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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are Toys on the Path to a Sales Recovery?
Mattel and Hasbro recently lowered their 2024 year-end sales forecasts, but both are hopeful for a continued stabilization of the toy industry over the key holiday quarter. Do you suspect…
Will Record-High Credit Card Debt Stifle Holiday Spending Habits in 2024?
With mere weeks to go until the holiday season formally arrives, consumers are already well ahead of the game in terms of gathering up gifts for everyone on their list…
Should REI Be Banning Serial Returners?
REI recently confirmed that it was banning a small fraction of frequent returners from making any more exchanges or returns. The outdoor retailer is known for its customer-friendly return policies,…
Does Influencer Marketing Actually Work for Retail Brands?
There’s little doubt that influencer marketing has left an indelible mark in the business world. Do you believe it has room to grow in terms of its appeal to retail…
Should e.l.f. Beauty Be Selling to Dollar General?
e.l.f. Beauty is taking a step downstream by opening up distribution to Dollar General. Do you see more benefits than risks?
Will Trump’s Planned Tariffs Actually Work as Intended?
It’s unclear as yet whether Trump’s planned tariffs will help or harm the U.S. economy. Do you believe that Trump will actually enact his stated tariff policies?
Will Consumers Warm Up to AI Customer Service Agents?
AI technology overall is raising the stakes around trust for brands. What role do you see AI playing in the customer service function?
Are Strong Retail Sales Hinting at a Recovering US Economy?
The American economy has certainly been put to the test over the past years. But are things actually improving for the average consumer as 2024 draws to a close —…
Will Lower Interest Rates Fuel a Home Remodeling Rebound?
With a boost from lower borrowing rates, spending on home improvements and repairs is set to expand once again by the middle of next year.
What Can Other Grocery Retailers Learn From Publix’s Successful Formula?
Publix is seeing success on many levels in the grocery retail sector. How does Publix’s blend of technology and employee ownership enable it to dominate the Florida grocery market, and…
Will ‘Post-Death Consumerism’ Eventually Become a Retail Opportunity?
With artificial intelligence offering the potential, 47% of global consumers are interested in the ability to shop after they’ve passed away. Do you see “post-death consumerism” one day becoming a…
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…
