RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are consumers’ AI fears rational?
Many consumers were initially concerned about how the internet tracked their browsing habits but grew accustomed to it after enjoying the technology’s benefits. Is artificial intelligence going through the same…
Will Amazon pull a Quidsi on Zappos?
Amazon.com will officially close Diapers.com and the other sites operated by Quidsi tomorrow after the company, which it acquired in 2011, failed to turn a profit. While the decision surprised…
Will image shopping jumpstart m-commerce?
Google, Snapchat, Instagram and Pinterest have all recently released upgraded features to help support mobile shopping. Do you see image-click-to-sales taking off on smartphones?
Are outlet malls an outlier?
While obituaries are regularly being written about traditional malls, outlet malls by all indications are thriving. According to a report last week in The Wall Street Journal, outlet malls are…
How should retailers use social listening tools?
Companies are using social listening tools primarily to enhance customer relations by monitoring customer requests, questions and concerns, according to a survey by Clutch, a research firm focused on digital…
Should retail employees have board representation?
In an unusual move, a 30-year old store manager was appointed the first worker representative on the board of Sports Direct, the U.K.’s largest sporting goods chain. Are you in…
What’s keeping shoppers away from the frozen aisle?
A recent Concentric survey of primary shoppers who spent at least $100 during a given trip to the supermarket found that only 46 percent visited the frozen section. What’s keeping…
What can marketers and tech firms learn from BK’s co-opting of Google Home?
Burger King and Google are at odds over the fast food chain’s newest commercial, which was designed to activate Google Home digital assistants in households across the country. What can…
Are retailers missing the social marketing boat if they’re not on YouTube?
By 2019, 80 percent of internet traffic will be video, according to Sarah Waters, agency development manager at Google, the parent of YouTube. And 65 percent of consumers say YouTube…
Are retail CEOs ready to ‘disagree and commit’ like Jeff Bezos?
Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos published his latest letter to shareholders yesterday on what it takes to keep the business operating as a vital “Day 1” company rather than a “Day…
Is UPS’s Saturday announcement a sign of deliveries to come?
As e-commerce gains use, shipping companies are trying to keep up with the increased demand for reliable and convenient package delivery. Earlier this month, UPS announced that it would offer…
Will going bicoastal make Supervalu a stronger wholesaler?
On Monday, Supervalu announced that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire Unified Grocers in a deal valued at $375 million. Will adding Unified Grocers make Supervalu a stronger…
Will an in-store pickup discount give Walmart an edge over Amazon?
Marc Lore, head of Walmart’s e-commerce operations in the U.S., says that one of the things he loves about his employer is its “maniacal focus” on its customers and the…
Will virtual reality transform in-store merchandising?
Virtual reality simulation is arguably the most talked-about tech solution in grocery today. It aims to drive faster, smarter and more profitable decisions by enabling retailers to ideate new in-store…
Have hacks damaged Amazon’s relationships with third-party sellers and customers?
Third-party sellers and their customers on the Amazon Marketplace have been victimized by hackers, according to The Wall Street Journal. Do you see the recent reports of hacks affecting Amazon’s…
Are ‘Employee of the Month’ programs worth it?
“Employee of the Month” programs are common at retail as well as in hospitals, law enforcement and other sectors, but the concept has a lot of detractors. Are you a…
What will retailers gain from HHGregg’s loss?
HHGregg isn’t looking to prolong its suffering. The bankrupt chain, which announced it was shuttering its 220 stores by the end of May, began running going-out-of-business deals this past weekend…
Would Whole Foods do better under new ownership?
A hedge fund that is the second largest shareholder of Whole Foods Market stock took a swipe at the slow pace of the company’s turnaround efforts and called for management…
Should the same-store sales metric be retired?
Dragged down by steady traffic declines, same-store sales numbers may be failing to show how physical stores boost online revenues. Do you agree that the same-store metric has become obsolete…
Are daily deal sites obsolete?
Groupon skeptics have never been in short supply. Critics predicted it was only a matter of time before it would all collapse. With Groupon recently acquiring LivingSocial, once valued at…
Will online sampling engage customers and drive trial at Sam’s Club?
Sam’s Club earlier this month introduced the “Taste & Tips Sampler Bag” as an incentive for online shoppers. The collection of samples is free with any SamsClub.com purchase through April…
