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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
The Auction Economy
In a recent commentary, CBS Market Watch’s Bambi Francisco suggested “eBay is creating an economy of its own.” She points to not only the $20 billion handled through its…
Wal-Mart Tinkers
Wal-Mart is renowned for its customer focus and willingness to test new concepts its shoppers will appreciate, according to Reuters. Among Wal-Mart’s recent tests are its Kids Candy Connection…
Underhill Explains Why We Buy
Paco Underhill, best-selling author of “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping”, spoke to a group of business executives in Charlotte, NC recently to discuss how retailers can use store…
Wal-Mart Targets Kohl’s
A poster on the wall at Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, AK says it all. “Who is taking our business? Kohl’s.” Lee Scott and company have identified the department/discount store hybrid…
Frank Curci Resigns
Frank Curci, chief executive of Tops Markets and Ahold’s choice to become chief operating officer at Giant Food, resigned from the company after taking responsibility for $29 million in accounting…
Are Cigarette Manufacturers Stifling Competition?
Philip Morris and RJR have ruffled feathers in the wholesale community in recent months by allegedly requiring distributors to achieve market share numbers for the manufacturer’s brands to gain discounts…
New Magazine Gets Wal-Mart’s OK
Right on the heels of its decision to ban and cover up a number of titles deemed too racy for its customers, Wal-Mart has approved a new wholesome family magazine…
Shopping Lists Only a Guide for the Young
The younger the consumer, the more likely they are to deviate from the shopping list and the more willing they are to experiment and try new things, according to a…
Krispy Kreme Opens New Market
Krispy Kreme opened its first store in Massachusetts, home state of Dunkin’ Donuts, yesterday to the usual fanfare associated with the doughnut store chain. John Glass, a restaurant analyst, believes…
Wal-Mart Called Threat to Community Banks
If Congress passes legislation allowing retailers, most notably Wal-Mart, to offer checking and savings accounts, it could mean the end for community banks, say opponents. Kenneth Guenther, president and chief…
Closeout Retailer Targets New Shoppers
Big Lots is looking to broaden its appeal and attract shoppers beyond its lower-middle income base, according to the Indianapolis Star. The 1,400 store chain is remodeling stores, identifying product…
Hy-Vee Opens 21st Century Market
Hy-Vee has opened its newest store in St. Joseph, MO yesterday and the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, Ron Pearson said, “This is a store of the 21st century…
7-Eleven Takes New England
Jim Keyes, chief executive officer, 7-Eleven and a favorite son of Grafton, Mass., has announced the company plans to add 60 Boston-area stores over the next three years. The decision…
Walgreen Blames the Weather
Walgreens said third quarter sales of front-end items were off, in part, because unusually cool and wet weather in many parts of the country has slowed sales of many spring…
Sears, Dell Deal Crashes
Four months after introducing Dell Computer kiosks in Sears’ stores, the two companies have decided to end the test. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, “Dell entered into the trial with…
It’s Raining Shoppers
Bad weather doesn’t leave much opportunity for outside activities, unless going outside is a means to get to the store. Retailers across parts of the rain-soaked Eastern US are…
What Did Sam Walton Mean?
In his autobiography, Sam Walton wrote, “The folks who come after me are eventually going to have to face up to this question. Even by thinking small, can a $100…
Potter Sales Pure Magic
The latest edition to the series of magical fantasy novels, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, set a record with over five million copies sold in the US…
Amazon Sells Itself
Amazon.com sees a bright future for itself in the B2B arena. MerchantsatAmazon.com enables retailers such as Gap and Nordstrom to display their clothes and accessories on Amazon.com. According to The…
Small Grocers Outdo Chains
According to the Roslindale Transcript, smaller chains and independents in its area, such as Roche Bros. and Village Market, offer lower prices and better service than larger supermarkets, such as…
Ethnic Frozen Foods Draw American Dollars
Ethnic frozen foods with dishes from China, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico and elsewhere are filling the shelves of stores catering to the needs of immigrants but also to American…
