RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
COLLOQUY: Will ‘Get Fit’ Incentives Work for Walgreens Rewards?
In April, Walgreens’ 75 million-member Balance Rewards program added “get fit” incentives. Called the “Steps with Balance Rewards” program, it grants points to members for logging individual activities, which they…
Will Starbucks Gain an Edge with Wireless Charging?
A new trial of phone charging mats at Starbucks suggests that the coffee chain sees this as an opportunity to draw and keep more people in its shops for longer…
What Does Amazon’s Hiring Spree Mean for the Rest of Retail?
Amazon.com is hiring. A press release the company put out yesterday said it was looking to hire 5,000 new full-time workers in fulfillment centers across the U.S. Does the…
BrainTrust Query: Can Marketing Research Borrow from Behavioral Economics?
It is important for marketing researchers become like behavioral economists and study how people make choices, not just the choices they make. Overall, has a lack of understanding of choice…
Remote Personal Shoppers Know Your Style
Trunk Club is using proprietary software and algorithms to enable stylists to look after some 500 customers each, using technology customers barely notice. Do Americans perceive remote personal shoppers as…
Is Shopkick’s In-App Purchase Option a Showrooming Weapon?
Shopkick, the app that rewards users with incentives — or “kicks” — for everyday shopping activities, has added a new feature that lets shoppers purchase items directly through the app…
Has Facebook Figured Out Mobile Ads?
Last week, Facebook revealed that its ads on mobile devices accounted for 41 percent of its overall $1.62 billion in ad sales in the second quarter, up from 30 percent…
Will Hudson’s Bay Return Saks to Its Former Glory?
HBC and Saks announced this morning that the two companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The deal means that three “iconic” North American department stores will operate under…
Will Kroger Buy A&P Next?
A&P is looking for a buyer, and management at the grocery chain apparently has concluded that the business is in good enough shape to attract the type of money required…
RSR Research: Should Subscriptions Be Part of an Omni-Channel Brand Experience?
Most people know about entertainment subscription services, such as Netflix, but subscription retail clubs have gone beyond simply renting this weekend’s entertainment. What do you expect will be the survival…
Will Pay-By-Face Catch On?
Fingerprints are so old school. Apparently, in Finland you will soon be able to pay for your purchases in retail stores with nothing more than your face, smiles are optional…
Why Are Trader Joe’s Customers the Most Satisfied in America?
A new study of consumers in North America finds that, when it comes to customer satisfaction, no grocery chain tops Trader Joe’s. Which operational area identified in the Market Force…
BrainTrust Query: How Can Retail Industry Conferences Be Made Better?
What was the last conference you attended where you were riveted and inspired? Arsenal Montreal for C2-MTL, the result of a vision from Cirque de Soleil’s President and CEO Daniel…
Will Video Kill In-Person Interviews?
In recent years, should potential employees get to the interview stage, they are increasingly likely to do so via video, as companies have cut budgets for human resources. What do…
Is Starbucks Overreaching?
Starbucks has announced a joint venture with Danone to develop new yogurt products that will be available in Starbucks and grocery stores. Do you see reason to be concerned as…
How Open Are Mobile Shoppers to Promotions?
According to a survey of Canadian shoppers, 58 percent would be interested in receiving personalized promotions from nearby stores while out shopping. Do you see personalized promotions via mobile devices…
Are Online Retailers Too Slow to Satisfy Their Customers?
Have you noticed that it is taking longer to get your shopping done online? It is, according to a new study on page speed and website performance, and that could…
Is Price Matching a Mistake?
Showrooming is a bogeyman for brick and mortar retailers. One common response is for stores to offer price-matching programs. This tactical response has been seen as a positive for retailers,…
FRBuyer: Don’t Mess With (H-E-B) Texas
According to industry insiders, regional supermarket powerhouse H-E-B has not only defended its market share but, in many areas, expanded it. To protect against the Walmarts of the world, the…
Will Spartan + Nash Finch Make For a Stronger Company?
Spartan Stores and Nash Finch announced yesterday that they’ve agreed to merge. Spartan shareholders will own roughly 58 percent of the company and Nash Finch shareholders will get the rest…
Are Coupon Aggregator Sites Worth Retailers’ Investments?
How valuable are digital coupon websites? On Wall Street at least, RetailMeNot, the largest one, just received a whopping valuation of $1.05 billion in its IPO, with a 32-percent leap…
