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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Has COVID-19 exacerbated online return challenges?
A survey from Inmar Intelligence finds 88 percent of U.S. consumers planning to continue to shop online to avoid crowds, yet 40 percent have held back on purchasing online due…
Will Wegmans need a post-pandemic makeover?
Wegmans’ management is “rethinking how much food and how much customer experience it can offer — and how much customers will want” as the grocer adjusts to COVID-19. Does it…
Do Americans want retailers to keep their social distance after COVID-19 is gone?
New research shows that consumers are looking to continue newly developed habits once the threat of COVID-19 recedes. What do you think the impact of curbside pickup, home delivery, contactless…
Amazon’s traffic is way up, but others are doing even better during the pandemic
As consumers have navigated their way through stay-at-home and social distancing restrictions during the pandemic, a new study says Amazon’s web traffic has soared, but other retailers are up even…
Are automated freight trucks ready to carry retail’s heavy load?
TuSimple, an automated trucking technology company, announced the launch of the world’s first Autonomous Freight Network, with fleets of driverless trucks to handle truckloads of products at terminals strategically placed…
Anti-mask shoppers find themselves publicly shamed
Videos and photos of in-store shoppers purportedly behaving badly have been going viral on social media for years, but the occurrences have spiked in recent weeks as some shoppers rebel…
How can grocers hold onto their new most valuable customers?
It’s long been argued by retailers that sell groceries that their most valuable customers shop in both stores and websites. And recent research shows that the ranks of those most…
Who should be Patagonia’s next CEO?
Rose Marcario, who elevated Patagonia to a new level of environmental activism and success over the last six-and-a-half years, unexpectedly stepped down June 10 as CEO and president. What type…
Lululemon moves into in-home fitness with $500M deal for Mirror
Lululemon Athletica has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mirror, an in-home fitness startup that sells a wall-mounted device that streams live and pre-recorded classes…
Can robots keep the salad bar safe?
Robotics startup Chowbotics recently signed contracts with three grocery stores for its automated salad bar robot, known as Sally, according to a CNBC article. Will robot food prep achieve mainstream…
Will Nike’s digital drive build stronger ‘one-to-one’ relationships with consumers?
Like others, Nike is accelerating its digital transformation due to the pandemic. However, in a linked move, member engagement is being made an equal priority. Does it make sense for…
Does Microsoft need stores?
Microsoft on Friday announced plans to close all its 83 stores globally and fully focus on online sales and support. Will most of the hardware sales previously done through Microsoft’s…
Can Kanye West make Gap cool again?
On Friday, Gap’s shares vaulted 19 percent after the retailer announced a partnership with Kanye West to produce the YEEZY Gap apparel collection, set to arrive in Gap stores and…
Tanger Outlets brings personal shopper services online
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers has launched a virtual shopping concierge service as part of its COVID-19 response. The move is seen as one of, if not, the first for the…
Will a smaller Macy’s be a better Macy’s?
Macy’s, Inc. announced yesterday plans to cut 3,900 corporate jobs, three percent of its total workforce, in a move to reduce costs by $365 million this year and $630 million…
Luxury men’s salon and tailoring shop made house calls as Miami shut down
Miami luxury men’s salon Jaxson Maximus offers a high-touch, one-stop grooming experience, but when lockdown started, their experiential business model quickly became impossible to execute. What can other retailers take…
What can retailers do for 2020’s graduates?
A host of retailers, restaurants and brands have reached out to celebrate 2020 high school and college graduates who, with schools suddenly closed, have missed out on once-in-a-lifetime events. What…
Will expanded fresh and frozen food selection drive Target’s pickup business?
Target has recently announced a plan to expand its selection of fresh and frozen grocery items for its Drive Up curbside pickup program. What will an expanded selection of fresh,…
Retailers and brands make a quick pivot in the pandemic
Talented executives from a variety of brands and retailers shared their own COVID-19 pandemic experiences at this week’s eTail Digital Summit, with examples of people-first thinking to develop relevant products…
Will Americans keep snacking at higher levels post-lockdown?
Americans snacked their way through COVID-19 lockdowns as idle time, boredom and family togetherness hit all-time highs. What do you see as the obvious and less obvious factors driving the…
Are large grocery chains putting profits before people?
Supermarket chains have stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic with added safety measures, pay and benefits to support frontline workers. But a new analysis by Oxfam concludes they haven’t done…
