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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
A Man’s Job
It’s not enough to bring in a paycheck any longer. Men have to earn their keep doing laundry, cooking and all of the other household chores, which were once the…
A Dollar Store Goes a Long Way in Atlanta
If you’re looking to open a dollar store, there are few better places than Atlanta, according to an Atlanta Business Journal report. What is your assessment of the dollar store…
Who’s Delivering Excellent Customer Service?
The National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation has awarded a research grant to the Southwest Retail Center for Education and Research at the University of Arizona to identify real world examples…
Defining Convenience
Naturally, we all define convenience differently, but at the recently concluded National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) convention, consulting firm srcg attempted to help c-store operators identify what they could…
It’s a Big Old Case-Ready World
Where have all the butchers gone? According to a report by Elizabeth Lee of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “the supermarket butcher may be going the way of the milkman.” What is…
Pizza Hut Cuts the Fat
Pizza Hut is hoping that consumers counting fat calories will add up to greater revenues for the chain. The company has rolled out its “Fit ‘N Delicious” pizza, boasting one-fourth…
M’m, M’m Organic
The Campbell Soup Company has announced it is launching its first certified organic product, Campbell’s Organic Tomato Juice in 46-ounce plastic bottles. What are your thoughts on Campbell’s entry into…
Martha’s Back at Kmart
USA Today reports Kmart is rolling out new holiday season ads on Saturday featuring Martha Stewart. Ms. Stewart is due to go on trial in January for alleged securities’ law…
A Pepsi and iTunes for Everyone
Today is the day Apple Computer launches a Windows-compatible version of its iTunes Music Store. It is also expected to be the day the computer company announces a new promotional…
Kings Cooks with New Book
Twenty years ago the Kings Super Market chain opened its first Cooking Studio in Short Hills, NJ. Since then, the chain has had numerous well-known chefs teach classes. Now, Kings…
Supervalu to Leave Denver
Supervalu has decided to exit the Denver market, selling off its distribution center and nine retail store locations, reports Reuters. What are your thoughts on Supervalu leaving the Denver market?
Canadian Group Considers Buying Eckerd
The Canadian parent of Brooks Pharmacies, Jean Coutu Group, has asked the investment firm soliciting bids for the Eckerd drugstore chain to provide it with financial details on the company…
Men’s Clothing Retailer Banks on California
Jos. A. Bank knew opening stores in California was a smart move. After all, the retailer of men’s casual and tailored clothes and accessories was already doing 10 percent of…
Healthy Food Business Flowers in AZ
Sunflower Market, “The Serious Food, Silly Prices” retailer, opened a new store in Gilbert, AZ yesterday looking to carve out a healthy share for itself in the local natural foods…
Unmarried Adults Changing the Rules
According to Unmarried America, a report in Business Week, the percentage of married-couple households has fallen from around 80 percent in the 1950s to slightly more than half today. How…
Can Randall Onstead Fix Dominick’s?
According to a report by Crain’s Chicago Business, “Safeway has hired R. Randall Onstead Jr., previously CEO and part-owner of a Texas-based grocery chain that sold out to Safeway in…
Strike Sends Shoppers to Other Stores
Much of the talk around the negotiations between the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and Kroger, Safeway and Albertsons has centered around the competitive threat posed by Wal-Mart. How…
Cal Workers Strike, Chains Bring in Replacements
Kroger, Safeway and Albertsons were not able to come to an agreement with the union representing 70,000 store employees and the picketing has begun at the 850 supermarkets involved. How…
Blimpie Counts Carbs
Reuters reports Blimpie’s is testing the “Blimpie Carb Counter Menu,” offering “six-inch subs with fillings like roast beef and cheddar with wasabi dressing on seven-grain bread. What are your thoughts…
Consumers Want More, Pay More For Appliances
Home appliance retailers are reporting consumers are paying for more feature-laden and expensive models. What are your thoughts on consumers trading up in the home appliance category? Are there lessons…
Starbucks Prepaid Card: The Next Generation
The next generation of the successful Starbucks prepaid card is the first to also serve as a credit card, reports USA Today. The new card, Duetto, rolling out today, allows…
