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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Why Is Amazon Letting Customers Shop on Third-Party Websites?
Amazon is testing a program enabling browsers to purchase products from other brands’ websites that it doesn’t sell. Should brands participate in the program, even if a commission is eventually…
Can AI Sorting Tools Empower a Resale Renaissance?
Will AI sorting tools be successful in unlocking even greater value in the resale market?
Why Is Nordstrom Removing Rack From Its Loyalty Points Program?
Beginning June 3, Nordstrom’s The Nordy Club members will no longer be able to earn loyalty points for purchases made at Nordstrom Rack. Does this move make sense?
Can Amazon Haul Evade Tariffs To Outperform Temu and SHEIN?
Despite some rising hopes that a U.S.-China trade deal can be struck, tariffs and the closure of the de minimis loophole are set for May 2. Will this give Amazon…
How Will Weight-Loss Drugs Reshape Grocery Aisles?
Research continues to show users of GLP-1 drugs are cutting back on processed foods, but food makers still largely see minimal impact from the weight-loss drug craze. Will the opportunity…
Will Walmart’s New Beauty Bar Pilot Take Off?
Walmart is launching a pilot program which will see 40 Beauty Bars installed in select stores. Will this pilot project lead to further expansion?
Should Michaels Join the Party?
Seeking to take advantage of Party City’s store closures, Michaels announced plans to expand offerings of balloons, party supplies, and in-store events. Does this investment make sense?
Is ‘FactoryTok’ Exerting Real Pressure on Luxury Brands?
If you’ve been doomscrolling through TikTok over the past month or so, you may have encountered the now-viral videos of behind-the-scenes looks at various Chinese factory processes. Could these videos…
Should Sam’s Club Go Fully Scan & Go?
Sam’s Club plans to slowly replace its traditional and self-checkout lanes across its nearly 600 stores with Scan & Go, Just Go exit technology. What do you see as the…
Luxury Easter Eggs: Will ‘Seasonal Premiumization’ Drive a New Holiday Trend in the US?
Luxury Easter eggs are a popular item in some European markets. Can this trend make its way stateside?
Why Is Amazon Sniffing Around TikTok?
Amazon has reportedly landed among the suitors to acquire TikTok. Does this potential acquisition make sense?
Will SHEIN and Temu’s Incoming Price Increases Due to Tariffs Result in Diminished Sales Growth?
SHEIN and Temu have told their customers that price increases are imminent due to tariffs. Will these price hikes cause significantly slowed growth?
Can (and Should) US Manufacturing Make a Comeback?
Skepticism remains high that tariffs will pave the way to rebuilding American manufacturing. How much of an imperative is revitalizing America’s production base for either economic or national security reasons?
Will the New Lids Retail Concept Capture the Imagination of Sports Fans, Particularly Gen Zers?
Lids is leaning even harder in the direction of personalized product. Will this capture a greater audience of Gen Z consumers?
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?
