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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is now the right time for retailers to actively pursue AI?
Many surveys and much of the available research shows about a 50/50 split between companies that understand how to apply artificial intelligence technology to their businesses versus those that do…
Walmart teams with social hub Nextdoor to get neighborly during tough times
Walmart announced yesterday that it is teaming up with the social media site, Nextdoor, in the launch of a new program that aims to make it easier for people across…
Should grocers close their doors to customers for safety’s sake?
It is critical that grocery stores remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, yet they are a significant vector for the transmission of the novel coronavirus, putting customers and especially staff…
Getting back to business takes on a whole new meaning in the wake of COVID-19
When stores reopen, getting back to business will be both a relief and a challenge for execs in charge of keeping stores in stock with relevant merchandise. How do you…
Do retailers need pandemic insurance — now?
Retailers are calling on Congress to pass federal legislation that would establish a national program to help businesses obtain insurance coverage for pandemics. Do retailers, restaurants and other businesses need…
Will virtual trade shows replace in-person events?
Shoptalk last week became the latest conference to roll out virtual events, as numerous in-person gatherings have been canceled or postponed due to directives to avoid unnecessary travel. Will virtual…
Of all times, why is Cub Foods now running stores around-the-clock?
Many supermarkets have reduced store hours to give associates time to restock shelves and prepare for a constant stream of customers stocking up on everyday essentials. What do you think…
Beauty brands’ pandemic-era content aims to be more than skin deep
As consumers shelter-in-place, some beauty brands have refocused their messaging to mental health and wellness topics. Do you see an opportunity for retailers and brands to use mental health, wellness…
How should stores reopen?
Starbucks’ CEO Kevin Johnson said the coffee chain plans to employ a “monitor and adapt” strategy as it reopens stores amid a decline in new COVID-19 cases. Do you think…
Shake Shack returns $10M paycheck protection loan to the government
Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer and CEO Randy Garutti say the company was eligible for a Paycheck Protection Program. What they didn’t know was how complicated applying would be and…
Does anybody remember Earth Day?
Tomorrow will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the very first Earth Day. The realities of social distancing rules and stay-at-home orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will make…
Is America’s food supply chain nearing its breaking point?
The massive strain placed on the nation’s grocery supply chain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic may be revealing some shortcomings in the system. Which current supply chain challenges…
DTC brand sales soar in a time of social distancing
By edict or by choice, Americans sheltering in place have sent e-commerce orders for CPG goods through the roof, and direct-to-consumer brands have been huge beneficiaries of the shift. Will…
Should fashion retailers mothball spring?
In fashion, mothballing is possible but traditionally considered unthinkable. Yet, with retailers likely having to mark down below cost between 70 to 80 percent of inventory across the marketplace, the…
Some customers play bait and zero tip tricks on Instacart shoppers
While much of society has come to see people who work in stores and deliver groceries as a lifeline in this time of pandemic, there are others who not only…
Has COVID-19 transformed Gen-Z forever?
Many members of Gen-Z, already struggling with adolescence, now have to add COVID-19 to the mix. How do you see COVID-19 affecting the Gen-Z consumer, particularly teenagers and young adults,…
Can Neighborhood Goods’ platform help brands hurt by the pandemic?
Before the coronavirus pandemic, indie brands that might have difficulty finding shelf space on their own were gaining popularity. Now, as many indie brands are faced with uncertainty and potential…
What will be retail’s new normal if social distancing stays in place until 2022?
Even as governors in some states are feeling more confident that they’re close to the top of their respective disease curves, medical experts warn that reopening the economy and relaxing…
DSW tries to make itself ‘essential’ with Hy-Vee partnership
DSW has closed its 1,000 stores across the U.S. as the footwear chain has been classified as non-essential retail by government authorities. A new partnership with Hy-Vee, however, may give…
Is virtual selling set to take off?
Retailers have dabbled with virtual selling in recent years, but there now appears to be an intensified focus with in-store opportunities vanishing amid the pandemic. Can virtual selling make up…
Is remote working here for good?
A shift toward remote working had already been taking place in recent years. Now, companies have significantly expanded those efforts with much of America’s workplace forced to work from home…
