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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Should Starbucks End Its ‘Open-Door’ Policy?
Reversing its open-door policy after almost seven years, Starbucks will require people visiting its coffee shops to buy something in order to stay or to use its bathrooms. What potential…
Should REI Be Exiting the Experience Business?
In a cautionary note around experiential retailing, REI Co-op announced plans to shutter its Experiences business. Is REI losing its differentiation?
Dollar Shave Club Returns to Irreverence in Cheeky New Ad Campaign
Dollar Shave Club is making a somewhat muted return to irreverence in its latest ad. How important is inclusivity in today’s ad world?
Retail Hiring and Firing in Flux: How Can Retailers Improve Frontline Worker Retention?
Retail hiring and firing patterns are in flux. How can retailers improve worker retention?
Amazon Retail CEO Champions Risk-Taking
Amazon exec Doug Herrington discussed the value of risk-taking at NRF 2025. What lessons can be learned?
FTC Investigates Publishing.com: Are AI-Generated Books a Real Problem for Amazon and Other Retailers?
Amazon and other booksellers are host to innumerable volumes of AI-generated books. What needs to change?
Should Retailers’ Gen AI Concerns Be Increasing?
Generative AI (Gen AI) is taking a strong foothold in retail. How should retailers and consumers respond?
Dry January: Will Alcohol Beverage Retailers Pivot To Match New Consumer Tastes?
Dry or damp January may be more than just a passing fad. Will retailers and manufacturers buy into NA beverages?
Is Walmart Missing its Climate Change Targets a Big Deal?
Walmart has admitted an inability to meet its near-term emissions targets. Is this a cause for concern?
Will Best Buy’s New Third-Party Marketplace Counterbalance Its Softening Core Business?
Best Buy is opening up an online marketplace in the U.S. for a second time. Will its fortunes improve this time around?
Are Return-to-Office Pushes About Encouraging Some Employees To Quit?
One hidden motivator behind the push toward return-to-office (RTO) policies appears to be encouraging some employees to quit. Do you see more benefits than risks in using this mandate?
Poshmark Partners With Loop, Turning Returns Into Resale: Will Retailers Follow Suit?
Poshmark and Loop are kicking off a new returns platform. Will this method gain traction across the retail sector?
Is Retail Set Up To Capitalize on AI?
A recent survey found that only 40% of retailers are fully prepared to implement AI projects now due to challenges ranging from data quality to scalability. Where should retailers’ AI…
Are ‘Unflashy’ Strip Malls and Open-Air Shopping Centers All the Rage for Retail?
Strip malls, or open-air retail centers, are showing signs of growth. Does this mean retailers will take advantage and rent these locations?
What Are the Common Mistakes of New Managers?
Rather than having all the answers, new managers are encouraged to facilitate a problem-solving process that can help their team orchestrate their own solutions. What advice would you have for…
TalkShopLive Pushes Up Against TikTok: Will Livestream Shopping Increase in 2025?
Livestream shopping or live commerce options are growing in popularity. Will TikTok’s potential exit spark renewed interest?
Should Costco Be Championing Its DEI Practices?
As many major U.S. companies dial back their diversity efforts under activists’ pressure, Costco is strongly defending its DEI focus. Is this the right move for the retailer?
Amazon Fights Back Against Fake Reviews: How Can Retailers Prevent Fraudulent Feedback?
Amazon is preparing to take further steps to prevent fake reviews. What can retailers do to halt this practice?
Will FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Up to the Hype for Marketers?
The Home Depot and Lay’s both recently signed on as sponsors of FIFA World Cup 2026. What do you think of the potential marketing opportunity around the event?
Amazon Signals Move Toward Sustainable Packaging: How Sustainability Can Drive Profit
Sustainability is becoming an important part of retail business. Can sustainability initiatives drive profit?
Will AR Tools for E-Commerce Go Mainstream in 2025?
While artificial intelligence continues to capture all the hype, AR has landed on several lists of predictions of retail technologies expected to break out in 2025. Which applications do you…
