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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Target’s Holiday Shopping Experience Help Improve Sales?
Get ready for a Target winter wonderland. How might Target’s blend of in-store experiences and personalized digital shopping impact its holiday sales and customer loyalty this season?
Can In-Store Better Compete With Online Inventories?
Consumers are becoming increasingly frustrated not being able to find a product in store when it’s widely available online. Are retailers doing enough to provide “seamless” access to online inventories…
Should eBay Drop All Seller Fees in the US?
eBay has removed its seller fees in the UK, and sellers and buyers alike are now wondering if the same could occur in the U.S. What strategies should eBay adopt…
What May Stall Retail Media’s Hyper Growth Trajectory?
The three challenges facing retail media’s continued gangbuster growth include a need for consolidation, the lack of standard measurement, and confusion over who controls retail media’s budget. Where should investments…
Is IKEA’s First Stand-Alone Restaurant a Recipe for Success?
For customers who dreamed of turning IKEA’s food court into a full-fledged restaurant, their wish is now a meatball-filled reality. How does IKEA’s food service integration challenge traditional retail strategies…
Should Dressing Rooms Have Self-Checkout?
Marks & Spencer is installing self-service checkouts in changing rooms, allowing fashion shoppers to skip the regular checkout line when trying on clothes. Do you see an opportunity for apparel…
Should Walmart’s Invisible Barcodes Become the Norm for Retail?
At Walmart’s self-checkouts, there’s no more scrambling to find the barcode on some items. How might invisible barcode technology change consumer expectations around convenience in retail?
Trader Joe’s Discusses Painstaking Site Selection Process
On a recent episode of the “Inside Trader Joe’s” podcast, Matt Sloan, VP of marketing, discussed the slow and meticulous process the grocer undertakes in deciding where to open a…
Will Convenience Stores in America Take Over Fast Food?
Convenience stores are evolving to compete with fast-food restaurants by enhancing their food offerings and creating inviting dining environments. What does this shift mean for consumer behavior and competition?
Is Walmart Poised To Dominate Pharmacy Delivery?
Walmart announced that it has launched a same-day pharmacy delivery service in six states, with a plan to be available in 49 by the end of January 2025. Is Walmart…
Should Tapestry and Capri Holdings Be Allowed To Merge?
A proposed merger between Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, and Capri Holdings, owner of Michael Kors, has been halted by a federal judge.
Should Consumers Be Compensated for Delivery Mishaps?
A recent survey found that 53% of respondents expect money off their next order if a delivery is delayed, 63% expect delivery charges to be waived, and another 54% expect…
Should Fast-Food Retailers Embrace Menu Hacks or Stop Them?
Many fast-food menu hacks are similar to secret menus, while others allow consumers to take advantage of a loophole in order to save money. How can fast-food retailers balance customer…
Bed Bath & Beyond Partners With Kirkland’s and The Container Store for a Return to Physical Retail
Beyond Inc. plans to invest $25 million in Kirkland’s Inc. and $40 million in The Container Store Group Inc. as part of strategic partnerships to bring Bed Bath & Beyond…
Will GenAI Influence the 2024 Holiday Shopping Season?
Online holiday shopping could break records this year, and one key driver will be the increasing role of GenAI. In what ways could AI-powered customer service tools, like chatbots, enhance…
Is Ad Fatigue Getting Worse?
A new survey from AD-ID, the universal ad indexing system, reveals that ad fatigue is influencing consumer behavior. Why hasn’t ad fatigue been solved?
What Does the DirecTV-Dish Network Merger Mean for Subscribers?
After years of rumors and speculation, the merger of DirecTV and Dish Network may become a reality. In what ways could the evolving landscape of streaming services impact the newly…
Should In-Store Robots Be Hired or Fired?
A new survey of over 400 U.S. shoppers who have visited retailers with in-store robots in the past three months found the majority cited a “positive affinity and strong preference…
Will Gift Cards Dominate the 2024 Holiday Season?
The 2024 holiday shopping season is almost in full swing, and many consumers plan to skip the traditional gift this year, opting to give away gift cards instead. How do…
Can the Online Post-Purchase Experience Build Loyalty?
A new survey finds online shoppers are more likely to make repeat purchases from brands that provide a “premium post-purchase experience” that extends well beyond fast and free shipping. Where…
Should Corporate Employees Be Required To Work Retail Shifts?
With the aim of supporting retail staff, Home Depot has implemented a policy requiring corporate employees to spend one day per quarter working at one of its stores. How do…
