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CVS to close stores and create new formats in health push
CVS Health will close 900 stores over three years and launch new formats as part of its strategic push to create health destinations in the communities it serves. Will CVS be…
What’s driving shoppers to Amazon?
Two-thirds of U.S. consumers say that one of the top five reasons they shop with Amazon.com is because they can find almost anything they need, according to a survey from…
Will Macy’s curated marketplace distinguish it from online rivals?
Macy’s plans to launch a curated online marketplace that will recruit “carefully selected” third parties to sell their products on macys.com and bloomingdales.com. The platform will launch in the second…
Starbucks and Amazon open first joint concept store with more to come
Starbucks and Amazon have teamed up to open the first of at least three concept stores between the two Seattle-based retailing giants. Will the new Starbucks Pickup with Amazon Go…
Will working from home hurt women’s career advancement?
A Bank of England monetary committee member caused a stir in the U.K. media last week after saying that as more women work remotely and will likely continue to do…
Will superfans influence more Americans to ‘thank heaven for 7-Eleven’?
The latest marketing campaign from 7-Eleven makes use of “superfan influencers” who got their year-long gigs through a contest run recently by the convenience store giant. The next phase of…
Is mobile enhancing the in-store shopping experience?
A new survey finds that in-store shoppers continue to showroom, or use their mobile phones to check competitor prices, but they’re also using their devices for purposes beneficial to the…
Walmart is stocked and ready to roll back prices for Christmas
Color Walmart CEO Doug McMillon impressed with his company’s performance after reporting third quarter sales that exceeded both the retailing giant’s expectations as well as those of Wall Street. How aggressive…
Will new curbside-recyclable insulated packaging give Amazon a sustainable grocery edge?
Amazon.com is launching new curbside-recyclable insulated packaging that the company says does away with the need to use bubble bags or plastic liners. Do you expect Amazon’s new packaging to…
Is physical retail entering a new age?
While waves of the pandemic continue to impact the U.S., the relaxation of restrictions and the perception of overall improvement has led to an increase in store openings, which one…
Have grocers mismanaged Thanksgiving?
Over the summer, America heard how toy shortages might ruin Christmas. In recent weeks, the storyline has shifted to how turkey out-of-stocks could ruin Thanksgiving. Will shortages and higher prices…
Former Dollar General CEO may finally get his chance to fix what ails Family Dollar
The activist investor Mantle Ridge has taken a $1.8 billion stake in Dollar Tree and is focused on shoring up what the firm and others see as the company’s weak…
Will paid perks pay off for Williams Sonoma?
Williams Sonoma has launched a new paid membership program, Williams Sonoma Reserve, costing $99 annually that includes free shipping and experiential perks. Do you think Williams Sonoma’s annual subscription program…
Instacart wants ‘to make online grocery shopping more affordable’
Instacart has added a deals section, exclusive member savings and discount delivery options to its app “to make online grocery shopping more affordable.” Does price and the difficulty using coupons deter…
Can a Supreme collaboration give Tiffany street cred?
A limited-edition fashion collaboration between Tiffany and streetwear label Supreme quickly sold out last Thursday, offering hope for the famous jewelry maker’s reinvention for younger generations under new owner, LVMH…
Frontline workers say management isn’t listening to them
Frontline workers are praised for being the heroes who keep things together despite the challenges created by the pandemic. But many associates feel that they are not being heard by…
Will Americans give the gift of nothing this holiday?
Much of the focus of retailers’ concerns about the upcoming holiday season has centered around being unable to meet customer demand for gifts, and losing out accordingly. Retailers, however, may…
What online tools best prevent returns?
Customer reviews are the number one method considered to be most effective by consumers in reducing online returns, but some emerging product display elements have potential, according to a new…
Walmart fulfillment centers will take productivity to a new level
Walmart has broken ground in Texas on a 1.5-million-square-foot automated e-commerce fulfillment center and a 730,000-square-foot grocery distribution center in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Will automated warehouses enable Walmart to…
Do retailers get how social holiday shopping has become?
Fifty-eight percent of consumers say social media will influence their holiday buying decisions, according to a new holiday survey. Are retailers and brands keeping up with the popularity of social…
Will AMC deliver blockbuster results in the popcorn aisle?
AMC Entertainment, the largest movie theater chain in the U.S., announced plans to bring its AMC Theatres Perfectly Popcorn to retail. Do you agree that it’s “natural and logical” to bring…
