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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Should Amazon Have Displayed Tariff Costs?
Amazon declared it never intended to display the exact cost of tariff-related price increases alongside all its products after the Trump administration described the move as a “hostile and political…
A Growing Number of Americans Are Buying Groceries With Buy Now, Pay Later: Is This a Cause for Concern?
More Americans are turning to buy now, pay later loans to buy groceries. Is this a cause for concern?
Should Retailers Be Hiring More Ex-Cons?
Iceland Foods has opened the first grocery store inside a United Kingdom prison with a primary goal of preparing incarcerated people to reenter life outside prison. Do you generally see…
With Tariffs Changing Quickly, Can Retail Pricing Keep Up?
With tariff policies changing week by week, many retailers and brands are struggling to update pricing quickly and consistently across channels. What’s slowing retailers down?
Will Sam’s Club Benefit From Grab & Go Offerings?
Sam’s Club has introduced a Grab & Go section to let members purchase more ready-to-eat deli, salads, and baked goods without having to buy in bulk. Is this an under-tapped…
Will Target’s New Paper Wine Bottles Kick Off a Sustainability Trend in Alcoholic Beverage Packaging?
Target is the first major U.S. retailer to push a widespread launch of wine in a paper bottle. Will the American consumer buy in?
Are Digital Twins a Game Changer for Stores?
At the University of Arizona’s Lundgren Consumer Science Lab, students wearing Meta Quest 3 headsets explore how store layouts impact shopper behavior via a virtual reality “digital twin” of a…
Are Discounts and Sales the Best Way To Improve Flagging Consumer Appetite for Snack Foods?
Despite everyone generally sharing an interest in snack foods, American consumers appear to be losing interest in purchasing from this category, at least in the traditional sense. Are price cuts…
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?
