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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Walmart’s new lab stores cook up something big?
Walmart is converting four stores into laboratories to serve “as both physical shopping destinations and online fulfillment centers in a way that has yet to be seen across the retail…
The Container Store cleans up with a Netflix series
The Container Store experienced record sales over the past few months and the revenue spike is being attributed to a partnership with Netflix that has paid off big time. How…
Are Chewy and PetSmart better off apart?
What started as a relationship with such promise is coming to an end. A little more than three years after PetSmart’s acquisition of Chewy was announced, the private equity owner…
Will J.C. Penney be renewed under new ownership?
J.C. Penney has entered into a purchase agreement with Brookfield Property Partners and Simon Property Group and a group of first lien lenders to acquire the company’s assets. Do you…
Do retailers need to make price optimization a priority right now?
While price transparency was tough for retailers pre-pandemic, the challenge has only intensified as personal financial strain and economic uncertainties place even greater emphasis on price during purchasing journeys. Will…
Kohl’s triples down on active lifestyle categories
Kohl’s announced plans to expand sales of activewear assortments and a new mission to become “the most trusted retailer of choice for the active and casual lifestyle.” Does consumer interest…
How can shop local be better incentivized?
Santa Monica is running a scavenger hunt to support local businesses. Participants are encouraged to visit local businesses this month with a chance to be entered into a sweepstakes to…
Will Shopify merchants go viral with their TikTok videos?
Shopify announced yesterday that it is partnering with TikTok to enable the one million-plus sellers on its e-commerce platform to place shoppable ads on the world’s most popular short form…
DTC brand Mack Weldon proves a good fit for consumers living through the pandemic
While many apparel retailers were rattled by the novel coronavirus pandemic, direct-to-consumer men’s essentials brand Mack Weldon experienced an unexpected tailwind after the initial shock of disruption. What attributes have…
Chipotle battles escalating delivery costs
Local restaurants have openly griped about the exorbitant fees charged by third-party delivery providers . Even a national chain like Chipotle isn’t immune to the problem of rising costs. Does…
What does a good shopping experience look like for Christmas 2020?
Consumers want to go shopping in stores. Of course, that comes with caveats, according to the results of a new survey from Oracle. What does a good, perhaps even great,…
Will its values-based approach turn Hive into an e-grocery powerhouse?
With a mantra, “Buy What You Believe In,” a new e-grocer, Hive, aims to help grocery shoppers not only support sustainable foods but make a positive impact on the world…
Where are curbside and BOPIS services falling short?
The core fundamentals of assuring a positive curbside and in-store pickup experience are: having a designated pickup location, easy online account creation, providing contactless order pickup and having orders ready…
What’s the best recipe for holiday ad messaging during a pandemic?
Despite the stream of negative news this year, 63 percent of consumers said the holidays will still be a time of joy with Gen Z and Millennials looking forward to…
Google Shopping makes price comparisons easier
Google Shopping has introduced a number of price comparison and tracking tools to help shoppers find holiday deals. Are Google’s price comparison and tracking tools more of a sales benefit…
Can Gap prosper without mall stores?
Gap Inc. is getting out of Dodge and just about any other place where it has a store located in a mall. What do you think of Gap Inc.’s plan…
Trader Joe’s and Wegmans satisfy, others falter, through the pandemic
A new survey shows a few stores in particular, already known for their customer experience, that have managed to maintain high customer satisfaction levels even in the midst of the…
Can Target assure customers they’ll be safe shopping for the holidays?
Target is putting in place a host of safety measures for the holiday season to keep traffic flowing inside and outside of its stores while allowing shoppers to shop and…
Amazon will pay you to know what you bought somewhere else
Amazon.com wants greater insights into what its customers are purchasing and it is willing to pay for the information with the launch of a new invitation-only program. What do you…
How crucial is last mile fulfillment to 7-Eleven and the c-store channel?
A new study finds that 57 percent of all convenience retailers offer some form of last mile fulfillment and, when done correctly, it can pay off for stores in significant…
Are immersive technologies ready to build online buying trust?
Immersive technologies are advanced, affordable and increasingly being welcomed by consumers looking for greater confidence in making online purchases, according to a recent study. How confident are you that…
