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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is there really wisdom in the crowd?
As predictive analytics become more sophisticated, companies are increasingly relying on aggregated data. But how much should firms trust the wisdom of the crowd? Does it make sense that crowd-sourced…
Foot Locker makes $100M leap into the sneaker re-seller space
Foot Locker has made a $100 million minority investment in Goat Group, which claims to be the largest resale marketplace for sneakers. Where do you see the greatest potential benefits from…
Product and promo knowledge won’t make the sale
Are we developing associates to be chatbots or true retail sales professionals that have the ability to connect with customers and solve problems? Where does the development of interpersonal skills…
Will a new rewards program expand Target’s circle of guests?
A free rewards program pilot launched in the Dallas-Fort Worth market last April by Target appears to have been successful as the chain announced this week that it is expanding…
Are ‘spiritual’ brands more marketable than ever?
If history teaches us one thing, it’s that spirituality is a surefire way to turn a profit. Is spirituality-based consumerism just a fad or a trend that mainstream retailers should…
J.C. Penney dumps appliances
J.C. Penney CEO Jill Soltau has decided that the department store chain will no longer sell appliances after the end of this month. Do you approve of J.C. Penney’s decision…
Are legacy retailers on the right track or heading off the tracks?
Walking both the floor at NRF and the city stores of New York last month, it was hard for BrainTrust panelist Laura Davis-Taylor not to look at the industry through…
Will AR change how people buy products from eyeglasses to wedding rings?
The try-on process for many products is the first step toward a long-term investment. Some retailers are using augmented reality to make the experience more convenient for customers. Do you…
What will Angela Ahrendts’ departure mean for Apple’s retail business?
Angela Ahrendts, senior vice president of retail for Apple, is leaving the company in April. She is departing Apple roughly five years after joining the company from Burberry where she…
Is Amazon Vine a win for all?
Amazon’s secretive, invite-only Amazon Vine program that provides free products to the platform’s “most trusted reviewers” was recently explored by The New York Times. Does the Amazon Vine program appear…
Farmstead taps AI to bring grocery prices down
Farmstead, which uses artificial intelligence to efficiently source and deliver food, announced a new delivery option that promises to bring prices below the average cost for the Bay area. What…
Will Target’s dynamic pricing strategy erode customers’ trust?
In a two-month investigation conducted by Minneapolis TV station KARE, it was uncovered that Target changes its prices on certain items depending on whether you are inside or outside of…
Walgreens tests tech that sort of recognizes you in-store
Walgreens is piloting a line of “smart coolers” with the ability to display targeted ads to in-store shoppers. How do you expect customers in Walgreens to respond to the Cooler…
Are malls better off as fulfillment centers?
As the retail world continues to grapple with the future fate of shopping malls, a new trend is emerging in the use of former mall space — it’s going industrial…
Did Trader Joe’s make the right decision to end grocery deliveries?
Running counter to one of grocery’s biggest trends, Trader Joe’s announced it is ending its delivery service in New York City. Is Trader Joe’s wise to end its delivery service…
Which commercial won Super Bowl LIII?
The snoozefest otherwise known as Super Bowl LIII is over — thank goodness. Now, it’s time to talk about the commercials. Which commercial do you think won the Super Bowl…
Walmart to offer bonuses for good attendance
Walmart plans to give bonuses to its U.S. employees who don’t call out often. The goal is to better deliver a consistent experience for customers and reward its most dependable…
Is trust the next omnichannel inflection point?
Transparency was the first shift that changed the retailing game with the rise of internet shopping and mobile followed. In 2019, trust will become omnichannel’s third inflection point. Is what…
Shopper technology opportunities are the focus of FMI Midwinter
There were several remarkable statistics shared at the FM I Midwinter last week. They show that supermarkets are losing their primary store status as shoppers shop at multiple channels and…
What motivates workers in the gig economy?
A new study from professors at Wharton and New York University finds that although the flexibility of working multiple jobs fuels their entrepreneurial drive, gig workers are looking for some…
Social media responsiveness builds Millennial loyalty
According to a new study, a strong social media presence is a huge part of the loyalty equation for Millennials — and not having a responsive social media presence might…
