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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
RSR Research: Cross-channel, Omni-channel, Any-channel – Maybe It’s Time to Let Them Go
The consumer expects consistency, not a science project, when she goes shopping. So for this discussion, we’re retiring terms like cross-channel, omni-channel, any channel, converged channel and any other term…
What Can Malls Learn From Disney World?
The Mall Of America, already one of the largest malls in the U.S. at 4.2 million square feet, plans to add up to another 5.6 million square feet to…
Do Brands Deserve to Know Who is Buying Their Products?
Simon Sugar, son of the BBC’s answer to Donald Trump, Lord Alan, was quoted in the Daily Telegraph saying, “It is time for a step-change in advertising — brands deserve…
Should Retailers Hire Twenty-Somethings to Sell Stuff on Facebook?
Adweek ran an interesting report that suggested that when it comes to selling on social media, particularly Facebook, putting Millennials in charge may be the key to success. Is putting…
What Will the Next 20 Years Hold for Sears Hometown Stores?
In 1893, the first Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog was published. In 1993, the last Sears catalog was published. In 2013, Sears Hometown Store is going nostalgic and honoring the…
No Cover for the Rolling Stone in Boston
With so much media coverage already devoted to Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, why is there such a heated response to a photo of Mr. Tsarnaev blown up on…
Do Consumers Prefer Copycat Products?
A university study from the U.K. has found that, rather than craving something different when purchasing new items, consumers feel more confident in their purchases if the products in the…
BrainTrust Query: Is the Era of One-to-One Communication Finally Upon Us?
Amazon has changed the way people think about shopping, Google has changed the way people think about information, and Facebook has changed the way people think about themselves and each…
Is Mobile’s True ROI Found in Driving Loyalty?
According to a survey of retailers conducted by EpiServer, the biggest return on mobile is coming from increased customer loyalty and personalization, rather than mobile transactions. Do you believe mobile…
Will More Mergers Follow the Loblaw/Shoppers Drug Mart Deal?
Consolidation is alive and well north of the U.S. border. Close on the heels of Sobeys’ recent deal to acquire Safeway’s Canadian business comes the most recent blockbuster, Loblaw agreeing…
You’re Not Going to Like the New Men’s Wearhouse Ads. We (Can Almost) Guarantee It.
Men’s Wearhouse has released its first commercial in the post-Zimmer era and his absence is apparent. The result, at least according to a poll on the Ad Age website, is…
Retail TouchPoints: How Can Retailers Make Checkout Waits More Bearable?
Studies suggest that customer perception of product and service quality is the single best predictor of market share. Many retailers need look no further than the waiting line, where an…
Will Reality TV Help Target Connect With College Kids?
To reach cyber-savvy college kids, Target is creating a mini reality TV show as part of an extension of its annual “Bullseye University” campaign. How well do you think the…
Will a Food Truck Campaign Put Fresh & Easy’s Sales in Gear?
Fresh & Easy has launched a series of street fairs this summer to showcase its freshly prepared meals, with a food truck on hand at each event to serve free…
Has the App Store Changed Retail?
It’s rare to stir up nostalgia for something five years old, but last week’s anniversary of the introduction of Apple’s App Store did just that. To date, what effects has…
Do CPGs Play Favorites Where Big Chains Are Involved?
Among the list of complaints I’ve heard with some regularity over the years from retailers is that consumer packaged goods manufacturers give preferential treatment to the very largest chains. Do…
Why Don’t More Retailers Understand Loyalty Is a Two-Way Street?
It’s been often stated in one way or another on this site that loyalty is not a card. Demonstrating loyalty — to go all Merriam-Webster here — is “having or…
Are Retailers Changing Their Loyalty Marketing Stripes?
At the recent CRMC in Chicago, there was increased discussion around the importance and usage of non-points-based loyalty programs and benefits. Do you think the shift in loyalty programs away…
Will Customer Reviews Become a Bigger Influencer for Retail Purchases?
Despite some hype, online customer reviews appear to be playing only a small role in consumer purchasing decisions when it comes to retailers. But in certain purchases reviews are often…
Eat Well, Cook Well, Shop Well
City Grocery in Oxford, MS and American Grocery in Greenville, SC are two restaurants that source top quality ingredients for their fine dining offerings. Their names imply that if raw…
Will Walmart Bail on Washington Over the ‘Living Wage’ Bill?
Walmart claims it was blindsided by a living wage law passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council. City leaders say they are perplexed since Walmart’s executives and lobbyists have claimed…
