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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Ulta Beauty’s Convention-Style Trade Show Become a New Retail Trend?
Ulta Beauty might be taking a page out of the geek or nerd community playbook by opening up its doors to a fan-centric convention experience. Will this open up the…
How Should Retailers Address AI Transparency?
Store signage and self-checkout notifications rank as top methods for communicating AI use at the store level. How blatant should notices of AI usage be for retailers?
Convenience Stores Keen To Attract Gen Z, Millennial Customers: New Snacks, Gaming Apps Could Spark Loyalty
Convenience stores have an untapped market: younger Americans. How can c-stores up their game, capturing more interest and loyalty?
Can Feel-Good Dance Ads Help Revive the Gap Chain?
Harking back to its famed choreographed ads of the past, the Gap chain has launched its fourth music-themed commercial since last year. What next steps should Gap focus on to…
Is the DOGE Dividend a Catalyst for Retail Recovery or a Fiscal Mirage?
In an economic climate marked by cautious consumer spending and persistent inflation, the proposed “DOGE Dividend” is capturing attention. What area of retail do you anticipate would benefit most from…
TJX To Add 130 Stores in 2025, Shrugging Off Tariff Talk as Having a ‘Silver Lining’ for Company Buyers
TJX execs have signaled strength after a cheery earnings report. Will the company weather tariffs while opening stores successfully?
Are Home Improvement Chains Too Pessimistic Over Recovery Prospects?
Home improvement chains Lowe’s and Home Depot both saw quarterly same-stores sales return to growth after eight straight quarters of declines but offered soft guidance for the current year. Are…
Feb. 28 ‘Economic Blackout’ Boycott Planned by Activists: Will It Be Effective?
An “economic blackout” boycott is planned for Feb. 28. Will it have a significant impact or spur change?
Is the Red Carpet Still Relevant for Fashion?
The fashion spectacle of the red carpet has undergone many mutations over the years that haven’t pleased everyone. Has the red carpet become any more or less relevant in dictating…
‘Walmart Unlimited’ Launches as Retailer Deepens ‘Adaptive Retail’ Gamification Strategy
Walmart is launching a new game via Spatial that also contains a commerce hub. Will gamers take notice of “Walmart Unlimited”?
Will US E-Commerce Growth Slow in the Years Ahead?
E-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 8.1% in 2024. Do you see e-commerce growth in the U.S. slowing, accelerating, or continuing at the high-single-digit rate seen in recent years?
The Wealthiest 10% of US Households Now Represent Nearly 50% of Consumer Spending
The wealthiest 10% of U.S. households now represent nearly half of all consumer spending. What are the potential pitfalls ahead?
Should KFC Be Leaving Kentucky?
KFC ruffled some feathers with news that its U.S. headquarters will be exiting its Kentucky home of Louisville. Does the brand lose credibility or authenticity due to this move?
GameStop CEO Takes Swipe at DEI, ‘Wokeness’ as Company Prepares To Sell Canadian, French Assets
GameStop is shuttering more stores, and its CEO is taking aim at “wokeness” and “DEI” in terms of its Canadian and French operations. Are there other reasons behind the move?
Should Vendors Reject Saks’ New Payment Structure?
Saks Global, which has been slow in paying bills for the last two years, irked many vendors even more by announcing that old bills would be paid off on an…
Will Retaliatory Tariffs Harm the American Consumer?
The United States appears prepared to impose sweeping tariffs. Will retaliatory tariffs harm the American consumer?
Should Target Be Doubling Down on Beauty?
Target is introducing more than 2,000 beauty products. Does it make sense for Target to further position itself around the beauty category?
Legislative Stonewalling: How DEI Rollbacks and Gender Legislation Are Reshaping Fashion Retail
Over the past few years, the fashion industry has increasingly embraced diversity and inclusivity in its designs, messaging, and product offerings. How do recent legislative changes regarding gender language impact…
Instacart Believes It Has a ‘Right To Win’ in Omnichannel, Bets Big on Caper Cart and FoodStorm Offerings
Instacart is seeing a great deal of success in recent years. Does its future look as bright?
Is Walmart’s Soft Guidance a Cause for Concern?
Walmart Inc. rang up record sales for the holiday quarter, but shares fell over 6% in Thursday trading after executives set 2026 fiscal-year revenue and profit targets below analysts’ expectations. Do…
Nike Teams Up With Kim Kardashian To Launch NikeSKIMS: Can This Celebrity Collab Alleviate Slumping Sales?
Nike announced a partnership with Kim Kardashian-founded SKIMS for a new product lineup. Can this collaboration spur a turnaround for Nike?
