RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is MSRP becoming less credible?
Some retailers are getting a tad overconfident about their pricing programs. They’re regressing into tactics to reach short-term category margin goals or quick hits for knee-jerk competitive reasons. Are retailers…
Will ending school charity be an epic branding fail for Target?
In 2010, Target set a goal of donating $1 billion for education by the end of this year. Last month, the retailer celebrated reaching that goal. Now, Target says it…
Will matching artisans and manufacturers secure Etsy’s future?
The artisans who bring their unique designs and products to the Etsy online marketplace should be able to think bigger. That’s what the site’s management is hoping will happen as…
Millennials, Gen-Z willing to share, for a price
A global survey from Aimia finds that Generation Z and Millennial consumers are much more inclined to share their data with brands, offering mobile numbers, lifestyle information, e-mail addresses and…
Will automation lead to server-less restaurants?
Reminding some of the automats of yore, a new fast-food concept, Eatsa, with national rollout ambitions, has opened in San Francisco without any servers or counter help. What do you…
Are retailers ready to buy into buy buttons?
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram have taken a further dip into online commerce over the past year, with each company announcing that buy buttons will…
Study shows training boosts sales — a lot
A university study has quantified that training associates leads to a 23 percent lift in sales. Why aren’t retailers investing more in training their staffs? What aspects of associate training…
Penney has a need for supply chain speed
Until now, the closest J.C. Penney has gotten to fast fashion has been the MNG by Mango store. But that may change as the chain has begun testing a fast…
Amazon adds restaurant delivery to its menu of services
Even as Amazon faces new competition in grocery delivery from Google, the e-tailer is looking to move into another equally crowded area of food delivery — restaurants. Can Amazon scale…
Retailer builds lasting bonds with temporary workers
Seasonal hires have traditionally been viewed as a cut below their permanent full- and part-time peers at retail. GameStop believes its “Grow and Go” employee development program has raised the…
Google teams with Costco and Whole Foods to deliver groceries
Earlier this week, Brian Elliott, general manager of Google Express, told Bloomberg that the tech giant was planning to deliver fresh foods and groceries from Costco and Whole Foods as…
Are stores missing impulse sales opportunities at the self-checkout?
Several years after soft drink giants managed to get small coolers installed right next to checkout lanes, Coca-Cola is trying to get many of these outlets to take the next…
Best Buy to open shops inside of Macy’s stores
It seems Best Buy is such a believer in the store-within-a-store strategy that it sought out and reached a deal to open its own branded shops inside of 10 Macy’s…
Brand hops on Trump’s anti-Mexico bandwagon
Companies ran fast and far from their business associations with Donald Trump after his comments on illegal immigrants, yet one company has come out in support of Mr. Trump’s call…
Journey mapping pitfalls can lead retailers astray
While journey maps provide a view of customer experience that may not come naturally from within the walls of a corporation, companies can be led astray if the mapping exercise…
Amazon brings farmers market goods to Prime doorsteps
If Amazon and start-up partner Fresh Nation are successful with tests of their new Farmers Market Direct service, consumers across the country may soon be spared the joy of visiting…
Will Uber transform e-commerce delivery?
Uber is reportedly partnering this fall with dozens of retailers to provide a speedy delivery option for shoppers on a wide range of e-commerce websites and apps. Do you think…
Is the National Labor Relations Board ruling a game changer for workers?
Unions, labor advocates and key players in warehousing, construction, fast food and home healthcare are brainstorming strategies in the wake of a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling. Do you…
Will consumers submit to in-home spying in return for personalization?
As marketers, the more we know about consumers, the better we can personalize offers and make them more relevant. But there can be negative consequences. Will government intervention be needed…
New NYC Lowe’s locations are small-format, high-tech
The costs and limitations of urban retail space make names like Lowe’s and Home Depot a rare sight within the confines of densely-populated big cities. But Lowe’s is trying to…
CVS: Cigarette ban reduced smoking
Marking the first anniversary of ending tobacco sales at its stores, CVS issued a study indicating that its decision led to a measurable decrease in the number of cigarette purchases…
