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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Fixing Common Management Mistakes
Ann Hawley Stevens, managing partner with the ClearRock executive coaching and outplacement firm, told The Associated Press there are five common mistakes managers make today that can be easily corrected…
Sony Settles for Less than Pixel Perfect Customer Loyalty
CNET.com, has an interesting piece on Sony’s handling of an apparent glitch with the new Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). Rather than step up to the plate and make sure early…
What’s Up (Or Not) at Wal-Mart?
There is something that all those who believe Wal-Mart is predestined to take over the world should consider. The chain, say industry experts, is not doing as well as is…
Sears Takes Over Where Penney Told Designer to Get Off
In marketing financial products, investors are always advised that past performance is not an indicator of future results. Past performance was clearly not an impediment for Sears Holdings as it…
Senior Moments: Marketing to Older Shoppers
In a presentation at the ACNielsen Consumer 360 Conference, ACNielsen Senior VP Todd Hale (and RetailWire BrainTrust panelist) said there are opportunities for retailers and suppliers to better market to…
Mayor Asks Stores to Stop Selling Gangsta Garb
Success in retailing is all about catering to the needs of your customers, but in San Jose, Cal., the mayor and others within the community think local stores and Internet…
Saks For Sale
Saks Inc. has reportedly put its 241 regional department stores, including Carson Pirie Scott, McRae’s, Proffitt’s and Parisian, up for sale. The retailer is also said to be willing to…
Top Court Rules On Age Bias Case
By a 5-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that age bias against workers over 40 is illegal under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, even if it is…
Are Grocery Chains More Competitive?
In every negotiation in recent years with the locals of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in markets around the U.S., management at Albertsons, Kroger and Safeway have argued that…
They’re Good Kids
For all the grousing about the behavior of today’s kids, particularly teenagers, it turns out that they may be turning out better than we did. According to a report from…
It’s a Man’s World
Let’s face it. We men have been getting bashed for years. But finally we are getting the respect we deserve. A just published study from Packaged Facts, The U.S Men’s…
Lamperts Looking to Real Estate
This particular story has nothing to do with Sears, Kmart or Edward Lampert. According to a report in The Business Journal of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Lamperts is an expanding…
Saks Focuses on Better Customer Experience
Saks Fifth Avenue chief executive Fred Wilson is hoping to reinvigorate the upscale department store chain with “better informed staff, more risk-taking in buying, less cluttered stores and, most importantly,…
Health Concerns: BK Says Fuhgetaboutit!
Manufacturers, retailers and restaurant operators may be falling over themselves to introduce consumers to the latest and greatest in healthful food innovations, but Burger King says, “fuhgetaboutit.” The company…
Amazon Knows You Better Than Yourself
There’s no doubt in the minds of many that Amazon.com fits the role of a big brother. The question is whether it’s the kind of big brother that looks after…
Wal-Mart Turns Investigation Over to Authorities
An internal investigation by Wal-Mart into “the alleged unauthorized use of corporate-owned gift cards and personal reimbursements that appear to have been obtained … through the reporting of false information…
Anticipate Needs to Earn Loyalty
According to Forrester Research, as covered by Chief Marketer, meeting the consumer’s current needs isn’t enough to guarantee success. A marketer must also anticipate future needs. What can retailers and…
A&P Stock Surge Not Impressing Everyone
A&P enjoyed the distinction of being the biggest percentage gainer on the NY Stock Exchange yesterday, ending the day up 22.5 percent. Investor enthusiasm was inspired by a ratings upgrade…
Food Scientists Make Their Case for Functional Foods
A newly released report, “Functional Foods: Opportunities and Challenges,” urges government officials to create economic incentives for the food industry to be more active in producing foods designed to improve…
Strategy versus Execution: The Problem of Making it Happen
A new book, Making Strategy Work: Leading Effective Execution and Change by Wharton professor Lawrence Hrebiniak, focuses on the gap between developing business strategies and their implementation. Why is there…
Krispy Kreme Cancels Wal-Mart Test
It never issued a formal grade, but Krispy Kreme’s announcement it was closing six test factory stores in Wal-Marts indicates the doughnut chain was not giving itself any gold stars…
