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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will the Retail Theft Era Ever Come to an End?
In the last few years, cities across the nation have been sharing reports of retail crime in all sorts of shapes and sizes, ranging from flash mobs in broad daylight…
Will Pickleball Broadcast Rights Score for QVC?
QVC reached an agreement to become the exclusive retail industry partner and broadcaster of USA Pickleball, the national governing body of the sport. Does this partnership say more about the…
What’s the Deal With Kmart?
The once nationally recognized iconic American company Kmart is finally closing its last store in the United States — sort of. In a market dominated by Walmart and Target, how…
Has Amazon Reinvented ‘Shark Tank’ for Home Shopping?
Amazon released a trailer for “Buy It Now,” its upcoming streaming television series for Prime Video. What do you think of the show as entertainment, a way to test and…
How Might PepsiCo’s Acquisition of Siete Foods Affect the Industry?
PepsiCo’s recent acquisition of Siete Foods has raised interest and concerns in the market. As the company looks to expand its healthier offerings, questions linger about the potential impact on…
Should Consumers Be Anxious About AI’s Impact on Customer Service?
A new survey finds that consumers see AI worsening customer service, primarily due to concerns over data use as well as an absence of empathy tied to the lack of…
Will CVS Health Overcome Its Challenges With Layoffs and a Business Split?
CVS Health is laying off about 2,900 employees, primarily from corporate roles, as part of a cost-saving initiative aimed at achieving $2 billion in savings. What impact will layoffs and…
Why Did Coca-Cola Give Up on Spiced So Quickly?
Coca-Cola announced plans to discontinue a new flavor, Coca-Cola Spiced, just seven months after its debut. What missteps and related lessons learned do you see in the development and rollout…
How Does Starbucks Reserve Affect the Brand?
Unknown to many, Starbucks has an exclusive group of special locations across the world known as “Starbucks Reserve” roasteries. How does this concept affect the overall brand perception of Starbucks?
Should California Be Banning All Plastic Shopping Bags?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning plastic bags from grocery store checkouts after the state’s initial move to ban single-use plastic bags led to more plastic waste. Do…
How Can the Beverage Industry Overcome Market Challenges?
The beverage industry is facing challenges in the market and is in need of improvement across multiple channels. How can beverage brands use consumer insights to foster loyalty in a…
Are Stricter Return Policies Worth It?
A recent survey found that tighter return policies are starting to deter consumers from making purchases, particularly younger ones. Do you see better ways for retailers to protect their margins…
Should All Amazon Employees Return to On-Site Work?
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s return-to-office order has sparked considerable outrage among Amazon employees. How might enforcing a return-to-office policy impact Amazon’s ability to attract and retain talent in a market…
What Would an East Coast Port Strike Mean for Retail?
Longshore workers at ports from Maine to Texas are set to walk off the job early next Tuesday, promising significant disruptions in trade flows in the first East Coast dock…
Can GU Find Success in the US Fashion Retail Sector?
GU, a sister brand of UNIQLO under the Fast Retailing Group, has launched its U.S. e-commerce site and mobile app, along with its first permanent flagship store in SoHo, New…
How Critical Are Investments in Retail Flagships?
L.L.Bean announced the next phase of a major upgrade to its Freeport flagship location, which already ranks as the second-most-visited tourist destination in Maine. Is it more important for retailers…
What Makes for the Best Grocery Store?
Do you agree with this top 10 list of the best grocery stores in the U.S.?
Will Diners Eventually Welcome Robot Chefs and Servers?
A recent survey found that 55% of global consumers agree automated food preparation is unacceptable for both quick-service and table-service restaurants. Only a small minority of respondents in the survey…
Is Costco’s Apartment-Warehouse Combo a Good Idea?
Costco has broken ground on a new development in Baldwin Village, South Los Angeles, which will become the first store to include residential apartments above its warehouse. What are the…
Has October Become Holiday’s Make-or-Break Month?
Following news on holiday sales events set for early October arriving from Amazon, Target, and Best Buy, Walmart announced plans last week to roll out holiday deals “weeks earlier than…
Is the New CEO’s Revealed Plan a Win for Starbucks?
After his first week as Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol finally revealed his plan to help turn around Starbucks’ decline. In what ways can Starbucks’ core identity evolve to meet changing…
