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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Should retailers push Congress for a more robust stimulus plan?
As Congress struggles to find common ground on a second round of fiscal stimulus, it’s time to review the impact of the CARES Act legislation. How effective do you think…
Will CVS build on its COVID-19 test momentum?
While the novel coronavirus pandemic has been rough on retail as a whole, retailers in specific segments have found opportunities. One of those retailers is CVS. How can CVS hang…
Is the Walmart/Instacart pilot a sign of big delivery news to come?
The biggest retailer and the largest online grocery delivery service in the U.S. are teaming up in a pilot program that, if expanded nationwide, could have major ramifications for the…
Should marketers keep masks out of commercials?
Face coverings may be part of the new normal, but not many commercials are showing people wearing masks. One reason may be wanting to keep the messaging focused on more…
Kroger’s marketplace sets out to ‘deliver anything, anytime, anywhere’
Kroger has announced that it will add an online marketplace in the fall designed to allow third-parties to sell products via its website. How will adding third-party sellers in complementary…
Simon sees a big and profitable upside in acquiring retail tenants
Simon Property Group is looking for opportunities to acquire once-successful retailers on the cheap as the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic continue to force a record number of chains…
What does the pandemic mean for mobile pay?
While there’s no evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by cash or credit cards, the use of mobile payments and contactless cards has taken off in recent months over concerns about…
Will anything slow Aldi and Dollar General’s roll if COVID-19 didn’t?
The pandemic isn’t slowing down Aldi’s or Dollar General’s ambitions in the grocery space. How would you assess the unique threats from Aldi and Dollar General to traditional grocers and…
Will Amazon install distribution hubs in malls across America?
Simon Property Group is in talks with Amazon to turn some anchor locations in its malls, which currently are home to or formerly housed a J.C. Penney or Sears store,…
Will COVID-19 give facial recognition a second look?
Retail has found new purpose in facial recognition during the coronavirus crisis for its potential to support contact-free payments, temperature checks, mask-detection and surveillance. Do you see facial-recognition technology offering…
Macy’s opens online ambassador program to anyone
Macy’s has expanded its online Style Crew ambassador program from employee-only to include everyone from influencers to ordinary shoppers. Do you see more benefits than risks in Macy’s move to…
Has there ever been a better time to build or kill customer loyalty?
A new study by the Wharton School’s Baker Retailing Center and WisePlum found consumers questioning their loyalty to retailers following disappointing omnichannel interactions in recent months. Do you think retailers…
Is targeting offers based on online browsing creepy?
Offering product suggestions based on a shopper’s browsing history is a common online tactic, but a new university study finds consumers being observed may be more inclined not to make…
DoorDash delivers a virtual convenience store
DoorDash is launching DashMart, a new service offering 2,000 grocery products and essentials, as well as convenience and restaurant branded items delivered within 30 minutes. Will DashMart’s new offering be…
Is it time for Walmart to drop its COVID-19 return policy?
Because of the pandemic, some retailers with liberal return policies were forced to make all or most sales final. At Walmart, in-store returns remain unavailable, and some customers have gotten…
Are pop-up shops more relevant in a pandemic-altered world?
For some retailers, opening a pop-up shop during the pandemic might look more like a sidewalk sale. However, doing so could be the difference between being closed completely and being…
As tech workers go remote, Facebook leases huge NYC offices
While many speculate that in the post-pandemic world, far fewer workers will be commuting to traditional offices, Facebook has just signed a lease on a new, huge office space in…
Will shortages shortchange soft goods recovery?
Crocs, known for its squishy sandals, announced that its sales in the back half of 2020 will be held back, not due to COVID-19-related sales weaknesses, but because of likely…
Moving beyond product features and benefits in brand messaging
Across today’s competitive battlefield — especially amid the pandemic, when speed and convenience have become necessities — a litany of features alone isn’t likely to convince consumers to purchase a…
Can influencers make stores feel safer?
With customers now hesitant about shopping brick-and-mortar, one retailer is using influencers to address a unique pandemic-era concern — letting customers know the stores are safe. Will social media influencers…
Is now a good time to launch a retail startup?
Pundits regularly hail the benefits of starting a business during a downturn and many are now claiming it’s just as true during a pandemic. What are the pros and cons…
