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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Nestle, Kellogg’s and others dump their DSD routes
Nestlé U.S. announced last month that it was ending its DSD (direct store delivery) program for for some brands in a supply model that seems to be about to disappear…
Is Amazon really out of the restaurant delivery business for good?
Amazon Restaurants, the e-tail giant’s restaurant delivery service launched in 2015, will not deliver any more meals after June 24, GeekWire reports. Do you think the latest news means that…
Walmart debuts store-to-fridge fresh food delivery service
Walmart’s new service, InHome Delivery, delivers fresh groceries directly into refrigerators within shoppers’ homes and garages. What do you think of the potential of Walmart’s InHome Delivery service?
Who still thinks one-size-fits-all mannequins make sense?
Nike earned wide praise last week for installing its first plus-size mannequin in one of its stores. The mannequins are featured on a special floor dedicated to women at its…
Should CMOs be more prevalent on retail boards?
Chief marketing officers’ roles have changed in scope and importance in recent years, yet very few hold seats as directors on company boards. Has it become more important for individuals…
Will associates rocking new vests help improve Walmart’s image and results?
Walmart is looking to upgrade its look. The retailer is replacing the blue vests worn by employees since 2014 with new ones that have a more modern feel. What do…
How long before Amazon launches its fleet of drones?
Earlier this week, Amazon reminded the press and investors that it has not given up on Mr. Bezos’ drone ambition, announced a new Prime Air delivery hybrid drone that functions…
Macy’s balances plusses and minuses of free shipping to loyal customers
There’s a challenge facing almost every retailer with a rewards program in the world of Amazon: How to manage the expected cost of free shipping while investing in rewards perks…
Ace Hardware and True Value satisfy customers, Home Depot not so much
When it comes to satisfied customers, no two home improvement retailers do it better than Ace Hardware and True Value, according to the 2019 Home Improvement Retailer Satisfaction Study from…
Will urgent care centers put a hurt on retail health clinics?
Convenience and speed are two features that favor retail clinics, according to a study from WD Partners. Urgent care facilities, however, offer similar benefits and are so far seen by…
Stores have cut out-of-stocks. Why don’t consumers know that?
The perception persists that Amazon.com can quickly and efficiently deliver any product to your doorstep, while brick-and-mortar retailers constantly run out of stock on items. How can brick and mortar…
Walmart’s checkout pilot puts shoppers in the fast lane
Walmart has had a tough time getting customers to adopt scan-and-go technology. Now Walmart Canada is piloting a layout that could change how customers think about it. Will Walmart’s new…
Are Wegmans, Giant Eagle and Tops wise to drop in-store childcare?
Wegmans is closing its last WKids play center in Buffalo in another example of retailers that are discontinuing in-store child care services and kids’ play areas. What do you think…
Will a city’s ban on tobacco sales catch on across the nation?
The Beverly Hills City Council has approved an ordinance that will prohibit the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes beginning in 2021. Do you think cities and towns outside of…
Will delivering online orders seven days a week further transform retail ops?
FedEx will soon start delivering packages through its ground service seven days a week to more fully support booming e-commerce growth. Will seven-day residential delivery significantly raise the bar on…
Walmart to expand its talent pipeline with a debt-free college plan for high schoolers
Walmart is looking to take the lead in the competition for talent with a new employment pitch to high school students that includes flexible work schedules and the opportunity to…
Will a new mobile app build IKEA’s furniture sales?
IKEA announced the launch of a new mobile app which, unlike previous incarnations, will allow customers to buy directly from the retailer. How important is it for IKEA to enable…
Will the price of avocados make Americans say enough to Trump’s tariffs?
President Trump said he planned to impose a five percent tariff on all Mexican imports to pressure the Mexican government into offering more help stemming illegal immigration. Is the potential…
Experience is overrated, hire talent
Why is it that experience is so often our number one criteria? Because we assume an experienced person will require less training and be able to get up to speed…
What would Amazon do with Boost Mobile?
Amazon.com is exploring an acquisition of Boost Mobile, Sprint’s low-cost, prepaid carrier, as well as any wireless spectrum that may become available as a result of the Sprint and T-Mobile…
What if unwanted online purchases didn’t have to be returned?
If a returned item is going to be thrown out anyway, why not refund the customer and let them keep it? How would you assess the pros and cons of…
