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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Why Is Target Pausing Its Ulta Shop Expansion?
Openings of Ulta Beauty in-store shops in Target have been suspended amid an increasingly competitive beauty category. What would you speculate is behind the pause?
Is the Stanley Craze Truly Over, and Can the Brand Sustain Its Success?
The so-called Stanley craze was evident on social media platforms the world over as the COVID-19 pandemic drew to a close. Can Stanley keep its current growth trajectory on target?
Should Lowe’s Be Targeting Gamers?
In a push to reach a younger, digital-first audience, Lowe’s announced a partnership with EA Sports. Do you see a major opportunity for brands in targeting gamers?
Is Walmart’s 25% Ad Spend Growth Push Fair to Its Retail Media Network Clients?
Walmart is leaning on its retail media network clients to spend an additional 25% year-over-year in 2025. Is this ask fair?
Should LeBron James Have a Ken Doll?
Matte announced that LeBron James will become the first professional athlete to have a Ken doll released in his likeness. Where do you see the potential commercial opportunity for his…
How Can Small Businesses Best Deal With Ongoing Tariffs?
Small business owners in the United States appear to be wrestling with the ongoing tariffs instituted by President Donald Trump. How can they best navigate the situation?
Should Cats Be Patrolling the Big Apple’s Bodegas?
Cats in delis and bodegas, or small grocers, are an iconic part of New York City’s culture, but they’re technically illegal. What’s your overall view of allowing pets in stores?
Is Walmart Correct To Put a Positive Spin on Tariff Impacts?
Walmart’s executives put a cheery face on the company’s strategy to stare down tariffs. Is Walmart correct to be so optimistic in its public messaging?
Is Mentoring Feasible on Retail’s Sales Floors?
A study from Harvard professors found that an often-missing ingredient to reducing retail’s high turnover rate is investing in the career development and mentoring of low-wage frontline workers. What are…
Can e.l.f. Cosmetics Drive New Interest in Its Product via Partnerships in Women’s Sports?
e.l.f. Cosmetics is investing heavily in moving its brand into women’s sports. Will that investment pay off?
Which Retailers Are Best Positioned To Withstand Tariffs?
Wholesale clubs, grocers, off-pricers, and certain big-box chains are seen as the early favorites among retailers to withstand the Trump administration’s tariff hits. Which channels do you see as best…
Are Brands and Retailers Missing Out on the Pickleball Craze?
Pickleball was front and center at this year’s eTail West in Palm Springs. Is the current pickleball product landscape a short-term trend, or does it have long-term staying power in…
Customer Service Satisfaction Reaches Near-Decade Low, Report Says: How Can Retailers Improve?
Customer service satisfaction has fallen to the lowest point in nearly a decade, a study reports. What can be done to address this issue?
Why Haven’t Other Retailers Replicated Kirkland’s Success?
As Kirkland Signature marks its 30th anniversary, the private label has become a powerhouse. Why haven’t more retailers consolidated their store brands under a single name?
Will the Announced Revival of Big Lots Actually Work?
Big Lots will be opening over 200 stores this year under the guidance of new owners Variety Wholesalers.
How Can Brands Going Direct Avoid Wholesale Backlash?
A recent university study suggests that brands like Nike could add visible store locators on their own websites to reduce backlash from wholesale partners as they expand in direct channels…
Texas Roadhouse Surpasses Olive Garden To Become No. 1 Casual Dining Chain in America: Can It Keep Up the Pace?
Texas Roadhouse has accomplished quite the feat in dethroning Olive Garden as the No. 1 casual dining chain in America. Will it be able to sustain its current momentum?
Are Credit Cards Losing Appeal?
A new survey finds more than two-thirds of Gen Z consumers report that credit card bills cause them stress and anxiety. Are credit cards becoming less attractive to consumers?
Will the Kate Spade x Target Collection Drive Sales, and Does it ‘Cheapen’ the Designer Brand?
Kate Spade New York is set to engage in a significant collaboration with Target. Will the collection succeed, despite mixed social media reaction?
How Bad Are the ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’ for Retail?
Shares of retailers nosedived along with the broader market as the Trump administration’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs against U.S. trading partners drove up fears of reignited inflation and slowed growth. What…
Is Real-Time Bidding Inevitable in Retail Media Advertising?
Microsoft and Google plan to court retail marketing advertising spend via aggregation platforms. Will Amazon and Walmart hold on to their market share?
