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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Hubert Joly says ‘human connection’ laid the foundation of Best Buy’s turnaround
Best Buy looked like a retail chain on its way out of business in the early 2010s. Under the guidance of then-CEO Hubert Joly, however, the retailer turned its fortunes…
Will Walmart’s early payment program be a difference-maker for minority vendors?
Walmart has launched an expanded supplier program providing diverse and minority-owned businesses with early payment on invoices. What’s the best way retailers or brands to support Black-owned or minority-owned businesses?
Simon says J.C. Penney is ready to become a 21st century retailer
J.C. Penney is moving in the right direction, but it is still a work in progress. That’s the assessment of David Simon, CEO of Simon Property Group, the co-owner of…
How high can thredUP grow?
It’s good to be thredUP. The online consignment shop and thrift store posted results that exceeded its own internal expectations as well as Wall Street’s, and the signs are promising…
Has augmented reality tech reached an inflection point at retail?
Augmented reality may be at an inflection point in marketing technology similar to the emergence of social media in the early 2010s and the web in the late 1990s. Did augmented…
Will going low lift up Bed Bath & Beyond’s sales and profits?
Bed Bath & Beyond has launched Simply Essential, an owned brand line of 1,200 bed, bath, home, kitchen and dining, and storage and organization items sold at entry level price…
Are two PacSun CEOs better than one?
PacSun, announced a leadership transition that will see Alfred Chang, the teen chain’s president, and Mike Relich, interim CEO of PSEB Group, share the chief executive role. Are you a…
Uber Eats delivers dinner with a side of blush
People ordering restaurant meals from Uber Eats might find makeup on the menu in some markets thanks to a new deal between the rideshare delivery service and Estée Lauder. Do…
Simon CEO says Americans are experiencing ‘euphoria’ as they return to malls
Simon Property Group CEO David Simon offered answers to analysts yesterday that were one part optimistic and another cautious on the prospects for the company’s malls this year. Are Americans…
Are brands and retailers defining authenticity on their own terms or consumers’?
University researchers have come up with six types of judgements consumers make when determining a product’s authenticity. What advice would you have for brands and retailers actively trying to convey…
Can TikTok stars build brands for digital natives?
Abercrombie & Fitch is launching a standalone apparel brand, called Social Tourist, with TikTok stars and sisters, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, in an effort to reach always-on generations. What do…
Why is omnichannel sales attribution still a problem?
Macy’s cannot offer the use of its Scan and Pay app for purchases from departments where employees make commissions in union-represented stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a labor relations…
Can associate dress codes support in-store social distancing?
University researchers conclude that the way store associates are dressed offers in-store signals that may be used as part of social distancing initiatives as consumers get more comfortable shopping in…
Authentic Brands and Simon Property make a big move outdoors with Eddie Bauer deal
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group have teamed up again, this time to acquire Eddie Bauer. Will the acquisition of Eddie Bauer by Authentic Brands Group and Simon…
Walmart is going all in on 24/7/365 telehealth
Walmart announced yesterday that it has acquired MeMD, a telehealth company offering nationwide virtual medical and mental healthcare services. Do you see healthcare operations becoming a more important element in…
Will store-hailing revolutionize grocery delivery?
Startup Robomart, which a few years ago was working on a fully-autonomous mobile grocery delivery vehicle, has pivoted slightly to become what the company is calling a store-hailing platform. Do…
What digital tools can help manage increasingly disrupted supply chains?
Forty-nine percent of supply chain leaders have accelerated spending in digital technologies to make their operations more responsive and forward-looking during the pandemic, according to a new report. Which emerging…
Will a new subscription program make Circle K a daily stop for members?
Circle K is rolling out a monthly subscription plan that will allow customers to pick up their choice of a 100 percent sustainably sourced cup of coffee, tea, Froster slushie…
Labor Department makes it tougher to classify gig workers as contractors
Companies that have created business models that rely on the use of independent contractors to perform as personal shoppers, handle deliveries and other jobs may find it legally more difficult…
How did Crocs ever become cool and how long will it stay that way?
The musician Questlove showed up on the red carpet at the 93rd Annual Academy Awards in a pair of shimmering gold Crocs, drawing praise across social media as well as…
Remote work is rough on big retail districts
The shift to remote working due to the novel coronavirus pandemic is having a significant impact in New York City where some retailers, once dependent on working commuters, are wondering…
