RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Can the metaverse count on Gen-Z gamers?
Gen-Z is expected to lead the creation of the metaverse, drawn by the allure of gaming, but some surveys indicate that even digital natives need to be convinced of the…
Are grocers giving frontline heroes their due?
On July 19, Canada will celebrate its third annual Grocery Heroes Day, an industry-backed holiday meant to honor frontline grocery workers. Should the U.S. grocery industry adopt its own version…
When did Walgreens’ associates become the contraceptive police?
Walgreens associates have made the news in recent weeks for refusing to sell over-the-counter and prescription contraceptives to customers based on their religious objections. Should Walgreens and other retailers screen…
Rite Aid’s new HQ is all about ‘a new way of working’
Rite Aid yesterday officially opened its new “remote” headquarters building (AKA collaboration center) in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard district. What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of a remote-first corporate…
Are bike lanes good for retail?
Retailers in Miami, San Diego and Cambridge, MA, have joined those in other cities in recent years complaining about the addition of protected bike lanes, although studies show they eventually…
Will Yeezy find it easy to operate stores?
YZYSPLY, the sneaker and apparel company of sometimes-controversial rapper, producer and fashion entrepreneur Kanye West, has filed a trademark hinting that a physical storefront for the brand could be on…
The numbers say it is still a workers’ job market
Workers still have the upper hand, generally speaking, in the current job market despite speculation that the economy may slow to a point where employers need fewer workers or begin…
What are retailers finding so tough about customer acquisition?
Retailers are not faring as well in their acquisition marketing efforts this year as they have in recent years, according to a new study. What’s the best path for digital…
Amazon says it has built a better smart shopping cart
Amazon has introduced the newest version of its Dash Cart, a smart shopping cart that enables customers to skip a store’s physical checkouts and go right out the door. What…
Where does Gap go next as CEO Sonia Syngal departs?
Sonia Syngal is out as CEO of Gap Inc. Ms. Syngal, who stepped down from her position and from the board, effective immediately, will leave the company after a brief transition. …
How can grocers reawaken the home cooking bug?
An FMI study finds that, while Americans are still cooking at home more than ever before, enthusiasm for doing so has waned to pre-pandemic levels. What are the most effective…
Are outlet centers ready to resume growth?
Tanger Outlets and Simon Property Group have both recently renewed investments in building outlet centers as inflation has consumers on the hunt for savings. What’s your outlook for outlet centers?
Should Costco raise its food court prices?
Costco last week earned widespread media coverage for raising prices on two popular items on its food court menu, the chicken bake and 20 oz. soda. Is holding prices on…
Whole Foods’ next CEO wants to reconnect the chain with its higher purpose
Speaking at The Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum, Jason Buechel said one of his goals as the next CEO of Whole Foods Market is “to reconnect to many parts…
Can up-tempo music move shoppers to buy more green goods?
New university research finds up-tempo, major mode music can offer a way for green companies to overcome the consumer “attitude-behavior gap.” Does it make sense that up-tempo, major mode music…
Walmart and Target take different approaches to Amazon’s Prime Day
Walmart will not be launching a special sales promotion next week to match Amazon’s Prime Day. Do you think retailers should run head-to-head events with Prime Day as Target is…
Does fashion need to adopt eco-labels to aid consumer purchasing decisions?
According to a new survey, half of U.S. consumers have some level of interest in eco-labels to guide their fashion purchases, including 13.1 percent who are “very interested.” What do…
Are Walmart+ members ready to invite the retailer into their homes?
Walmart wants its Walmart+ customers to provide access to their refrigerators and is now offering a way for its members to combine their Walmart+ membership with the chain’s InHome Delivery…
Time’s up for TikTok’s U.S. livestream shopping plans
TikTok might be the most downloaded social app both in the U.S. and globally, but American consumers will not be using it to shop anytime soon. TikTok is abandoning its…
What does it take to build a firm foundation for business success?
Paraphrasing from John Maxwell’s leadership mantras, valuing people is foundational to changing your company, your community and the world. What traits are common to successful companies with missions to help…
Will new perks add to Amazon’s Prime numbers?
Amazon.com’s Prime membership already comes with plenty of perks, and now the company is adding more. Will a free GrubHub+ membership, sneak peeks and other new perks be incentive enough…
