federated
Federated Department Stores is betting big on a new line of private-label sportswear inspired by styles from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, called American Rag CIE. “It’s part of what…
Antitrust Lawsuit Against Visa and MasterCard Applauded by NRF
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has voiced their approval of a U.S. District Court decision to proceed to trial with an antitrust case brought against Visa and MasterCard. The case…
Natural Markets Still Sewing Their Wild Oats
Wild Oats sees the potential to add as many as 400 new stores to its present chain of 102. The company has 3 percent of the total market, while Whole…
Unilever Wants $300 Million for Toothpaste
A report on the web site The Deal says, Unilever is taking bids to sell its Aim, Mentodent, Pepsodent and Close-Up oral care brands. What are your thoughts on Unilever’s…
Stater Bros Makes Fortune’s List
Jack Brown, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Stater Bros. said in a prepared statement, “Our loyal customers and the great communities we serve made it possible for this ‘Hometown’…
Safeway Shares Dive; A&P May Exit Big Easy!!!!!!!!
Safeway saw its share price plummet yesterday to a 52-week low after warning its earnings would fall as much 11 cents below consensus estimates. In other news, A&P is said…
Starbucks is Seattle’s Best Coffee
Starbucks announced yesterday that it would purchase the North American operations of Seattle Coffee Co. for $72 million. Is this a good deal for Starbucks? Do you think Starbucks should…
The Blue Law Blues
Howard Troxler, columnist, St. Petersburg Times says Florida’s prohibition against selling alcohol before 1:00 PM on Sunday is “the most arbitrary of tyrannies.” Mr. Troxler argues that laws such as…
Jack in the Box to Increase C-Store/Restaurants
The Los Angeles Times reports Jack in the Box is accelerating plans to open more restaurants adjacent to its Quick Stuff convenience stores and retail gasoline operations selling branded fuels…
Civil Libertarians Warn Against RFID Intrusion
Retail marketers say radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology could give stores the ability to provide consumers with more personalized service while gaining greater control of inventory management. Civil libertarians, however, are…
Smokers Continue Smoking
Higher taxes, consumer education programs and ubiquitous no smoking signs have had little to no effect on smoking rates in the US. The CDC reported last week that the…
Consumers Feeling Better About Biotech Food
The Packer reports that two separate research studies conducted by Roper ASW and the International Food Information Council demonstrate that consumers are becoming more accepting of biotechnology enhanced fruits and…
Iquana: Another Other White Meat?
The Washington Post reports “Central Americans hungry for a taste of home” are shelling out $12.50 for a pound of iquana meat. The wholesale price is reported to be $9.00…
Raley’s To Save $50,000+ Per Store/Year On Energy
Raley’s and Hess Microgen announced the successful test of an on-site combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration system that the parties predict will save the chain $50,000 per year…
Will Retail Suffer from SARS?
US retailers may begin feeling the affect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the near future. Among concerns are that the disease’s progression in Asia may affect the US…
Robert Mariano: People Person
Robert Mariano is the chairman and chief executive officer of Roundy’s. He is also, according to all reports, a great communicator and leader. Speculation over what Mr. Mariano has planned…
Scouting Talent Makes the Difference
Daniel Barach, manager of the MLT Capital Hedge Fund, says, “The rarest talent is the ability to assess talent.” That ability to assess talent, many believe, is the reason…
Penn Traffic Takes Different Online Shopping Route
Penn Traffic will launch its Specialty Shop Online service beginning next month, featuring products not generally found in the company’s stores. Nexpansion developed this new online shopping feature for…
Who Wants To Be a Billionaire?
Pepsi is joining the reality television craze with its “Play for a Billion” summer promotion that will culminate in a two-hour WB network special in September. The promotion launching…
