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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
The ‘shopper journey’ doesn’t mean what you think it does
Many people are now using the term “shopper journey” but its definition varies. And there may be real problems with the direction that one of these definitions is taking. How…
A new business wants to reshape product returns
It’s long been understood that a return policy directly affects how consumers view a retailer’s customer service. Now comes a third-party startup that is looking to change how consumers return…
Apple patents gesture-sensing technology for Apple Watch
While wearables have seen mass adoption since their release, the Apple Watch has not caught on as much as industry watchers had speculated. But a recent patent shows that Apple…
Why Small Data is the new Big Data
In his new book, “Small Data: The Tiny Clues That Uncover Huge Trends,” Martin Lindstrom argues that Small Data explains the why behind what Big Data reveals. Are retailers “completely…
Will digital coupons have consumers doing cartwheels for Target’s app?
Says George Anderson, “They say that the first step in dealing with a problem is admitting to having one. Today, I must admit that I have a Target Cartwheel problem.”…
Will Kroger get Lucky with its latest investment?
Kroger has already proven itself to be a force in the organic and natural foods market. That presence is only likely to grow now that the company has made a…
Retailers turn to text to connect with customers
The success of e-mail promotions has led to even more such communications, making it more difficult for retailers to break through the noise. So what’s a retailer to do? Find…
Amazon’s Prime Now is going mobile and beyond
Beginning in May, according to reports, Amazon plans to expand Prime Now beyond a mobile app to make it available on desktop computers. The company also plans to sell advertising…
How can retailers make better use of employee advocacy?
Employee advocacy is one of the fastest growing social business programs, per a report last year from the Altimeter Group. A new study from Altimeter delves further into the subject…
Apple opens next-generation stores
Apple Stores, already regaled for its top-notch locations, has opened new prototypes that many see as the first inspired by its newish retail chief, Angela Ahrendts. What upgrades should Apple…
Do subscription services make sense for one hour delivery?
Mimicking Amazon Prime, Postmates has launched a subscription service for free delivery. Do subscription services make sense for on-demand delivery services? Do you see subscription delivery services helping traditional retailers…
The role of the store associate in digital transformation
The role of employees, or store associates, in digital transformation often gets lost amid the focus on the technical aspects of this imperative sweeping across the retail industry. They are…
Amazon in mad Dash to add buttons in U.S. homes
For those who may have questioned whether Amazon.com was joking around when it introduced its Dash button exactly one year ago today, it’s become abundantly clear that was not the…
Have omnichannel initiatives taken attention away from stores?
Sidetracked by past investments in mobile and digital initiatives, The Finish Line last week revealed plans to reinvest more in its stores. Have retailers overinvested time and money in omnichannel…
Lowe’s takes AR immersion to the next level
Lowe’s has put a lot of resources into adding high-tech flare to the home improvement shopping experience in recent years. Now the retailer’s Innovation Lab is partnering with one of…
Is Macy’s in trouble?
Macy’s, similar to many other department stores, had a tough fourth quarter last year. The chain blamed the unusually warm weather across much of the U.S. for its problems. But,…
Victoria’s Secret crowns social media stars
For the first time, Victoria’s Secret honored three social media mavens in three categories as part of its “What Is Sexy List.” Are social media stars becoming more influential over…
Lululemon’s future lies beyond yoga pants
Yoga pants helped make Lululemon Athletica. See-through yoga pants almost undid the retailer. Now, the company is looking beyond its yoga-inspired apparel to assure its success for years to come…
Did Trader Joe’s lower prices to thwart 365 by Whole Foods?
Recent price checks by Deutsche Bank show that there really is no comparison between Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. What is your analysis of the pricing disparity between Trader Joe’s…
Is social media taking over brand discovery?
Word-of-mouth edges TV ads and online ads as the leading way by which teens hear about new brands, according to a survey from Ebates. The results indicate that, while physical…
J.C. Penney needs a fashion turnaround, and soon
J.C. Penney is certainly in fashion when it comes to Wall Street, yet it will all amount to very little if Penney doesn’t find a way to improve its performance…
