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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Amazon Dash gets a smart button rival
Promising to be a viable alternative for consumers to Amazon Dash, Tel Aviv-based Kwik is launching a “one-tap” smart button and delivery service in the U.S. Do you see a…
The independent retailer lives on
While technology has changed and evolved, the independent retailer — even without storefronts — still works far more than the 40-hour week (or even 50-hour week) of his larger brethren…
Once e-tail only, ThinkGeek expands brick-and-mortar presence
Since GameStop’s acquisition of then pure-play e-tailer ThinkGeek, the company has transformed the online world’s foremost purveyor of licensed merchandise and collectibles (what gamers call “loot”) into a successful brick-and-click…
What will happen to Macy’s after Terry Lundgren steps down as CEO?
Terry Lundgren has seen his reputation as a retail visionary scrutinized in recent years. With the news that Mr. Lundgren will step down as CEO of Macy’s next year, the…
FMI Connect recap: Households now shopping as teams
Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute at the FMI Connect event in Chicago this week talked about the evolution of food shopping, and how the industry…
Nike rethinks local community support
While some stores support communities by working with local suppliers or sponsoring the local Little League team, Nike in some stores does it by committing to local hires, on-ground community…
What’s the next step for content marketing?
According to the 2016 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper report, product information — both from retailers and other shoppers — is only increasing in its importance as an e-commerce…
Millennials love their grocerants
According to a new NPD Group report, Millennials give grocers higher marks for freshness and quality than their quick service restaurant competitors. How do you see the demand for prepared…
How important is ‘place’ among the P’s of retail marketing?
Place – whether that be within a busy shopping center or an online site – is as critical to retail performance today as it has ever been. Has the development…
Does Publix have an unrealistic share of Florida’s grocery market?
When it was reported in January that the last three Albertsons in Florida were being converted to Safeway stores, the question many asked was, “Why bother?” Will Safeway be more…
Will luxury shoppers buy electric cars at Nordstrom?
Nordstrom has partnered with Tesla, manufacturer of electric cars, and has opened a Tesla boutique store in a Los Angeles Nordstrom location, according to USA Today. Does it make sense…
Marks and Spencer pulls the plug on store music
Marks and Spencer will turn off piped-in music in its 300 stores in response to noise complaints from customers. Is coming up with appropriate in-store music playlists too challenging for…
Should sales guide pricing decisions?
As a battered veteran of many Monday morning retail meetings, BrainTrust Panelist Mark Heckman says that while sales growth is almost always discussed, it is seldom given the prominence of…
ModCloth backs anti-Photoshop legislation
Several days ago, ModCloth came out in support of H.R. 4445 (AKA The Truth in Advertising Act), which would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate the use of Photoshop…
Who will buy Neiman Marcus?
Neiman Marcus needs money. The chain, according to a New York Post report, is looking around for an investor or a buyer as soft sales have made it more difficult…
Winning digital minds, analog hearts
Many people have a clear, strong memory of buying their first vinyl record. It’s a great example of how important — and tricky — it is for companies, brands and…
Would ‘driverless’ carts enhance shopping in stores?
Walmart is testing a robotic shopping cart capable of helping customers shop, check out and even motor out to the parking lot without being pushed by a human. Would driverless…
Why aren’t retailers closing more stores?
Faced with weaker brick and mortar traffic as well as a surge in online spending, many retailers this year have moved to shutter locations. But retailers aren’t closing the amount…
Millennials with money go shopping in dollar stores
Anecdotal accounts of shoppers driving their Mercedes to dollar stores to save a few bucks have made for good copy over the years. Do you think the shopping base of…
Are indoor maps still a game changer?
Back at the start of this decade, GPS-enabled indoor maps were promising to reshape the shopping experience. Yet mobile maps haven’t moved much beyond the features offered at the start…
‘Got Cycling?’
Inspired by the success of the “Got Milk?” campaign, a group of independent bicycle dealers are banding together to launch an advocacy campaign to encourage people to bike. Do “Got…
