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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Did Trader Joe’s Just Open Its First C-Store?
Trader Joe’s has replaced its former wine store in Manhattan with a new grab-and-go concept, Trader Joe’s Pronto, offering a limited assortment of prepared foods and snacks. Would the Pronto…
Is the Beyond Inc. Team-Up With XÂ a Good Move?
Beyond Inc., the parent company of Bed, Bath & Beyond, Overstock, and Zulily, has announced a significant partnership with social media platform X. How might this collaboration redefine the dynamics…
Do Retail’s Frontline Workers Have Enough Tech?
A global survey found that 40% of retail workers feel their employers don’t adequately invest in their tech needs. Generally, do store associates have access to enough technology to match…
Is Ghirardelli on the Right Track With Recent AI Utilization?
Ghirardelli has embarked on a journey to enhance its direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel through the power of AI. What implications does Ghirardelli’s successful integration of AI into its DTC strategy hold…
Is the Solar Eclipse a Bright Opportunity for Retail?
Wegmans announced plans to close 48 of its 111 stores for 30 minutes during the total solar eclipse on April 8 so its employees can witness the celestial phenomenon. What…
Have REI’s Campgrounds and Guided Adventures Cracked the Experiential Retail Code?
REI has set its sights on expanding camping opportunities with a recent acquisition. How does REI’s strategy of combining the thrill of outdoor exploration with modern amenities align with evolving…
How Should Employees Adjust to New Managers?
A new manager in your department might mean significant changes in the direction of your team’s work, your own role, or the team’s workflow. What advice would you give employees…
Can Jersey Mike’s Challenge Subway’s Dominance in the Fast-Food Industry?
While Subway set the precedent for sub chains in the industry, Jersey Mike’s Subs has emerged as a formidable competitor. How does Jersey Mike’s Subs’ Month of Giving campaign go…
Is Mobile-Only Pickup More of a Convenience or Inconvenience?
Chick-fil-A opened its first-ever mobile pickup restaurant to address the growing demand for digital ordering and better manage wait times. Are digital pickup locations a convenience for consumers?
DoorDash Expands Beauty Delivery Partnerships and Ventures Into Drone Delivery
DoorDash has revealed new alliances with Sally Beauty and M·A·C Cosmetics and is rolling out drone delivery as a test in the U.S. What strategies can industry leaders adopt to…
Will Leaning Back on Wholesale Revive Nike’s Growth?
Nike, which has been emphasizing direct-to-consumer (DTC) growth for a number of years, last week indicated it was refocusing back on wholesale. What lessons should Nike have learned about the…
Will Walmart’s Mammogram Partnership with RadNet Improve Patient Access?
Walmart recently announced a partnership with RadNet to offer mammograms at select Walmart Health locations. Should local care providers be worried or looking to integrate their practices?
Should Costco Open More Showrooms and Expand Into the Last 3 States?
Costco is opening a dedicated furniture showroom in Alaska. Do you think the retailer should open more showrooms, or would this strategy only succeed in more remote locations?
Is Apple a Monopoly?
In a landmark antitrust case, the Justice Department sued Apple, claiming that the iPhone maker has a monopoly over the phone market. What do you think would be the best…
Should McDonald’s, In-N-Out, and Other Fast-Food Restaurants Have Secret Menus?
In the world of fast-food hacks, one Texan mom has cracked the code to a secret McDonald’s menu item. How do the revelations of secret menu items impact consumer behavior…
Does Starbucks Need a Chief Marketing Officer?
Starbucks has become the latest in a number of companies to eliminate the chief marketing officer role. Has the global CMO role become less relevant, or is the marketing function…
Should SHEIN and Fast-Fashion Retailers Be Subject to Additional Fines?
SHEIN and other Asian retailers now face potential fines of up to 10 euros per item sold in France by 2030 as part of a new bill. How can policymakers…
Is March Madness Expanding as an Advertising Opportunity?
Home Depot launched a March Madness campaign this month aimed at homeowners tackling spring do-it-yourself projects, joining a number of other brands showcasing campaigns around the three-week tournament. Should March…
Retail Giants Nordstrom and Macy’s Consider Private Ownership
Major department store chains Nordstrom and Macy’s could soon find themselves under the ownership of private-equity firms or hedge funds. How might the shift to private ownership of major retail…
What Should Petco’s Next CEO Focus On?
Petco’s CEO Ron Coughlin stepped down amid downward trends in pet adoptions and as the pet category overall has proved less resistant to macroeconomic pressures than predicted. Should Petco continue,…
Will Sustainable Second-Hand Clothing Remain Retail Viable?
It’s no secret that second-hand clothing offers affordable prices without compromising on quality. How can retail leaders balance profit and sustainability in the second-hand clothing market?
