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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is Nike’s Olympic Campaign Inspiring or Toxic?
Nike’s Olympics ad, “Winning Isn’t for Everyone,” has proved divisive, with fans praising the message around grit and determination and critics calling out its ruthlessness and disrespect of sportsmanship. Will…
At What Point Does Loss Prevention Cross Into Sales Prevention?
Retailers faced with rising rates of shoplifting are being forced to take action. Are there any retailers who are handling it correctly?
Is Ace Hardware’s New Store Model a Good Concept?
Ace Hardware is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 with an expansion and a new store concept. Will the integration of experiential elements become a new standard for retailers looking…
Will Scanning Cards To Enter Costco Annoy Members?
In another attempt to crack down on membership sharing and nonmember walk-ins, Costco will soon require shoppers to scan their membership cards before entering. Will this improve the checkout process?
Should Wayfair Open More Physical Stores?
Wayfair has opened its first physical store at Edens Plaza in Wilmette, Illinois. What strategic adjustments are essential for Wayfair to stay competitive and profitable in the evolving home furnishings…
Is Free BOPIS Worth It for Grocers?
A university study concludes that the common grocer offering of BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) for free is a money loser given the significant labor requirements. Do you agree…
Can Instacart’s Efforts Help the Company Overtake the Competition?
Instacart has been making significant moves in the grocery delivery market. But will they pay off?
Should Brands Stay Apolitical in a Presidential Election Year?
As the presidential election draws closer, brands are deciding whether or not to stay apolitical. Has it become riskier for corporations to take political stands?
Should Delta Recoup Losses From CrowdStrike and Microsoft After the Recent Tech Outage?
After taking a nosedive in the eyes of thousands of customers who were left stranded at airports due to a tech outage, Delta is threatening litigation against CrowdStrike and Microsoft…
What Might Be in Store for Google After the Monopolist Ruling?
Google has been declared a monopolist, but how will the company be affected?
Will Advanced AI Step Up Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology?
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology received an upgrade with advanced artificial intelligence technology promising to significantly improve accuracy. What questions do you still have about Just Walk Out’s scalability?
Will POP MART Be at the Top of the Art Gallery-Style Retail Format?
POP MART has opened its first-ever physical store location in the Louvre. How does incorporating high-end and nostalgic toys into prestigious locations like the Louvre impact perceptions of luxury and…
Is Accepting Amazon Returns Paying Off for Stores?
A Washington Post article claims programs enabling Amazon customers to return merchandise to Kohl’s, Staples, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and The UPS Store locations for free are “turning store associates’…
How Much of an Impact Will AI Have on Fast Food?
AI is becoming more prevalent in the fast-food industry and shows no signs of slowing down. What should companies prioritize to ensure AI enhances efficiency while meeting customer expectations and…
What Does Google Keeping Cookies Mean for Advertising?
In a major reversal, Google announced last week that its Chrome web browser would continue to accept third-party cookies after four years of trying to develop a system without them…
Should More Luxury Retail Be Appointment-Only Like Saks Fifth in San Francisco?
Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store in San Francisco’s Union Square will switch to an appointment-only shopping model starting Aug. 28, 2024. How could the shift to appointment-only shopping affect consumer…
Will Scan & Go Users Want To See Display Ads?
Sam’s Club is launching display ads as part of its Scan & Go mobile checkout experience. Why hasn’t self-scan mobile checkout become more pervasive across retail?
Will Assigned Seating Hurt Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines announced it will move from its traditional open seating model to assigned seating with premium options starting soon. How might this shift affect its brand identity and customer…
Can Chipotle Regain Its Reputation for Big Portions?
Addressing a social media uproar over skimpy servings, Chipotle said it has recommitted to “generous portions” while admitting that some of its locations were shortchanging customers. Do you see a…
Should All Retailers Offer Instant Refunds?
Reshop is changing things up when it comes to the refund process by offering instant refunds, bypassing a traditional waiting period that consumers have come to expect. How might instant…
Are Five Below’s Problems Self-Inflicted?
Shares of Five Below crashed recently as the sudden deterioration in sales trends and abrupt exit of its CEO Joel Anderson led some analysts to believe the chain’s challenges were…
