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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Does a four-day work week make more sense post-pandemic?
According to a new survey, 83 percent of Americans would prefer a four-day workweek. The survey of 4,000 full-time workers taken in mid-October found the appeal of four-day weeks fairly…
Rising food prices hit grocery workers hard
Any U.S. consumers who pay attention to their grocery receipts have undoubtedly noticed the increase in prices over the past year. And one of the groups being hit hardest by…
Is Amazon gouging its marketplace sellers?
Amazon wastes precious few opportunities to promote how successful their marketplace sellers have been, but new report claims fees now account for more than a third of each sale. Does…
Is air freight worth the cost to Gap?
Gap last week found itself defending its plan to air freight 35 percent of its holiday range and absorb $450 million in related costs to help offset supply chain challenges…
Did Cyber Monday hit its peak in 2020?
Final figures from Cyber Monday show that it was the single biggest day for online shopping in 2021. On the other hand, sales rung up by online merchants were down…
Meijer offers teachers supply discounts beyond back-to-school
Over the last couple of years, major retailers have increasingly offered discounts to teachers during the back-to-school season. Now some retailers and brands are extending their promotions even further. Should…
Is Small Business Saturday losing steam?
American Express said sales on the 12th Small Business Saturday, November 27, reached an all-time high, but other reports point to challenges facing local shops this holiday season. Are Small…
Who will win the first RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge?
It’s not surprising to see so many direct competitors looking to match their ad spending levels to those of their primary rivals. It is with this understanding that we kick…
Can retail move more quickly than Omicron?
The Omicron virus is here and is probably more widespread than currently known. Beyond that there isn’t a lot known about the latest variant of COVID-19 other than by vaccine…
What caused the thin Black Friday traffic?
Traffic both in-store and online on Black Friday was subdued due to fewer doorbusters on the day and earlier holiday shopping in a season being increasingly dictated by supply chain…
Lush exits social media over risks to teens
Lush Cosmetics deactivated its Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok accounts on Black Friday with a promise to stay away until the social media platforms can provide safer environments for their users. Did Lush make the…
Will lean inventories derail off-pricers?
Off-pricers on third quarter analyst calls claim their business model still works in periods of constrained inventory levels and high inflation. What advantages do off-pricers have in an environment marked by…
Jury says CVS, Walgreens and Walmart bear responsibility for opioid epidemic
A federal jury in Ohio has found that CVS, Walgreens and Walmart must take responsibility for the opioid epidemic that has plagued Lake and Trumbull counties in the state. Do…
Glossier puts the experience first expecting sales to follow
Direct-to-consumer beauty retailer Glossier continues to bring an experiential element to its brand with its new store location in Los Angeles, its second since shuttering all its stores last year,…
Will fans visit Nike in the metaverse?
Nike has created a virtual world on the Roblox online gaming platform, NIKELAND, that enables fans of the brand “to connect, create, share experiences and compete.” How would you rate…
Mob thefts rock retail. What can stores do?
U.S. retailers have experienced a rash of highly orchestrated and alarming smash-and-grab thefts recently, notably in California’s Bay Area and Chicago. Do you expect to see more smash-and-grab thefts and,…
Walmart is going livestreaming for the holidays
Walmart is looking to spread a little livestreaming retail cheer this holiday season, with plans to run 30 individual livestreaming events, including a 30-minute variety show, featuring a variety of…
Can loyalty programs ease supply chain blues this holiday season?
What’s the hottest gift on American wish lists this holiday? Fulfillment. And while companies won’t be able to resolve all the product shortages, retailers can tap their loyalty programs and…
Should Macy’s de-omnify?
On the heels of Macy’s exuberant earnings report last week, which pushed its stock price up 21 percent overnight to a 230 percent gain for the year to date, a…
How big a win is Sephora for Kohl’s?
Just two weeks into the rollout of the initial 200 Sephora in-store shops, Michelle Gass, Kohl’s CEO, said the partnership is showing the potential to offer benefits in a myriad…
Vietnam’s factory closures will hit apparel and footwear supplies in 2022
While supply chain disruptions are impacting all industries, the recent closure of factories in southern Vietnam have become a particular roadblock for many in the apparel and footwear sector. Do…
