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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Kristin’s farm-to-consumer model fills in food supply gaps at a critical time
The direct-to-consumer food market is in constant motion, but during this unprecedented COVID-period, staying on top of the ball requires the nimbleness of a circus acrobat. How can consumer-direct brands…
Will free listings elevate Google Shopping?
In another rollout accelerated by the pandemic, Google is now allowing merchants to list their products on Google Shopping for free. Will offering free listings help the Google Shopping platform…
Should face masks be mandatory for shoppers?
Costco last week became the first major retailer to require that all customers wear face coverings. Should stores require, recommend or forgo policies regarding wearing masks inside stores amid the…
Will Walmart’s customers pay $10 more to get deliveries in two hours?
Walmart last week said it was rolling out Express Delivery for “more than 160,000 items” across groceries, general merchandise, electronics and toys categories within two hours for $10. Will Express…
Coronavirus increases demand and supply chain challenges for WellPath’s DTC business
Wellpath has been lucky enough to be in the unique position of having more demand for wellness products. With higher demand, however, come new challenges of keeping up with all…
There go the profits. Amazon to spend $4B on coronavirus response.
Amazon reported higher revenues and lower earnings during the first quarter. The results were expected as the e-tailing and tech giant saw sales demand and expenses increase as it sought…
Has COVID-19 made the ‘shop local’ message more real for consumers?
With the coronavirus pandemic leading to the temporary and possibly permanent closure of scores of local restaurants and stores, the “shop local” movement appears to be getting a huge boost…
What’s not to love about ThirdLove?
It’s a fact. Finding quality, comfortable, flattering and beautiful lingerie, jeans and swimsuits are women’s top apparel challenges, according to ThirdLove in a pre-pandemic eTail West show presentation. What factors…
What will retail look like if half of department stores close?
Department stores and malls were struggling before coronavirus. A new report says that the situation is going from bad to worse with a dire forecast for both retailers and landlords…
Will working remotely change how we communicate?
One long-lasting outcome of the pandemic affecting everyday business will involve many more remote workers and expanded video conferencing. What do you find are the advantages and shortcomings of remote…
More Americans put frozen pizza and Oreos on their shopping lists
A “rising tide lifts all boats” situation is playing out in grocery stores across the nation as consumers stay at home to eat in numbers not seen in decades. Do…
Will shoppers go to the mall because Simon says it’s okay?
Simon Property Group is preparing to reopen its malls to customers in 10 states, with a plan to reopen 49 facilities between May 1 and May 4. Do you think…
Best Buy is getting back to business with scheduled appointments
Best Buy plans to reopen using a system whereby customers can schedule appointments with sales associates. Do you see Best Buy’s scheduled sales appointment plan as an effective way to…
Can Amazon weed out marketplace fraudsters via video chat?
Amazon is implementing a solution it hopes will help significantly cut down on bootleg sellers while remaining consistent with guidelines for social distancing. Will video calls be an effective way…
Will the new normal look a lot like the old normal?
A new study finds the “new normal” coming out of COVID-19 will likely reflect an acceleration of trends that “would probably have happened anyway.” What predictions for transformative post-COVID-19 measures…
Do malls need to add curbside pickup service to reopen?
Malls, already struggling to drive traffic pre-COVID-19, are essentially a gathering place — but mall shopping is now an activity either prohibited, restricted or flat out perceived as too risky…
Tyson Foods chair says ‘the food supply chain is breaking’
Tyson Foods ran a full-page ad this weekend to alert Americans to a problem with the nation’s food supply chain and to explain the steps it is taking to help…
Are Target’s skyrocketing online sales retail’s new normal?
In a financial update last week, Target detailed how its online sales accelerated and in-store sales softened as the coronavirus pandemic raced across the country. What lessons might be drawn…
Can grocers help sit-down restaurants stay afloat with to-go meal programs?
Last Thursday, SpartanNash launched a “Restaurant Meals To Go” program that brings heat-and-eat meals from eight West Michigan restaurants to its store aisles. H-E-B and Rouses Markets previously introduced similar…
The politics of sick leave
Paid and unpaid sick leave policies are facing wide scrutiny amid reports of infections and deaths among retail, warehouse, factory and delivery workers. Do you see more benefits in lenient…
Is it okay to profit from a pandemic?
Fashionable masks and coronavirus-themed t-shirts. Opportunists rushing to buy essentials to sell online at exorbitant prices. Sales racked up by grocers amid the hoarding. Do companies face an ethical dilemma…
