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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is Starbucks Paving the Way for Mainstream Walk-Out Cashierless Stores?
Starbucks has upgraded its two New York cafes that use Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, enhancing the smartphone experience for customers and simplifying the process for staff. How might this…
Should Walmart Return to 24/7 Operations?
Walmart pulled back from being open round-the-clock, seven days a week at most stores during the pandemic and for now has no plans to return. What factors should be most…
How Will Fender and Bluecore Shape the Musical Instruments Industry?
Bluecore has announced a new partnership with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to enhance customer growth and retention. In what ways can data-driven partnerships like this reshape customer loyalty and engagement…
Etsy Takes on Mass Production in ‘Keep Commerce Human’ Campaign
Promoting the value of unique, high-quality handmade products over cheaper, mass-produced items from SHEIN, Amazon, and others, Etsy launched a “Keep Commerce Human” campaign featuring a number of its artisans…
Will Stop & Shop Be Able To Survive After Its Store Closures?
Stop & Shop has announced plans to shut down 32 underperforming locations in the Northeast. How will the company’s balance of store closures and remodels impact long-term brand loyalty and…
Should Other Retailers Join Target in Rejecting Checks?
Target will no longer accept personal checks from shoppers as of July 15. Should other retailers follow?
Will UNIQLO’s Expansion Strategy Work Against the Competition?
Instead of low prices, the Japanese-owned retailer, UNIQLO, is adopting a global strategy that focuses on larger flagship stores. How does this challenge the trend toward e-commerce dominance, and what…
Can Doorstep Returns Streamline the Returns Process?
Many retailers are increasingly seeing advantages in speeding the returns process by picking up packages from customers’ homes. Can doorstep returns be a better way to manage the costs and…
What Impact Will Walmart’s New Technology Have on the Grocery Industry?
Walmart is ramping up its grocery network by constructing five new high-tech perishable distribution centers. How will the company’s advancements in automation and supply chain technology reshape the competitive landscape…
Should Costco Be Raising Membership Fees?
Costco announced plans to raise annual membership fees in the U.S. and Canada by about 8% in its first increase since 2017. Is now the right time to be raising…
Is the Saks Acquisition of Neiman Marcus a Good Move?
Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent company, HBC, has announced the acquisition of Neiman Marcus for $2.65 billion, which, once the transaction is finalized, will establish a new luxury retail powerhouse named…
What Does Walgreens’ Road Back to Health Look Like?
Walgreens recently revealed plans to close as much as 25% of its U.S. store base, with CEO Tim Wentworth admitting the current pharmacy model is “not sustainable.” How do you…
Can ScreenX Boost the Movie Theater Industry?
CJ 4DPLEX and D’Place Entertainment announced a partnership to open D’Place’s first-ever ScreenX theater at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City, California. How might advanced formats like ScreenX and…
Can Gen Z Jumpstart JOANN’s Recovery?
JOANN has launched a new campaign aimed at Gen Z to tap the generation’s budding interest in sewing. Are there strong enough drivers behind Gen Z’s interest in sewing to…
Is Jack in the Box Poised To Overtake Its Fast-Food Competitors?
Jack in the Box is making a noteworthy comeback in Chicago after a four-decade absence and plans to open eight new locations by 2025. What strategic advantages could this timing…
Have Food Treats Become an Affordable Luxury?
At the Specialty Food Association’s recent Summer Fancy Food Show, Whole Foods’ CEO Jason Buechel promoted “little luxuries” as the next big food trend as the category appears to be…
Will RWS Global and CAMP Take the Lead With ‘Retailtainment’?
In a move set to impact the family entertainment sector, RWS Global has announced a partnership with CAMP, The Family Experience Company. As the concept of “retailtainment” evolves, how do…
What’s the Best Way To Identify Competitor Threats?
Global customer data science company Dunnhumby partnered with location analytics platform Placer.ai to develop a tool to assess retailers’ competitive threats, joining a crowd of newer tech-driven solutions to competitor…
What Went Wrong for Bob’s Stores?
Bob’s Stores, a retail chain known for affordable apparel and footwear, is shutting down all its locations due to financial struggles. How could retail chains like Bob’s Stores better navigate…
What’s Holding Back ROI for Loyalty Programs?
According to the fifth edition of Salesforce’s Connected Shoppers Report, retailers still struggle to capitalize on all the customer data flowing into their loyalty programs. What obvious and less obvious…
What Drives Consumer Behavior on the Fourth of July?
As Americans celebrate Independence Day, retailers nationwide are experiencing one of the summer’s key shopping events. How do you think consumer behavior for the Fourth of July will evolve in…
