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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Milk Prices Going Sour
A combination of retail and manufacturer pressure as well as market deregulation is causing crisis conditions for dairy farms across the globe. What, if anything, can or should be done…
Giant Ends Share Slide in Baltimore
It appears, at least in the Baltimore market, that price cuts combined with store remodels have helped Giant achieve market share gains for the first time in six years. Does…
BrainTrust Query: How is the recession changing Hispanics as consumers?
How is the economy affecting the Hispanic market? The answer, at this time, may be inconclusive. Hispanics may be “recession proof” or at least “recession aloof.” What advice would you…
Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks Quick Sale
Eddie Bauer has been around since 1920, but the 370-store apparel chain is looking at its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing since 2003. What would you say is the outlook…
Amazon Explores Private Label Opportunity
The Spanish came to the New World in search of gold. Now it appears as though Amazon.com, like many other retailers, is looking to strike gold with the introduction of…
Safeway Launches ‘Locally Grown’ Campaign
Safeway Inc. last week launched a “Locally Grown” campaign. The move appears to take a page from retailers such as Whole Foods that have marketed their commitment to sustainable, organic…
Best Buy to Test Electric Motorcycle and Bike Sales
Motorcycles and bikes are not what most consumers expect to find in the typical Best Buy store, but that may change one day…. What do you think about Best Buy’s…
New Balance Tries on American Flag in New Ads
Only about 25 percent of the merchandise it manufactures is made or assembled in the U.S., but that’s enough for New Balance to wrap itself in the American flag. Is…
Calls for Removing ‘Sell-By’ Dates
Included in a lengthy list of recommendations on reducing packaging waste recently published by British Environment Minister, Hilary Benn, was one that really grabbed headline writers. Mr. Benn suggested that…
Heavy Demand as Amazon Rolls Out Kindle DX
Amazon.com isn’t releasing numbers on its Kindle sales but it has to be pleased with initial demand for the new larger DX version of the book reader, which was temporarily…
Dell Tweets to Drive Sales
A grand total of $3 million isn’t a lot of revenue in the grand scheme of things but it’s a start. That’s the way Dell feels about its sales from…
In-Store News: Customer Loyalty in a Post-Recession World
According to Experian’s latest Insight Report, consumers are less loyal and more doubtful about retailers than before. How might customer loyalty and retention change after the recession ends? What strategies…
Neiman Marcus Capitulates on Price
After reporting a 24 percent decline in third quarter sales, Neiman Marcus Group disclosed plans to offer more lower-priced goods and promotional marketing events. What’s the best strategy for Neiman…
SCDigest: Worrisome Trend in Retail Label Requirements
While carton labeling is not exactly a sexy topic, SCDigest has recently noted two worrisome changes with regard to carton labeling requirements for goods going to retail that could cause…
Restaurants Find Their Way to Supermarket Aisles
While branded product was used largely in the past as a marketing tool, supermarket placement is now being counted on as an additional revenue stream at a time when restaurant…
Penney Feeling Good About Q4 Prospects
Like many others, J.C. Penney did not have a good fourth quarter in 2008. It’s hoping for a better performance this year and CEO Myron “Mike” Ullman is feeling optimistic…
Digital Downloads Threaten Video Game Store Biz
Today, digital downloads remain a relatively small portion of the overall video gaming market. Will downloads kill the video game store business? What should stores be doing now to address…
Genesco’s Loving the Landlords
Genesco Inc., the parent of Journeys and Lids, is clearly enjoying the leverage it’s gained on landlords in the downturn. How might the shift in leverage from landlord to retail…
Offline WOM Still Where It’s At
Despite all the attention given to social networks, the medium doesn’t appear to be driving consumer purchases yet. Given the trust issues, are marketers overestimating the potential of consumer blogs…
Walmart Adds Name to Marketside Concept
Wal-Mart Stores’ answer to Fresh & Easy is undergoing a change. The first few concept stores in Arizona went under the Marketside name. The newest location, however, carries the Marketside…
Retail TouchPoints: Ebates Cash-Back Shopping Site Scores Double-Digit Sales Growth for Retailers
Macy’s, Kohl’s, 1800Flowers and Sephora are just a selection of retailers who are investing in cash-back shopping to boost online sales. What do you think of the potential of Ebates.com…
