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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are Grocers Ready for the Aging Population?
Recent research found that people over the age of 65 will outnumber those under 18 by 2034, suggesting adjustments may be required by brands and retailers to meet their needs…
Can Fast-Food Drive-Thru AI Become Mainstream?
McDonald’s is ending its AI-driven drive-thru ordering experiment with IBM by late July 2024. How can fast-food chains balance AI-driven technologies like voice-ordering systems with maintaining high order accuracy and…
Will Adults Keep Buying Toys?
Riding a spike in interest in nostalgia coming out of the pandemic, consumers ages 18 and older accounted for more toy sales than any other age group in the first…
Can Office Depot and Dormify Win a Sizeable Share of the College Market?
Office Depot OfficeMax has partnered with Dormify to streamline the shopping and logistics process for dorm room essentials. How can traditional retailers like Office Depot OfficeMax leverage partnerships and unique…
Why Is Dick’s Sporting Goods Gaining Share?
On Dick’s Sporting Goods’ first-quarter analyst call, Lauren Hobart, president and CEO, called out four strategic pillars driving continued market share gains. Who is Dick’s taking share from?
Will Levi’s Expansion Strategies in Southeast Asia Drive Success?
Levi Strauss & Co. is making significant strides in expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. In what ways can Levi’s balance its ambitious expansion plans in Southeast Asia with its…
Should Dads Be Getting More Retail Love on Father’s Day?
A recent survey showed that the greatest proportion of American dads did not want to receive any gifts on Father’s Day. Does it make sense for dads more so than…
Will Starbucks’ Pairings Menu Draw in Price-Conscious Consumers?
Starbucks is introducing a new “pairings menu” to make breakfast more affordable and attract more customers. What strategic considerations should Starbucks prioritize in balancing profitability with consumer affordability?
Is Spirit Halloween’s Business Model Scary Good?
Spirit Halloween, by all accounts the most successful pop-up in retail history, is again ramping up seasonal hiring in apparent expectation of another record year. What most impresses you about…
Is Costco Ready for a Technological Transformation Under New Leadership?
Costco is set to undergo significant changes as new leadership takes the reins, signaling a shift in the company’s operational strategies. How can Costco balance the need for operational efficiency…
Are Bonuses a Morale Booster for Walmart’s Hourly Associates?
Walmart announced that its full- and part-time hourly workers will now be eligible for annual bonuses based on store performance and tenure. Do performance bonuses offer a major perk for…
Should Consumers Be Worried About All These Product Recalls?
2024 headlines have so far been dominated by grocery product recalls. Are the increased recalls cause for consumer concern?
Is TJX Companies’ Expansion Into Mexico a Good Move?
TJX has announced a strategic joint venture with Grupo Axo to expand TJX’s reach into the Mexican market. How should the off-price retail model be adapted to suit Mexico’s cultural…
Should Mobile Shopping Be Emphasized To Drive Impulse Buys?
A recent Wall Street Journal article details how consumers are being encouraged to make online purchases on mobile phones over laptops to increase impulse buys and reduce price checking. Should…
Will Accenture’s AI Support Help Bath & Body Works Stabilize?
Bath & Body Works, a retailer of personal care and home fragrance products, has embarked on a multi-year partnership with Accenture to overhaul and streamline its digital and technology platforms…
Should Dollar Tree Break Up With Family Dollar?
Dollar Tree is exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale or spinoff, of Family Dollar, its chronically underperforming banner. What factors should be weighed into Dollar Tree’s decision to divest…
How Should Retailers Like Walmart Handle Local Communities?
Thanks to Walmart, the once quiet, rural Bentonville has transformed into a bustling hub of growth and innovation. What strategies can local governments use to balance economic growth with preserving…
Will AI Impede Brand Connections?
A global survey from Interpublic’s Momentum Worldwide found that 70% of consumers worry human connections will be lost as AI continues to grow. Will establishing connections with consumers be harder…
Can Rakuten+ Transform Designer Brand Loyalty and Boost Sales in the Luxury Market?
Rakuten has introduced Rakuten+, an exclusive membership program tailored for designer brands. How might Rakuten+ influence the broader luxury market’s approach to e-commerce and customer engagement?
Will Body Cameras Scare Shoplifters?
TJX Companies has started outfitting security guards at some of its stores in the U.S. with police-type body cameras. Will these cameras help retailers reduce shrink and/or in-store confrontations?
Can Free Events Help REI Overcome Its Challenges Amid Financial Losses?
REI Co-op is gearing up for a summer of outdoor adventure with over 300 free classes and events scheduled nationwide on Saturday, June 15. How can REI measure the success…
