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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
CPG companies spending more to use less packaging
Consumers are demanding less packaging. A new study indicates, however, that this trend won’t translate into less spending on packaging in the coming year. What trends in CPG do you…
Has dynamic pricing hit a rut?
One of the main reasons dynamic pricing isn’t more broadly used is that it is incredibly complicated to execute. Do you see dynamic pricing becoming more pervasive online and a…
Who will seize the opportunity to turn stores into fulfillment centers?
Once bustling retail hubs are now harboring thousands of square feet in unused space up for the taking. Who is vying for this real estate? Companies prioritizing (and expanding) e-commerce…
Are store robots cute, creepy – or nearly useless?
Giant Foods president Nick Bertram revealed at the NRF Big Show in January that his company and sister business Stop & Shop, were in the process of rolling out Marty, …
Kroger to make customers pay for cash-back debit card payments
Kroger announced that it will begin levying service fees for all purchases paid with a debit card in which the customer requests cash back. Do you approve of Kroger’s move…
The clock is ticking for J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney, by CEO Jill Soltau’s own admission, has to move faster if the department store chain is going to get ahead of its competitors and turn its ailing business…
How do brands maintain their cool?
University researchers have formulated a scale of 10 characteristics defining “coolness” that can be used to assess if a brand is becoming cool and staying cool. What are the benefits…
Can deepfake technology reduce retail returns without rattling reality?
The video editing technology that has been dubbed “deepfake” has some spooky potential implications, but startups are looking for ways it might be useful at retail. Do you see value…
Is private equity ownership killing retail?
More than 1.3 million U.S. workers have lost their jobs in the past decade because of private equity ownership in retail, according to a new report. How much blame for…
Staples creates content to reposition and differentiate its brand
Staples has launched Staples Worklife, a quarterly magazine aimed at professionals “who see their work as more than just a job.” A Staples Worklife podcast, e-newsletter, digital community and live…
Has eBay created a viable alternative to Fulfillment by Amazon?
EBay in 2020 will launch an end-to-end fulfillment service for third-party sellers to offer speedier delivery, lower shipping costs and the feasibility of free delivery. What do you think of…
Your company has a vision: Why can’t everyone see it?
A recent paper looked at how leaders craft vision statements — and specifically, why some are more powerful than others. What advice do you have for leaders when developing mission…
Tim Hortons cooks up a test for plant-based eggs
Tim Hortons has announced a pilot of a plant-based egg alternative at locations in Canada. How important do you see plant-based protein alternatives to cheese, eggs, meat and milk becoming…
Is DoorDash ‘doing the right thing’ for delivery people?
DoorDash previously factored tips provided by customers into what it pays those making the deliveries, now will no longer do so. If DoorDash has been fairly compensating its “dashers”, why…
Has Amazon ‘destroyed the retail industry’ in the U.S.?
Amazon, according to Steven Mnuchin, the U.S. treasury secretary, has “destroyed the retail industry across the United States, so there’s no question they’ve limited competition.” Do you think Amazon is…
Does Tim Hortons need an innovation cafe?
Canadian doughnut chain Tim Hortons has announced the launch of an “innovation cafe” which will be used to test new tech initiatives and menu items for a potential broader rollout. …
Brands and retailers try to solve the puzzle that is tween boys
Target in July introduced an exclusive line designed for girls aged eight to 12, developed from interviews with girls and their parents. Question is, Where’s the boys’ voice in the…
Amazon has won. Now what?
Amazon.com’s growth story — unprecedented, immense, rocket-like (choose your superlative) — does not come with a happy ending for most retailers. In summary, Amazon has won. The bigger problem is,…
Will parachutes provide drones with a soft landing for home deliveries?
A new technological development aims to make delivery drones less likely to plummet and therefore more palatable to the general public. Will parachutes on drones created and managed by delivery…
Will cloud-based services elevate Starbucks beyond coffee retailing?
Starbucks is planning a launch of a cloud-based platform providing end-to-end solutions focused on improving the customer experience in restaurants. Will cloud-based platform elevate Starbucks beyond being just a coffee…
How long is the customer journey?
In a survey of 158 business professionals by Arm Treasure Data, 71 percent say they believe the time between first customer engagement and purchase is a month or longer. Have…
