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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Walmart’s ‘restorative justice’ reduce shoplifting?
According to The Joplin Globe, Walmart has a new program called “restorative education” that aims to dissuade those caught shoplifting for the first time from becoming repeat offenders. Is…
Will c-suite shakeup lead to better digital results for Target?
Jason Goldberger, who was named Target’s chief digital officer in May, and who has served as president of Target.com since 2014, has left the company. Why do you think Target…
Toys ‘R’ Us mulls small, urban stores as part of turnaround
Visiting Toys “R” Us these days doesn’t encourage anyone, young or old, to be a Toys “R” Us kid. Now though, a CEO touted as a turnaround expert has…
Are smartphones changing how Americans shop from home?
While much has been made about smartphone users’ ability to shop on the go, most mobile shopping research is being done at home, according to a study from the Local…
Will on-demand beauty services connect with Macy’s customers?
Yesterday, Macy’s and beGlammed, an on-demand beauty service, announced a partnership that will let the department store’s customers schedule in-home visits. Do you see these types of services as a…
Will retailers be treated to a record-setting Halloween?
This Halloween promises to be scary good for retailers, according to research conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics for the National Retail Federation. What are the marketing keys for…
What happens when managers unintentionally demotivate employees?
While we often think about how to motivate employees, sometimes leaders demotivate the staff and don’t even know it. Which of the demotivating tendencies by store managers mentioned in the…
What’s behind Zara’s crazy sales gains?
Inditex, the parent of international fast fashion chain Zara, reported an 11 percent increase in same-store sales for the first six months of the year. Why do you think Zara…
Coming soon – a members-only store for the ultra rich
If you have a net worth of at least $250 million, you are eligible to join the new private membership department store chain. Do you see membership clubs/subscription services developed…
Is a trendless fashion industry killing Gap’s business?
Some point to the decline of malls. Some point to deep discounting and a lack of new ideas. But GAP CEO Art Peck sees another significant challenge. Do you agree…
Is consumer demand really that unpredictable?
According to RSR’s benchmark report on omnichannel order profitability, unpredictable consumer demand is the top business challenge among retail respondents. Is consumer demand really unpredictable, or are retailers just bad…
Who will win the 2016 Christmas layaway competition?
Layaway programs are going strong and retailers from coast-to-coast are trying to capture their share of the 17 percent of all shoppers that, according to Deloitte, make holiday purchases using…
Why did Walmart buy Jet.com?
When news first broke last month that Walmart was in talks to acquire Jet.com, many questioned whether the deal made sense, especially if you stopped to consider the reported $3…
Unilever makes ‘purpose-driven’ deal for Seventh Generation
Unilever has reached an agreement to acquire Seventh Generation, the maker of plant-based household and laundry cleaning products as well as personal care items. Is Unilever on the right strategic…
Zappos and Meijer among retailers touting their corporate values
At a time when social media has made the corporate principles of brands more public, Zappos and Meijer have both introduced unique initiatives to promote their core values. Do you…
Is digital defining the shopping experience?
According to a new Deloitte study, digital platforms such as Facebook and Google “are operating at such scale now that they are shaping customers’ definitions of what a great customer…
Are you ready for Generation Z?
Having grown up with social media and assuming instant access to almost all things digital, Gen Z want it all, and they want it now, according to a study from…
Amazon’s Prime Now delivers beauty in a hurry
Amazon.com last week began offering one- and two-hour delivery of beauty products under its Prime Now service. How much demand do you see for one- or two-hour delivery of beauty…
Will mobile perks put Target’s Cartwheel app on a roll?
Target is testing a rewards program known as “Cartwheel Perks” that gives customers who use the app the opportunity to earn credit toward purchases or to get free items. Will…
Consumers rely on reviews, but they don’t trust them
While the majority of consumers believe online reviews help them along their shopping journey, only a fraction of these customers trust that all the information in the reviews is valid,…
Will smart shoes and AI take wearables to a new level?
Makers of wearable tech are zeroing in on fitness. Yet while the attention of wearables marketers has been concentrated on the wrists of users, a new “smart” shoe is promising…
