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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will gym equipment showrooms pump up Hy-Vee’s supermarket sales?
Hy-Vee announced that it is partnering with Johnson Fitness & Wellness, the largest specialty fitness retailer in the U.S., to open in-store fitness equipment showrooms in select locations. Do fitness…
Walmart says crypto press release is a fake
Walmart has issued a statement calling a press release sent out by Globe Newswire a fake. The false press release claimed that Walmart would begin accept litecoin cryptocurrency payments for…
Is the government’s vaccination mandate plan good for retail?
The White House’s plan to require companies with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccinations or conduct weekly COVID-19 testing was applauded by many trade and business groups. Will most…
Can Kroger offset its margin headwinds?
Shares of Kroger fell nearly eight percent on Friday after the grocer reported that gross margins in the second quarter came in lower than expected due to higher food prices,…
Amazon marketplace sellers are becoming retail giants
Thrasio, the largest aggregator of third-party Amazon.com marketplace sellers, last week announced its three largest acquisitions ever and more deals in the works. Do you see the trend toward third-party…
What’s the ideal age to start a retail business?
A recent survey of more than 25,000 people, aged 18 to 40, across 35 countries found half believing their age would help their chances of success. What’s the ideal age…
Restaurant chains roll out virtual brands to reach new customer groups
Restaurants are finding unique advantages in launching “virtual brands” to draw in new groups of customers or to test out new menu items. Do virtual brands represent a good way…
Did the pandemic change digital marketing for good?
A report from Salesforce shows that nine in 10 marketing leaders believe that their digital engagement strategy has completely or somewhat changed since before the pandemic. What lessons has the pandemic taught…
Will Just Walk Out tech work for Whole Foods?
Two new Whole Foods Market stores scheduled to open next year will be set up with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to enable customers to shop without having to stop…
Will shoppers flock to or avoid stores for Halloween and Christmas?
While studies show relative improvement in shopping footfall over 2020, some data also indicate a growing hesitancy to shop in physical stores. What do you make of the data coming…
Primark picking up pace of U.S. expansion after being slowed by the pandemic
Fast-fashion retailer Primark announced last week that it will open its newest store in the U.S. in Philadelphia’s Fashion District on Sept 16. What do you think about Primark’s fast-fashion…
Higher wages can boost retailers’ bottom lines
While wage hikes amid a tight labor market are expected to contribute to higher prices for consumers, a new study finds a favorable tradeoff in higher levels of customer service…
Will Gen Z ditch Brandy Melville for wanting only pretty, thin, young, white workers?
Brandy Melville is a hot contemporary casual clothing retailer that caters to Gen Z female consumers who spend hours on TikTok and are fashion conscious. How do you expect consumers…
Will its Public Lands concept store help Dick’s conquer the great outdoors?
It’s only one store, but Dick’s Sporting Goods sees big things ahead for its new Public Lands concept, which will celebrate its grand opening on Sept. 24 in Pennsylvania. Do…
Nordstrom ain’t what it used to be before the pandemic
Nordstrom experienced a number of stock downgrades and an 18-percent one-day sell-off after reporting that second quarter sales declined versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels and lagged behind many of its department…
Why does Amazon want a branded TV?
Amazon reportedly plans to market its own branded TVs in the U.S., possibly as soon as October. How important is the introduction of Amazon-branded TVs to the company’s efforts to…
Why can’t CMOs And CIOs just get along?
A new study found corporations with “very effective” CMO-CIO working relationships have sizable advantages in driving data-driven innovation, but that only 23 percent of corporations believe they have attained such…
California aims to mandate gender-neutral toy sections
Separate merchandising sections marked by traditional pink and blue color schemes for girls and boys have long been staples in merchandising. The California legislature, however, wants to see such products…
Can Amazon create the Prime Video of audio services?
Amazon is investing in the development of a new service that will let customers experience live concerts and other audio events through its popular voice-activated devices. Do you see a…
Is ‘groundedness’ the antidote trend to digital whiplash?
Digitization and globalization has made lives increasingly virtual, fast-paced, and mobile, driving countless trends in the marketplace. According to a new study, these influences also led to a wide range…
Can 14 and 15-year-olds solve the labor shortage?
At a McDonald’s in Medford, OR, a ginormous banner, “Now Hiring 14 and 15-year-olds,” has drawn nationwide media attention and a healthy amount of applicants amid the country’s labor crisis…
