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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Valentine’s Day Spending Projected To Hit Record $27.5 Billion in 2025
U.S. consumers are expected to set a record spend this Valentine’s Day. Who will be the biggest winners and losers?
What’s the Key to a Smooth Retail CEO Transition?
Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods, recently discussed how important it was for him to address employees’ concerns as he underwent a transition period to replace legendary co-founder John Mackey…
Starbucks Faces Declining Traffic, Flat Revenue: Will Its Turnaround Plan Succeed?
Starbucks recently released a mixed earnings report. How will the company fare in 2025?
Should Grocers Be Pricing Eggs at a Loss?
Grocers often use eggs, along with other essentials such as milk and bread, as loss leaders. What advice would you have around the pricing of eggs amid ongoing shortages?
NRF Big Show 2025 in Review: AI Dominates, But Brick-and-Mortar Retail Is Evolving
The 2025 NRF Big Show was dominated by talk of AI. What other concepts were discussed?
Do Retail’s Regional Managers Deserve a Raise?
Walmart is hiking pay for regional store managers to more than $600,000 while cutting some perks for office managers. Has the regional store manager role become more important for retailers?
Private Label Sales Projected To Grow 6% Annually Through 2030, Reaching $462 Billion
Private label product sales grew substantially last year. Will more retailers and grocers hop aboard the trend?
Has OREO Raised the Foodie Bar With Post Malone Collaboration?
Mondelēz International has released an OREO collaboration with Post Malone. What’s driving the overall appeal of celebrity collaborations tied to food?
Skechers Sees Success as Nike Struggles: What’s the Secret?
Skechers has carved out a sizable portion of the footwear market. What is the secret behind its success?
Are More Store Closings Than Openings in Retail’s Future?
Coresight Research predicts a spike in store closings in the U.S. this year. Will store closings outpace openings in the years ahead?
Should Brands Jump on Viral Trends?
Consumers are relatively split on whether it’s cool or embarrassing for brands to participate in viral trends. Where do you see the biggest risks in participating?
Macy’s Says Its ‘Bold New Chapter’ Plans Are Working, Expanding ‘First 50’ Blueprint to 125 Stores in 2025
Macy’s executives formed a panel discussion at NRF this year. What topics were of most interest?
What Lessons Can Be Learned From Barnes & Noble as It Competes Against Amazon and Other Booksellers?
Barnes & Noble has reversed its previously dire fortunes under CEO James Daunt. What lessons can be learned?
Are Smaller Grocery Formats Still Where It’s At?
At the 2025 NRF Big Show, the CEOs of Morrisons and Sprouts Farmers Market discussed their pushes to open smaller stores. What are the primary and secondary factors driving the…
From Gen Z to Gen Alpha, How Retail Is Positioning Itself for Tomorrow’s Customer
Representatives from Claire’s, Sephora, and Roblox took the stage at NRF for a panel discussion. What insights can be garnered?
Did Walmart’s Logo Need a Refresh?
Walmart recently unveiled a “comprehensive brand refresh,” including its first logo change in 17 years. Does the revamp represent a significant improvement over the prior look?
What Are the Best Ways To Increase Sales in a Physical Retail Setting?
Physical retail sales remain important, despite the surge of online sales. What can retailers do to ensure their frontline sales stay strong?
Are Luxury Prices Way Too High?
At the 2025 NRF Big Show, Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Rent the Runway, lamented over the surge in prices of luxury items. Has this spike alienated both aspirational…
TikTok Ban Drives Brand Interest to Chinese Video App RedNote: Will Retail Sales Follow?
RedNote is making major waves in the United States. But can you actually sell products there?
Why Is Amazon Ending Its ‘Try Before You Buy’ Program?
Amazon is ending its “Try Before You Buy” service in part because artificial intelligence is helping solve size and fit issues for online shoppers. Does the closure likely reflect underlying…
Is Grocery Store Price Gouging a Concern — and Was It Real in the First Place?
Grocery prices continue to be a concern for many Americans. Is, or was, price gouging a concern?
