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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Samples Getting Tossed by Cosmetics Industry
Lower volume numbers are causing cosmetics makers and retailers to become stingier about handing out free samples to consumers. Manufacturers are looking to contain costs while still acknowledging that most…
Consumers Get Real
Terrorist attacks, a struggling economy and scandals involving everyone from CEOs to the clergy have many wondering which way is up. The result according to an Orlando Sentinel piece is…
The King of Kmart’s Grocery Strategy
Former Albertson’s president and current consultant, Richard King was brought in last month by Kmart management to fix the retailer’s food business. Disappointing food sales have been given as one…
Food Lion and Kash ‘n Karry Losing Price War
Delhaize has cut its forecast for the second time in two months, because of slower sales in its U.S. operations. A weakening economy and Wal-Mart are given as the reasons…
Report: Target’s on Target (Mostly)
A new Retail Forward report examines moves Target is likely to make over the next five years. Retail Forward sees a number of growth opportunities and challenges for Target. What…
The Big Chain that Could (Maybe)
Kmart chairman James Adamson and president Julian Day recently expressed optimism about the retailer’s future, despite a loss of $1.83 billion for the six-month period from February through July. September…
Starbucks Good for the Competition’s Business
Although it has often been cast as the villain in a big brute versus small guy scenario, it turns out that Starbucks is often good for business – other coffee…
Fruits and Veggies Dangerous to Your Health
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) wants consumers to know that they are most likely to contract food-borne illnesses from fruits and vegetables and not meat, as…
Sexual Enhancement Products Fail to Enhance
A new study says that nearly 60 percent of products marketed for their sexual enhancement properties fail to live up to their claims. Do retailers have a responsibility to their…
Melting Pot Food Trends
The American Culinary Federation conference held in July identified a number of consumer eating trends that will impact food purchases outside and inside the home, among them “healthy” comfort and…
It’s the Consumer’s Choice for Grocery
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what makes the best supermarket pretty much follows the same logic, according to a column by Linda Moore on the gomemphis.com…
Does FMI/FDI Have 20/20 Vision?
The FDI 2002 Midyear Executive Conference provided Tim Hammonds (FMI) and John Block (FDI) an opportunity to update members on the progress of the merger between the two associations. …
The Grocery War Against Terrorism
The events of September 11, 2001 reinforced the need for securing the safety of food throughout the supply chain. Have retailers made food security their top priority as has been…
Marshall Field’s Expands Nationally via Mail
The department store chain Marshall Field’s has begun publishing its own catalog. It is seen by the company as a means of expanding its geographical reach without having to build…
QFC Delists Locals for National Brands and Private Label
The QFC division of Kroger is delisting local vendor products in favor of national and private label brands. Local vendors such as Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream are being dropped from…
PepsiCo Avoids Snack Police
The outcry over obesity in society has snack food giant, PepsiCo, looking to come up with nutritious alternatives to its popular salted snack and sugar-laden beverage fare. Is PepsiCo making…
Nathan’s Not to Be Famous Much Longer at HD
Home Depot has notified Nathan’s Famous that it will not be renewing its licensing agreements for the restaurant chain to operate restaurants in eight HD locations. What do you think…
Limited Growth Seen for Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse clubs have just about reached their point of diminishing returns, according to some industry analysts: others, not so sure. Are there (almost) too many warehouse clubs operating in the…
Convenience Stores Opposed to FDA Control of Tobacco
NACS has come out against a bill (S.2626) that would give the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco manufacturing. The outcome of this bill could have a significant impact on…
Dumping Retail Stocks a No-Brainer
According to CBS MarketWatch, yesterday was a day when “dumping retail stocks seemed like a no-brainer for many investors.” Kroger’s announcement that Wal-Mart was cutting into its food sales gave…
Kmart Banks on Santa Claus
Kmart is looking to get a head start on the competition for the upcoming Christmas selling season, according to Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press. The upcoming holiday selling…
