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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will JCPenney’s ‘new, inclusive beauty experience’ relaunch be a hit?
JCPenney plans to replace its Sephora in-store beauty shops with a broad focus on inclusivity, including across price points. What do you think of JCPenney’s plans for its post-Sephora beauty…
HomeGoods finally has a home online
HomeGoods, founded in 1992 and now with 846 locations, has launched an e-commerce offering for the first time. Does e-commerce make sense for off-price selling in the home category?
Is working in retail a real job?
There was a time when it was not unheard of for lower-level retail employees to think about moving up in the company. Now, more often than not, they think of…
Can ‘gain language’ persuade more consumers to go green?
A new university study finds using “gain language,” or highlighting positive possible outcomes, works better at encouraging people to go green than “loss language,” or highlighting negative potential outcomes. What…
Digital-first focus drives faster growth than stores ever did for Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty’s digital-first multi-channel strategy is helping the U.K-based women’s activewear brand to “grow quite quickly in multiple markets at the same time,” according to Julia Straus, CEO. To what…
Last-mile costs keep piling up
While the escalating costs of sending goods across the ocean have created headlines, continued rate hikes and fees from FedEx and UPS are more quietly continuing to increase the cost…
Will Dollar Tree succeed as a dollar+ store?
Dollar Tree has decided that it can’t hold the line on its dollar pricing any longer. The retailer made known on Tuesday that it plans to raise prices on select…
Will Target’s customers treat October 10 like Black Friday?
Target announced yesterday that it will kick off its Christmas promotions on Sunday, October 10. The retailer is looking to cash in on the opportunity created by earlier shopping trends…
Will layaway programs go away for good (or bad)?
With the 2021 holiday season approaching, Walmart has announced the end of its layaway option. The program is being replaced with a buy now, pay later financing service. What do…
Best Buy says ‘relax, we’ve got you’
Best Buy has released two new commercials as part of a new branding campaign to show customers that the retailer is there for them, where and when needed. Do you…
COVID-19 has put grocers and CPG brands through some changes
Grocers struggled to meet consumer demand for delivery, BOPIS and other options last year as the pandemic hit, while CPG companies switched their focus to channels that would make it…
Whole Foods goes from free to $10 grocery delivery fee for Amazon Prime members
Being an Amazon.com Prime member will no longer get you free two-hour deliveries from Whole Foods Market beginning on October 25. What will be the net effect of Amazon.com’s decision to…
Will Americans finish this year’s Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving?
Holiday spending levels have been creeping well before Thanksgiving weekend for years but the steady drumbeat of warnings about inventory shortages has created even more urgency around shopping early in…
Why are retailers falling short of their hiring goals?
The retail industry has a labor problem. Companies are looking to fill positions in stores, warehouses and field and corporate offices while dealing with an exodus of employees looking for…
How bad will product shortages get this time?
Costco plans to bring back purchase limits on toilet paper and other basic merchandise, largely due to supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures. How will the inventory challenges likely facing…
Will reducing seasonal hires pose a big risk for Target?
Target plans to reduce seasonal hires and give more hours to existing employees as it navigates a tight labor market. Do you see more benefits than risks in Target’s move…
Madewell launches a circular shopping experience with thredUP
Madewell has opened a pop-up called A Circular Store in partnership with thredUP, the fashion resale site, with a focus on re-commerce education. Does Madewell’s A Circular Store work mainly…
Is livestream grocery shopping on the way in the U.S.?
Albertsons’ e-grocery customers will soon be able to shop via video with a video platform that will place short-form shoppable videos and cooking experiences on its websites. Is a partnership…
Is retail ready to enter the metaverse?
On Wednesday, a new Fox series, “Alter Ego,” debuted that gives singers an opportunity to perform as an avatar they create in the latest example of a new concept and…
Destination XL Group proves a unique fit for customers who don’t like to shop
Destination XL Group CEO Harvey Kanter says it wasn’t that long ago that some thought the largest specialty retailer of big and tall men’s apparel was in trouble. Today, he…
Will ‘Built for Better’ put Walmart in a better light?
Walmart has launched an online shopping destination called “Built for Better” to make it easier for shoppers to identify and purchase products that are better for them and the environment. …
