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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Which data sources should be driving personalization?
Purchase history, email activity and website behavior remain the three primary data sources retailers are tapping in their personalization efforts, according to Monetate’s third-annual “Personalization Development Study.” Ideally, which data…
Will IKEA become the world’s largest furniture rental outlet?
In February, IKEA announced that it would begin trialing furniture rentals with the launch of its first pilot in Switzerland, according to CNBC. How likely is IKEA’s furniture rental service…
Harris Teeter tests self-checkout store
While cashier-less stores like Amazon Go that feature mobile checkout have gotten much of the attention lately, Harris Teeter is testing a store featuring self-checkout-only stations. Does a self-checkout-only store…
Are third parties the biggest reason delivery costs keep going up?
A survey of 237 retail supply chain executives finds delivery speed isn’t the end game anymore as cost concerns rise. One of the major hurdles to controlling costs, however, was…
Will a recruiting campaign help H&M enlist new employees?
For the fifth-straight year, H&M is rolling out its Place of Possible recruiting campaign, talking up H&M’s pay, benefits and flexible hours for U.S. employees as well as opportunities for…
Has wearable tech already gone out of style?
Only a few short years ago, wearables promised a new era of fashionable, functional tech-integrated clothing. But wearables may have instead gone out of style before fully taking hold. Why…
The Apple Card is the best thing to happen to Apple since the iPhone
With its new credit card, Apple is taking a page from Amazon.com’s strategy and acting like a loyalty leader, changing the game for brands that matter or at least act…
Will AI transform Ahold Delhaize’s fresh food supply chain?
Ahold Delhaize announced that it is rolling out an “end-to-end forecasting and replenishment solution” that uses AI to optimize supply chain performance. How will artificial intelligence technology affect the supply…
Is Dick’s making the right move by bringing its software development in-house?
Dick’s wants the ability to create and control solutions that meet its specific business needs and place itself into a position of competitive advantage over rivals. Do you approve of…
Will brands shine in a new online platform for shopping outlets?
Simon Property Group has announced the beta test of a new online shopping platform to help boost traffic and sales of tenants at its outlet malls in both the digital…
Kellogg pilots virtual reality merchandising solution
The Kellogg Co. last November partnered to pilot a solution that embeds eye-tracking technology in a mobile virtual reality headset to reinvent how brands and retailers gather critical consumer data…
Wait … did Whole Foods just open a bodega on Manhattan’s Westside?
Whole Foods has opened a “bodega-like convenience store” in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, according to Eater. Do you think a convenience store concept in busy city neighborhoods makes sense…
Wayfair takes a bigger step into brick and mortar retailing
Just a couple of years ago, Wayfair CEO Niraj Shah spoke about how Americans were becoming increasingly open to online furniture shopping. Now The furniture retailer has announced plans to…
Will retailers be ready when AR adoption takes hold?
If consumers want to shop and pay on Instagram or use Facetime to co-shop with distant friends, retailers better figure it out. That challenge is no different when it comes…
Can baristas keep up with their robotic challengers?
Robots that can prepare food have become a perennial part of the discussion of the future of the quick service customer experience — and the employment landscape, as well. Are…
Who will win the Sephora vs. Ulta beauty competition?
Sephora and Ulta Beauty have dominated beauty specialty for a while and appear destined for more head-to-head battles. Is Sephora or Ulta better positioned for growth in the beauty category?
McDonald’s to use tech to make drive-thru menu recommendations
Yesterday, McDonald’s announced it would acquire Dynamic Yield Ltd., a firm that specializes in creating personalization and decision logic tech. What benefits will McDonald’s see with the deployment of recommendation…
Is there anything special about specialty retail?
While the department store channel garners much of the negative retail press these days, specialty stores generally earned poor marks in our annual consumer study, “The Good, The Bad &…
Does direct mail or email deliver greater results for retailers?
Direct mail, often seen as antiquated by the now extensive online access to information, still has broad value to shoppers because of the large number of purchasing decisions made at…
Aldi tests smaller, urban concept store
Aldi is testing a smaller concept, Aldi Local, in southwest London that’s designed to be a grocer for city dwellers, even as some see it as potential competition to convenience…
Are people investments paying off for retailers?
Given the critical role people play in the success of any retail enterprise, it’s surprising that people initiatives don’t get more credit or coverage. The tide, however, may be turning…
