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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Do masks and social distancing matter in 2020 Christmas spots?
New research shows that only 32 percent of Christmas commercials reflect the current realities of the pandemic and, apparently, that’s okay with most American viewers. There isn’t a mask to…
Can retailers get store brand growth back on track during the pandemic?
National brands in recent months have been outperforming private label brands for the first time in years, but new trial and online expansion are expected to be among the factors…
Walmart goes to the dogs (and cats, too)
Walmart announced last week the launch of Walmart Pet Care, an omnichannel program that offers pet insurance and services such as dog-walking and pet sitting. Can Walmart effectively negate some…
Target and Walmart’s 3Q results are just – Wow!
The strong simply continue to get stronger in the retailing world of 2020. Two prime cases in point are Target and Walmart. What do you see as the relative strengths…
Are CPG brands headed for a very merry Christmas?
Boosted by homebound living and the return of panic purchases, consumer packaged goods purchases are expected to climb between 9.5 to 11.5 percent for the holiday selling season. What’s the…
Will GameStop play better online?
GameStop has been selling physical video games since the days of 5 ¼” floppy discs. Now, one of the chain’s major shareholders is strongly suggesting that the retailer move its…
Will Amazon’s new online pharmacy disrupt the U.S. drugstore business?
Amazon.com announced the launch of Amazon Pharmacy, a new online pharmacy service and another free perk for the e-tailing giant’s Prime members. Does the launch of Amazon Pharmacy mark the…
Are retailers cutting their way to profitability or slowly bleeding to death?
If you’ve been around the retail industry for any amount of time, you’ve no doubt been a part of at least one conversation on how there are just too many…
Oreo lovers gladly pay a higher price to customize their cookies
Oreo has launched a feature on its website, OREOiD, that gives fans a way to customize their own cookies. Do you see a major or minor opportunity for brands across…
Costco makes everybody mask up
Costco, among the first retailers to require face masks upon entry in early May, has taken its restrictions a step further by mandating that customers with medical mask exemptions wear…
Will pop-up e-commerce fulfillment centers help Walmart manage demand?
Walmart has carved out space in 42 of its U.S. regional distribution centers (RDCs) to create “pop-up e-commerce distribution centers” (eDCs) to support online delivery of fast-sellers this holiday selling…
Are garages optimal delivery drop-off points?
Amazon.com has announced plans to ramp up Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery to over 4,000 cities. Do you expect that Amazon customers will be more willing to give the e-tailer access…
Should C-suite execs keep their opinions to themselves on store visits?
When Whole Foods CEO John Mackey makes a visit to one of his chain’s stores, he withholds criticism as much as possible and recommends that others in similar positions do…
Chipotle’s expansion plans include adding ‘digital-only’ restaurants to its menu
Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced plans to open its first “digital-only restaurant.” Do you think digital-only restaurants are a viable option, beyond the pandemic, for operators to expand into areas…
Do affiliate links undermine the marketing value of holiday gift guides?
Holiday gift guides have arrived from numerous publications and sites promising curated collections of tasteful gift offerings. They also include commission-driven, affiliated links. Do you consider commission-driven affiliate marketing programs…
Target reopens looted store as a symbol of its pledge to do better for Black communities
A Target store near its Minneapolis headquarters gained national attention in May when it was looted. Now, the retailer is reopening the store with the goal of doing better by…
Will Amazon’s Dash Smart Shelf drive auto-replenishment from SMBs and consumers?
Amazon.com, after retiring the Dash Button last year, has introduced a replacement, Dash Smart Shelf, that promises to shake up the office supplies space and bring auto-replenishment to households. Does…
Is it the right time to open an experiential, socially-distanced toy store?
COVID-19 has made it difficult for people of all ages to socialize safely, including children. A new retailer in Brooklyn is trying to give kids a safe, socially-distanced experience while…
Dick’s and Etsy’s Christmas spots deal with COVID-19 realities in different ways
The two 30-second commercials being presented today are quite clear in their messaging about addressing the realities associated with the pandemic. Which does a better job of connecting with each…
What makes a great retail store manager?
A great retail store manager develops teams, continually inspires and elevates morale. The job has become increasingly tech-savvy. Having the right attitude and being open to feedback, however, is a…
Will self-driving, electric vehicles power Walmart’s contactless delivery future?
When Walmart’s customers in Scottsdale, AZ place their home delivery orders early next year, they may find their groceries arriving in a self-driving electric car. Are retailers and their technology…
