RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Wholesale curtailed. Is retail’s favorite model faltering?
The wholesale model has been driving retail for decades. Today, a mini-movement is underway, as brands like Nike and Under Armour announce pullbacks on wholesale relationships. Is the wholesale model…
Burlington Stores thinks small to grow larger
Burlington Stores has doubled its long-term goal for potential stores to 2,000 from 1,000 due to increasing confidence in a small store prototype, at 25,000 square feet. What do you…
Will Walmart make a sizable impact with its latest ‘Made in USA’ commitments?
Walmart has announced that it plans to invest an additional $350 billion over the next 10 years to source products made, assembled or grown in the U.S. Is Walmart leading…
Will Tonal shops help Nordstrom strengthen its fitness cred?
Nordstrom released news earlier this week that it has struck a deal with Tonal, the smart home gym and personal trainer device and service, to open 40 of the fitness…
Regional retail chains have the highest rated loyalty programs
The loyalty programs that are rated highest by customers are not necessarily those of the most well-known retailers, a recent nationwide survey shows. Why do you think some of the…
Is Texas messing with retailers?
Many retailers found themselves facing a dilemma this week after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas was lifting its mask mandate in the state. Are governors that lift face mask…
Are CTOs finally getting the respect they deserve?
Thirty-seven percent of CEOs identified the CTO/CIO role as among those responsible for the most crucial functions over the next two to three years, the highest-ever spot in the “2021…
EQ is the special ingredient to feed entrepreneurial success
New research found that IQ is unquestionably the better predictor of job performance and career success, but when it comes to entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence was found to be the stronger…
Will a third-party marketplace step up and give Amazon a run for its money?
A new survey of over 1,000 U.S. brands finds online marketplaces to be their strongest growth opportunity, although some are looking for options beyond Amazon.com. How much of an uphill…
Target CEO says record-setting 2020 was no ‘fluke’
Shares of Target fell yesterday after the retailer chose not to release guidance on the upcoming fiscal year due to the complexity of forecasting in the age of COVID-19. What…
Will seniors trust CVS to keep them safe with in-home IoT?
CVS recently announced the rollout of a medical alert system to meet senior customers’ healthcare needs in their homes. Do you think CVS and other retail pharmacies will succeed with…
Is off-mall where it’s at?
Sephora and Bath & Body Works have announced plans to aggressively open off-mall locations in 2021. The moves come as traffic woes impact enclosed malls and strip malls, lifestyle centers…
Macy’s leadership changes focus on digital ops and supply chain
Macy’s, Inc. announced yesterday that its chief operating officer, John Harper, will be leaving the retailer on Aug. 1 and that the position will not be refilled. What do you…
Are short-term leases here to stay?
Gaining leverage due to elevated vacancy rates amid the pandemic, retailers are asking for and increasingly receiving short-term leases. The change carries short-term benefits and long-term risks for merchants. Do…
Automated checkout ‘will be everywhere’ sooner rather than later
According to a survey from Piplsay, 89 percent of shoppers who have visited Amazon Go have had either an excellent (54 percent) or a good (35 percent) experience. Has the…
Do rivals need to follow Costco’s minimum wage lead right now?
Costco has consistently been ranked among the best retail companies to work for and this week it will demonstrate that once again when it offers something that its rivals in…
Will the post-pandemic era be America’s next Roaring ‘20s?
On L’Oréal’s recent quarterly call, Jean-Paul Agon, CEO, predicted that once the pandemic subsides, a “Roaring ‘20s” boom will deliver huge upside for the beauty category. What parallels do you…
Is it the right time to reopen food bars?
For years, Matthew Stern had a near-daily ritual of visiting the hot bar and salad bar at the grocery store across the street. It was not a cost efficient habit,…
Target wants a bigger slice of Apple’s pie
Target announced yesterday that this month it is debuting a new and “enhanced shopping experience” for Apple products in the chain’s stores and online. Do you expect Target’s “enhanced shopping…
Are retailers snoozing on the sleep-tech opportunity?
Mattress Firm, the retail mattress chain, has partnered with SleepScore Labs, best known for its sleep-tracking app, to enable store associates to tap sleep quality insights when helping customers find…
Are Americans ready to do some good old-fashioned ‘revenge shopping’?
TJX Companies’ fourth quarter report did not reveal the type of positive results that have become routine for the parent company of Homegoods, Marshalls and TJ Maxx in recent years,…
