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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Does a Living Wage Mean Business Dies?
Depending on who is speaking, laws guaranteeing a living wage either mean the beginning of a new more humane workplace and society or the end of business development along with…
If You Want Loyalty, Be Convenient
According to a survey by Brand Keys, “Convenience” now contributes 18% to product and service adoption, loyalty and profitability. What are some conveniences retailers and marketers are delivering to shoppers…
Location, Eminent Domain, Location
Location may not be everything in retailing but, if you want to be successful with a store, it sure is near the top of the list. Unfortunately, retailers’ (especially big…
Airport Friendly Duds Becoming Popular
One of the grim realities of post 9/11 America is that law-abiding citizens are increasingly inconvenienced, some would say harassed, in the name of security. This is especially true in…
Does Right to Bear Arms Include Work?
According to USA Today, a former Pizza Hut delivery person found himself confronted by a man with a gun one evening while making deliveries. He did what he thought was…
When God Goes to Work
God, believers say, is everywhere, including the workplace. According to a report in The Trenton Times, there are “thousands of workplace ministries – officially sanctioned employee religious groups – across…
Group Discounts Target Shoppers
Today, if you’re a member of any large group such as the military, union, auto club, credit card, etc., chances are some business has a special deal for you. Have…
The Marriage of Convenience with Culture
A new market report, “The U.S. Market for Hispanic Foods and Beverages” by Packaged Facts, powerfully demonstrates the convergence between two parallel trends going on right now in the food…
Facing a Fork on the Information Super Highway
Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell faced an opportunity to demonstrate a vision for the future when he was presented a bill that would restrict cities’ ability to provide free…
Retailer Starts Bad-Gift Boycott Campaign
The music and video retail chain, Sam Goody, wants to stamp out bad gifts once and for all. Last year, Goody ran a Bad-Gift Boycott the day after Christmas asking…
Starbucks’ Latest Genius Move
When Ray Charles’ recorded his last album before he died, “Genius Loves Company,” do you think he knew the songs would speak so directly to the retailers selling his collection…
Retailers Enlist CPG Manufacturers in Loyalty Effort
Some retailers are beginning to take a different approach with their loyalty card programs. Instead of simply serving as a means for consumers to receive a promotional discount and drive…
‘Tis the Season to be Frustrated
It isn’t a secret list that only Santa knows, but a new study does spell out what shoppers would like to avoid when doing their holiday shopping this season. …
Remaining Close to your Customers
Marc Ecko, the former graffiti artist and seller of hand painted T-shirts started a clothing line 11 years ago. Despite growing his company to a billion in sales, he knows…
Et tu Steven Roth?
The thinking, when Steven Roth’s Vornado Realty Trust took a 4.3 percent stake in Sears last month (remember that the Kmart-Sears merger had not yet been announced) was that Messrs…
Store Brand Investment Climbs
What’s the appeal of private label/store brands for grocery wholesalers and retailers? Sure, there are usually higher profit margins associated with the sale of a store’s own brand, but…
The “Asda Way” Becomes Wal-Mart’s Way
Wal-Mart’s Asda division is growing and the chain’s people director knows why. “We know that making our business the best place to work will also make it the best place…
Thompson: Food Supply Easy to Attack
The outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson says there is reason for alarm. The nation’s food supply is far from safe. Last week, in remarks made after announcing…
Lands’ End: Online Pioneer
The decision by Lands’ End to start selling its products online had nothing to do with some grand vision of how the Internet was going to change the world of…
Wal-Mart Pushes Panic Button
Wal-Mart admits that it lost the price perception battle to kickoff the holiday selling season but the chain intends to remedy the situation as it launches a new advertising campaign…
Vornado Bidding for Toys ‘R’ Us
Vornado Realty Trust, which recently made news when it took a stake in Sears shortly before the merger with Kmart was announced, is reported to be a top candidate to…
