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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Doug McMillon Was Raised to Run Walmart
During my time at Walmart, we often said that the only thing that is consistent is change. Change is coming in February, as Doug McMillon will take over as CEO…
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: Belk Vs. Overstock.com
Two commercials: Each created with the goal of drumming up consumer excitement and driving traffic and sales. Which will do the best job of reinforcing the individual retailer’s brand and…
Retail Customer Experience: Technology Meets Beauty in a New York Subway Station
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has teamed with L’Oreal to launch an interactive “virtual retail” kiosk that can detect the colors in a user’s clothes and then recommends beauty products…
The Visual Web is Social Media’s Future
Fifty-four percent of U.S. internet users aged 18 and up now post original photos and videos online, up from 46 percent last year, according to new research from Pew Research…
Is Amazon a ‘Prime’ Example for Others?
One infrequent and yet interesting approach to adding some punch to lackluster loyalty programs involves the creation of a “pay for benefit” club that is a “premium tier” of loyalty…
Are Consumers Getting Scroogled?
Last week, Microsoft began selling t-shirts, caps, hoodies and coffee mugs in support of “Scroogled,” its marketing campaign which bashes Google over privacy issues. What do you think of Microsoft’s…
Should Retailers Say Merry Christmas in Their Stores?
Bob Phibbs says, “Happy Holidays” is still the best greeting for retail store employees to welcome customers. Should stores discourage associates from using the “Merry Christmas” greeting during the holidays?…
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge: J.C. Penney Vs. Sports Authority
In the fifth episode of the RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge, we offer up new spots from J.C. Penney and Sports Authority for you to critique. Which will do the best…
Have CPG Store Brands Plateaued?
Three years ago at the annual Private Label Manufacturers Association show in Chicago, McKinsey & Co. released data projecting the possibility that 24 percent of supermarkets sales could be store…
Is It Time to Blow Up the Retail Org Chart?
Want an efficient, 21st century retail organization? Well, a good place to start might be by blowing up that antiquated 19th century Industrial Age organization chart. Do you agree that…
Tech Stores Pop Up For the Holidays
A little over a year ago, Microsoft opened 30 pop-up stores during the holidays. A few other tech giants, namely Google and Intel, seem to have noticed this move and…
Von Maur Won’t Open Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, Etc.
While the debate rages on whether or not it is “right” for retailers to open their stores on Thanksgiving, Von Maur employees will be with family and friends enjoying the…
Which Technologies Will Drive E-Commerce?
When responding to many of this year’s RSR 2013 e-commerce benchmark survey questions, the smallest and largest retailers have very similar concerns and thought processes. They both race to keep…
Is Amazon Developing Its Own Grocery Label?
AllThingsD has published a report suggesting Amazon is developing its own private grocery brand(s). As evidence, the site pointed to recent “Help Wanted” ads placed by the company. What would…
Lululemon’s Chairman Opens Mouth, Inserts Foot Again
It seems natural that as the co-founder of a company that sells yoga-inspired clothing would know something about flexibility, but few would recommend that Lululemon’s chairman demonstrate such an ability…
Shoppers Set Pace, Direction of Retail Tech Innovation
It’s no secret that more shoppers are bringing their smartphones into stores to help them make purchase decisions and the trend shows no sign of abating. What changes in retail…
Retailers Need to Jump On Year-End Deals
This is the season when manufacturers will often come to you with heavy-up deals to make their numbers for the year. It’s also the season when retailers probably have their…
CEOs Become CRTs (Chief Risk Takers)
One of the common beliefs about what it takes to succeed in retailing is the willingness of companies to let their people fail, learn from mistakes and quickly move on…
Why Don’t Consumers Always Buy Their Preferred Brand?
Even when consumers prefer your brand – that is, buy your brand more often than they buy any of your competitors – your share of wallet might not be much…
Here Today Looks to Reinvent Discount Shopping
Combining value pricing with a high-end shopping experience, Here Today, a new discount concept from the former top executives at Save-A-Lot and Grandpa’s and Deals, opened its first door in…
Take Restrooms from Good to Great
A new national survey revealed that 63 percent of Americans have had a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the condition of the facilities. That’s particularly bad…
