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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Baby Specialists Supply Something Special
Now here’s a surprise. According to The Daily Telegraph, one of the U.K.’s best-known retailers has increased its full-year pre-tax profits “tenfold….” The retailer under discussion is Mothercare, specialists in…
Big Lots Tests Upscale Prototype
In a shift from the secondary, low-traffic markets it typically operates in, Big Lots Inc. has opened a store in a relatively upscale market in order to reach higher-end shoppers…
RSR Research: Making the Most of User Group Conferences
User group (UG) conferences are rapidly taking the place of prominence for learning about new technologies and capabilities, replacing the trade show, in the opinion of BrainTrust panelist Nikki Baird…
Target Shareholders Say ‘No’ to Activist Investor
William Ackman, head of Pershing Square Capital Management and activist investor, has wanted to shake things up at Target. Unfortunately for Mr. Ackman, he has not made the case for…
FAO Schwarz’s Toys ‘R’ Us
Toys “R” Us and FAO Schwarz couldn’t be two more different toy store retailers. If you believe Jerry Storch, chairman and chief executive officer of Toys “R” Us, Inc., that…
PL Buyer: Turn on the TV!
Canadian and European retailers don’t just settle for the Sunday paper to promote their private label goods – they come up with clever television commercials, too. Are many U.S. retailers…
FSIs Need More Localized Approaches
Larger retailers spend significant amounts of their marketing budgets on “non-store” marketing programs, specifically coupons and free-standing inserts (FSIs). Yet the vast majority of these programs are not customized in…
Levi’s Wears White in Support of Same-Sex Marriage
Levi Strauss has a history supporting gay rights and the current merchandising in company-owned stores visually demonstrates that fact, with White Knots, a white ribbon tied in a knot that…
American Consumers Ready to Go Mobile
According to research by Harris Interactive, 45 percent of those polled would be willing to use their cell phone to shop if they believed transactions could be completed safely. Will…
In-Store Clinics Follow the Money
In-store clinics do provide affordable and convenient healthcare. They just aren’t in neighborhoods that fit the stereotype of the less affluent user of these services. Does this mean that…
Best Buy Wants Deeper Relationship with Women
Last week, Best Buy announced that it was putting more resources and focus on its Women’s Leadership Forum to help the company improve its relationship with women shoppers and employees…
SCDigest: What will be the supply chain of the future?
Predicting the “what” of the future is relatively easy compared to getting the timing close to right. But there is the temptation to paint a picture of a supply chain…
Credit Card Reforms Arrive
President Barack Obama Friday signed a bill overhauling credit card rules, banning issuers from suddenly raising interest rates and charging hidden fees. How will the credit card reform bill impact…
CPGmatters: Welch’s Focuses on Shoppers to Increase Category, Brand Sales
Welch’s is leveraging shopper insights to drive category revenue for retail partners for its assortment of jams and jellies. To facilitate the process and obtain insights, Welch’s relies on a…
What it Takes to Reach Retail Superstardom
In Retail Superstars, George Whalin, president and CEO of Retail Management Consultants and RetailWire BrainTrust panelist, profiles and celebrates 25 smaller, often-quirky stores that have flourished in the face of…
Are Macs in Store for Wal-Mart?
The recent announcement that Wal-Mart Stores is looking to significantly upgrade its consumer electronics departments has created speculation that Apple may slowly ease its way into selling its complete line…
BrainTrust Query: Will new bag laws discourage big basket sizes?
The City of Toronto just introduced a law mandating that any company that uses plastic bags in a retail capacity must charge a minimum of five cents per bag to…
Tesco Still Searching for Answers in the U.S.
Tesco has been busy trying to figure out what American consumers want. The company’s latest answer is adding about 1,000 new items to shelves of its Fresh & Easy stores…
Vegetarians Have Their Day
In Ghent, a small town in Belgium, one day each week has been designated “vegetarian” by local burghers (councilors) who endorse U.N. views that meat production is responsible for nearly…
Macy’s Exploring Outlet Stores
Seeking to reach many of its customers flocking to factory outlet centers in the current climate, Macy’s is exploring opening its own outlet stores. Should Macy’s Inc. open outlet locations…
Albertsons Discovering Word Gets Around
Good news. Albertsons is cutting prices. The news has shown up in newspapers, on television, radio, websites, blogs… you name it. Bad news…consumers in markets such as Boise, Idaho have…
