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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Diversity isn’t easy
At a panel discussing diversity at last week’s NRF Show, J.C. Penney’s CEO Marvin Ellison recalled a “key learning” he gained early in his career when he reached the corporate…
Is personalization the new loyalty?
After all the hand-wringing over the gap between customer expectations of personalized experience versus the capacity to deliver, it’s both heartening and vexing to hear Neiman Marcus’ VP of customer…
Can Wakefern crowdsource away its out-of-stocks?
In a session at the 2018 NRF, supermarket cooperative Wakefern Food Industries revealed a creative solution that blends technology with shoppers’ natural behavior to address the problem of out-of-stocks. Will…
Incentives drive web survey responses
Getting survey responses can be a challenging task, facing headwinds such as dissatisfaction with market research and survey fatigue. Yet new Gallup data on the use of incentives offers some…
Walmart CEO: ‘Retail is about change’
In a keynote presentation at NRF’s Retail’s Big Show, Doug McMillon, Walmart’s CEO, highlighted the importance of fostering a culture that supports change in an increasingly tech-driven marketplace. What advice…
Forget Kroger. Will Boxed open its own stores?
Rumors have been flying about a possible acquisition of Boxed by Kroger. But in a session at NRF, Chieh Huang, CEO of Boxed, alluded to another possible development for the…
Could ‘platform thinking’ be a blueprint for retail success?
“Platform thinking” is the key to succeeding at retail in the face of the upheaval it has experienced, according to Kate Ancketill, CEO of GDR Creative intelligence. In a session…
CPG brands push retailers to up their tech games
CPG companies are becoming a driving force behind the technological advancement of their retail partners. That was one of the main takeaways from a panel discussion at NRF. How can…
At NRF Show, CVS calls for transparency in beauty
In recognition of how unrealistic body images can negatively influence health, CVS on Monday committed to significantly reduce the amount the digitally-altered imagery it uses in selling beauty products. How…
Will tech fix fashion’s environmental problems?
Sustainability is more important than ever, but the fashion industry is notorious for its wasteful supply chain. In a session at NRF, three fashion startups showed steps they’re taking to…
Should showrooms replace closed stores?
The costs of store closings now directly impact online sales, acting the same way a billboard does, reminding people of brands and needs. And just as new stores have been…
What’s the trick to handling online returns?
According to National Retail Federation, about 13 percent of holiday purchases are returned, but the process has become exceedingly complicated with the arrival of online selling as well as BORIS…
Smart home partnership opens doors to more in-home delivery
Now, thanks to a new startup, in-home delivery is no longer limited to retail’s two biggest names. Do you expect that smart home owners will regularly use in-home delivery from…
QR codes are back and ready to hit it big
In today’s fickle media landscape, yesterday’s big joke can suddenly become today’s big trend. That could be the case with QR codes, if they are in fact making the comeback…
Does a Boxed acquisition make sense for Kroger?
Boxed, the online retailer and wholesaler of bulk items, reportedly has a surprise possible suitor: Kroger. Does an acquisition of Boxed make sense for Kroger?
Co-opetition with Amazon works for The Children’s Place
While many retailers view Amazon.com as a competitive threat to be fought at every turn, others have found benefits in co-opetition — competing with the e-tail giant on one hand…
Surreal to so real – Sam’s closes 63 clubs after Walmart announces pay raise
Yesterday, Walmart announced to wide press coverage that it is raising wages. Later in the day, the company’s Sam’s Club division announced it will close 63 clubs, potentially putting thousands…
Will retailers go on the road with self-driving mobile stores?
While legislators in some cities have been trying to keep autonomous robots off sidewalks, a new startup wants to enable any big box retailer to get a full wing of…
Will Bed Bath & Beyond find gold in a treasure hunt strategy?
Beginning in March, Bed Bath & Beyond’s newer stores will be emphasizing “deep value” and more of a treasure hunt experience in order to drive traffic. Does adding more deep…
Kohl’s to share space with grocery store partner(s)
Kohl’s CEO Kevin Mansell says the retailer has “identified a whole list of partners” from the convenience and grocery channels that it believes would be a good fit to fill…
Walmart CEO says ‘Happy New Year’ with pay raise for employees
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced plans today for the retailer to raise the minimum wage it pays to all hourly employees, pay a one-time cash bonus of between $200 and…
