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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is 7-Eleven’s New Regional App Something Other Retailers Should Try?
7-Eleven Hawaiʻi has launched a new mobile app, though it is currently available only at the 67 stores across O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i Island. Should retailers start considering having…
Has Sierra’s Growth Been Good for the Outdoor Space?
Sierra has become the dominant off-price retailer in the outdoor and active space with TJX Cos.’s help, and vendors see more positives than negatives in the rapid growth. Do you…
How Will Mobile Commerce Change Retail?
According to Adobe, mobile shopping is projected to drive 53% of online sales during the upcoming holiday season. Considering the impact of social media and influencers on consumer buying behavior,…
Macy’s Struggles To Deliver Value
Shares of Macy’s Inc. fell about 13% Wednesday after the department store chain scaled back its annual sales guidance as second-quarter sales missed estimates amid a worsening pullback in discretionary…
How Will Real-Time Tracking Affect Retail Delivery?
Best Buy has launched a new live tracking feature for large deliveries like TVs and appliances, using AI to provide real-time updates. In what additional ways can retailers leverage real-time…
Will Highlighting Benefits Help Consumers Embrace Dynamic Pricing?
Dynamic pricing has endured a heap of negative coverage in recent years. Is the backlash to dynamic pricing because consumers don’t fully understand the potential benefits of lower prices?
Should All Brands Offer Personalization Options for Their Products?
M&M’S, and other brands like it, have begun to focus more on personalized and custom products to cater to the growing consumer demand for individuality. What effects will the shift…
Is Sidewalk Robot Delivery Ready To Roll?
Shake Shack has partnered with Uber Eats to introduce sidewalk robot delivery for the first time to customers in Los Angeles.
Can the First-Ever Sports Cards Franchise Succeed?
The U.S.’s first sports card franchise is here, but is it a good move?
Would a Price Gouging Ban Restrain Inflation?
Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposal to ban “price gouging” to combat runaway inflation in recent years is expected to prove popular with voters but sparked criticism from some economists. Would…
Is Mars Set To Take Over the Snack Industry?
Mars has made a big move in the snack industry by acquiring Kellanova for $35.9 billion in a deal that highlights Mars’ ongoing growth strategy. What are the key risks…
Can a Merchant-First CEO Revive Victoria’s Secret Fortunes?
Shares of Victoria’s Secret & Co. surged earlier this week following news of the appointment of Hillary Super as CEO to guide the next stage of the lingerie chain’s turnaround…
Is Party City on the Right Track Post-Bankruptcy?
Party City has been on a tumultuous roller coaster in recent years that led it to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2023. With Barry Litwin’s recent appointment as…
Will 7-Eleven’s Booze on Tap Be a C-Store Game Changer?
-Eleven has secured liquor licenses for almost all of its nearly 60 locations in the province of Ontario to not only sell beer and wine for takeaway but also offer…
Should Department Stores Offer a VIP Experience?
When it comes to department stores, just 1% of the highest spenders contribute to around 25% of sales, while the top 20% of spenders are responsible for 80% of the…
Is Walmart Building a Moat in E-Grocery?
Walmart captured a record 37% of the U.S. online grocery market during the second quarter of 2024, steadily expanding its share in recent years as traditional supermarkets lose ground. What’s…
Will the New Starbucks CEO Improve the Coffee Retailer’s Performance?
Starbucks has appointed Brian Niccol as its new chairman and CEO, replacing Laxman Narasimhan, who is stepping down immediately. What key strategies might Niccol introduce to address Starbucks’ recent sales…
Do Dogs Need a $108 Perfume?
In another example of pet pampering perhaps going too far, Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana has launched an alcohol-free fragrance mist for dogs called “Fefé” in honor of co-founder…
Are Customer Loyalty Programs the Best Method for Retention?
Customer loyalty programs are proving to be a decisive force in the retail industry. As they evolve, how should businesses adjust their strategies to attract new customers while ensuring long-term…
Is ‘Artificial Intelligence’ a Consumer Turnoff?
A new study finds that the words “artificial intelligence” in marketing cause many consumers to have a negative opinion of the product. How do you see consumers’ comfort with AI…
Is Bargain Hunting Enough To Keep Big Lots Afloat?
Big Lots is on the verge of bankruptcy. Given the success of competitors like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and TJX, what strategies have they implemented that Big Lots could adopt to…
