RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Wal-Mart and Target Face Off in Private Label
Many observers believe Wal-Mart and Target are going head-to-head for the same customers in more and more categories. Both chains have strong (and growing) private label programs they are using…
Is DBM a Wal-Mart Killer?
According to Dan Fishback, president and CEO of DemandTec, Demand-Based Management (DBM) offers retailers a technology-based business model to compete with the world’s largest retailer. Does current demand based management…
Impulse Buyers Bring Home the Frozen Pizza
During the last several months, BIGresearch of Columbus, Ohio, has been studying consumers’ behavior in the grocery store, and noticed the emergence of two primary buying styles – practical and…
Shoppers Shop Despite Safety Concerns
Few Americans have changed their shopping habits in the last year, despite speculation that consumers would shun high-profile public retail spaces like malls out of safety concerns. Has the threat…
Hoax Costs Starbucks Real Bucks
Counterfeit Starbucks coupons were circulated illegally by e-mail earlier this week by an unidentified source offering a free 12-ounce Creme Frappuccino. How can retailers and food service operators protect themselves…
Retailer Prepares for Business Without Windows
The chief information officer at Boscov’s is slowly moving its technology operations from Windows onto Linux to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses. Will more retailers and CPG…
Gas Stations Without Gas Profits
Thornton Oil Corp. is looking to create stores that are compelling for what is sold inside, with zero reliance on gasoline margins for 2007 as it looks at the future…
Are Consumers Becoming Food Fashionistas?
Wendy Liebmann, president, WSL Strategic Retail said that, “today, the speed at which Americans adopt new types of food is akin only to speed at which they adopt new fashions…
A Central Market Grows in Dallas
H-E-B has announced that it opened a new Central Market in Dallas yesterday. This is the third Central Market store serving the Dallas area and it will be the 300th…
Penn Traffic Sets 21st Century Precedent, Says President
In presenting how Penn Traffic Company plans to grow its business and battle increasing costs at its annual meeting in Syracuse, N.Y., President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph V. Fisher…
Ralphs’ Damages Reduced in Harassment Case
a San Diego judge reduced the $30 million punitive damages verdict in a sexual harassment case against Ralphs Grocery Co. to $8.25 million. Are sexual and other forms of discrimination/abuse…
Antioxidant-rich Foods Boost Memory Best
Two new animal studies have found that antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can improve learning and memory, and minimize the effect of aging on the brain. And, certain of these…
Carb Cutter Gains Wal-Mart Distribution
Health & Nutrition Systems International (HNS) has begun distributing its Carb Cutter brand through more than 2,800 Wal-Mart stores throughout the U.S. Do retailers have a responsibility to educate consumers…
NASFT Presents Specialty Foods Awards
The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade presented awards to winners selected from 3,000 product entries submitted by 1,400 specialty food companies. Is there a market for gourmet products…
Celestial Seasonings Introduces Five New Teas
Celestial Seasonings unveiled five new caffeinated black teas. Will gourmet/specialty teas transform the category in a similar fashion to the coffee category experience?
Architects, Experts Say Proper Design Propels Sales
Architects and national experts agree that stores that are properly designed and engineered can enhance the customer’s buying mood. Are retailers doing a good job of communicating that they understand…
Big G to Roll-Out 80 New Products
General Mills is getting ready to launch 80 new products in grocery stores by December. The new products will be in addition to a range of improvements to existing products…
Genuardi’s Undergoes Bumpy Transition
Complaints abound among Genuardi’s shoppers about changes – real and perceived – in the products offered and service provided since Safeway acquired the family-owned chain last year. Concerns range from…
Reckitt Benckiser Cleans Up
Reckitt Benckiser Plc, the world’s biggest maker of household-cleaning products, said second-quarter profit growth beat its annual target of between 12 percent and 15 percent after costs fell and demand…
Too Many Stores for Columbus
A study ranks Columbus, Ohio, last among 35 major cities for the overall health of its retail industry. Are most retailers operating in over-stored geographical environments?
Teenagers Go for Milk of a Different Color
Milk drinking among American teenagers has increased for the first time in six years. The increase is being attributed to flavored milks. Will flavored milk products increase consumption in older…
