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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Joann Stores and Neiman Marcus sew hope for healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus
Joann Stores and Neiman Marcus are stepping up to assist in meeting the N95 shortage by recruiting customers to sew face masks and other essential protective items. Is it more…
Would bundled tech services spur the sales of smart home devices?
Cost, complexity, perceived value and interoperability may be among the reasons purchases of connected home products have been slower than expected, yet enhanced post-purchase service could lessen barriers. What do…
How should retailers guide staff through the coronavirus crisis?
With stores still open and others to eventually re-open amid coronavirus risks, meetings devoted to health have risen to the highest priority. Which of the suggestions mentioned in the article…
Are retailers and landlords destined to head to court over rents?
Many retailers and restaurants, particularly those that were struggling before the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., are in dire straits as the virus continues to spread across the nation. Do…
Sam’s Club rolls out concierge service and H-E-B does a Favor for seniors
The list of retailers that have instituted senior shopping hours has continued to grow along with the number of COVID-19 cases reported. What is your assessment of how retailers are…
The coronavirus will accelerate retail’s ‘collapse of the middle’
For retailers struggling with failing consumer value propositions, the coronavirus pandemic could not have struck at a worse time. Do you see the coronavirus fallout driving many department stores and…
Retailers are going to curbside and delivery. Will they stay that way?
What a few weeks ago were perks that were growing in popularity have quickly become the only way many brick-and-mortar retailers and restaurants can do business. Will retailers and restaurants…
What’s the right messaging amid the coronavirus outbreak?
“If you ever dreamed of playing for millions around the world, now is your chance. Play inside, play for the world.” That advertising campaign embracing the importance of social distancing…
Costco is refusing returns on hoarded items
Costco recently began posting signs indicating that it will no longer accept returns on six items that consumers have been stocking up in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Do you…
How will I pay my employees next month?
Some experts believe that the economic shock from the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) may ultimately be far worse than the death toll from the disease itself. What practical advice can you…
Which retail businesses are ‘essential’ during the coronavirus outbreak?
The National Retail Federation urged President Donald Trump last Thursday to come up with national guidance on what constitutes an “essential” retail business amid the coronavirus outbreak. What factors should…
Will GameStop lose more than it wins keeping stores open during the coronavirus outbreak?
GameStop is back in the headlines for pushing to keep its stores open as many others temporarily close their doors to try and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus…
How can indie restaurants survive the coronavirus?
Many restaurants are struggling to pivot to pickup and delivery as major cities have temporarily outright banned dining-in. What suggestions would you have for local restaurants attempting to weather the…
Costco acquisition brings white glove delivery and white good service in-house
Costco is planning to enhance its ability to deliver the appliances, furniture and other bulky products it sells with a big last-mile logistics and installation acquisition. Did it make sense…
Food retailers go on a hiring spree as coronavirus numbers grow
This is a stressful time for retail managers and employees as they go about trying to meet the demands of a frightened public while at the same time dealing with…
Is Hy-Vee onto something as it moves online fulfillment from warehouses to stores?
In an abrupt switch in strategy, Hy-Vee is closing four fulfillment centers and will now handle all online orders from store locations. Why do you think Hy-Vee shifted to in-store…
Does Dick’s Sporting Goods need to hunt for customers?
Dick’s Sporting Goods, which earned national headlines in February 2018 for its decision to end sales of assault rifles, last week announced plans to remove the hunting department from another…
Will Lands’ End have a better experience inside of Kohl’s than it did at Sears?
Kohl’s and Lands’ End announced earlier this week that a complete selection of Lands’ End’s merchandise will be sold on kohls.com and that Kohl’s will sell the outdoor clothing/products retailer’s…
Will raising wages $2 help Amazon keep workers dealing with coronavirus chaos?
Earlier this week, Whole Foods and Amazon announced that they would begin paying workers an additional $2 an hour on top of their current rates, until the end of April…
Michigan AG accuses Menard’s of price gouging
The Michigan Attorney General has sent a cease and desist letter to Menards after investigators determined that the home improvement retailer was preying on the public’s fear about coronavirus by…
Retailers act to protect seniors from coronavirus shopping chaos and contamination
Scenes of panic buying in grocery stores have become a fixture of daily life in the midst of the global coronavirus outbreak. For the elderly, navigating such instances can be…
