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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will robotic fulfillment centers reshape Kroger’s business?
Kroger announced that it has identified Central Florida and the Mid-Atlantic states as the sites of its new online grocery customer fulfillment centers being built and operated by Ocado. Where…
Lego brings AR to an empty store
On February 13, for London Fashion Week, Lego opened a “virtually” empty pop-up store for one day to sell a limited-edition apparel range that could only be bought through Snapchat…
What will it take to transform BOPIS ops from just okay to great?
A WD Partners study from almost six years ago found BOPIS to be the number one ranked technology consumers wanted. What continue to be major pain points for BOPIS customers…
Samsung brings its own ‘Experience’ to first U.S. stores
Coming 17 years after Apple Stores arrived on the scene, Samsung plans to open its first locations in the U.S. to sell its own products. Is now the right time…
Is Walmart just starting to hit its stride?
As many expected, Walmart reported strong fourth quarter results as it continued to strategically use its e-commerce business to drive top line sales online and in stores during the holidays…
Are disappointing holiday sales numbers a harbinger of things to come?
NRF reported that, with the numbers for December in, total holiday sales increased only 2.9 percent overall, well below the association’s forecast of a sales gain between 4.3 percent and…
Where did Payless go wrong?
Payless ShoeSource on Saturday confirmed that it plans to close all 2,100 of its locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in coming months after failing to find a buyer…
Influencer marketing produces a fuzzy ROI
The use of social media influencers is expected to take another leap in 2019, but finding a return on investment remains a challenge. What would be your formula for measuring…
Will Amazon’s decision to bail cause a New York backlash?
Amazon announced that it is abandoning plans to build part of its HQ2 campus in Long Island City, NY. What is your general opinion of the bidding process for Amazon…
eBay looks to lead a ‘retail revival’
EBay continues to expand its “Retail Revival” program that helps small businesses expand online, particularly on its platform. What kind of benefits does eBay gain from its Retail Revival program?
Will Google’s modular tech change how consumers buy smartphones?
Google’s latest patent indicates that the tech giant may once again be playing with technology that would reshape how we buy, use and think of smartphones. Will modular smartphones be…
Will Mastercard’s sonic identity connect with consumers on a new level?
Voice shopping will hit $40 billion by 2022, according to OC&C Strategy Consultants’ data cited by Mastercard. Do you see sonic branding growing in importance over the next several years?
America has too many retail stores
It’s not a new story. Retail sales are up, but operators continue to shutter large numbers of stores. Are there too many store locations in the U.S., or are retailers…
Will CVS’s HealthHUB concept change what consumers expect of drugstores?
CVS is looking to further ingrain their healthcare provider perception with consumers in the Houston area with the test launch of the chain’s first three HealthHUB concept stores. What do…
Will the new plan for Sears work any better than the previous ones?
Over the years, Edward Lampert fired back at critics of his plan to turn around Sears, suggesting they simply didn’t get it. History has yet to prove that the “genius”…
Retail leaders need to care more about tech
Technology has gone from cost to enabler in retail, putting it at the heart of the customer experience. Yet business leaders’ understanding of tech has not really increased. Has expertise…
Can Whole Foods’ business afford higher prices?
Prices are on the rise at your local grocery store as consumer packaged goods companies pass along increases to retailers, citing higher commodity costs. Do you think Whole Foods has…
Will Marie Kondo de-clutter retail?
The hit Netflix series, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” has led to a surge in donations to thrift stores since its debut on New Year’s Day. Some speculate that the…
Barneys to become first major retailer to open legal weed shop
Late next month, Barneys New York will debut a store-within-a-store in its Beverly Hills location making it the first major retailer, management claims, to open a legal cannabis department. What’s…
Is Allswell with Walmart’s tiny house tour?
Walmart is taking its mattresses on a big tour in a tiny house. The retailer is taking its “Allswell Tiny Home” moving popup on the road in mid-February. What do…
Are apps and voice assistants the keys to e-grocery adoption?
A study from Bain & Co. finds voice assistants and grocery apps remain two under-utilized tools that could help break shoppers’ “analog” habits such as written lists that are holding…
