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Are ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Services Helpful or Harmful to Retail?
In recent years, BNPL services have surged in popularity, offering consumers the flexibility to make purchases and spread payments over time. What regulatory steps can the U.S. take to ensure…
L.L.Bean Axes Call Center Staff and Hours
L.L.Bean is laying off some of its customer service reps and reducing call center hours by four hours each day. What’s likely the primary reason L.L.Bean’s call centers are receiving…
Will Estée Lauder and Microsoft’s AI Collaboration Affect the Beauty Industry?
In a recent announcement, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and Microsoft Corp. disclosed plans to establish an AI Innovation Lab, marking an extension of their existing global partnership. Through the…
Should Guitar Center Go Upscale To Survive?
As competitor Sam Ash goes out of business, Guitar Center’s new CEO plans to emphasize “premium” products to return to the chain’s roots of focusing on “serious” musicians. What solutions…
How Can Nordstrom Stand Out With Its Online Marketplace?
With a focus on curated offerings, expanded assortments, and personalized recommendations, Nordstrom has launched a third-party online marketplace. How should Nordstrom be looking to differentiate and create buzz around it?
Should Retailers Follow Home Depot’s ‘Halfway to Halloween’ Sale?
Home Depot recently launched its Halfway to Halloween sale, once again offering popular Halloween decorations six months early. How should retailers strategize their seasonal promotions to capitalize on consumer enthusiasm…
How Might Marshalls’ New Influencer Strategy Impact Its Competitors?
Marshalls has introduced its first-ever team of style influencers, the “Marshalls Good Stuff Style Collective.” How might this initiative challenge traditional perceptions of off-price retailers and reshape the landscape of…
Can Walmart Take on Trader Joe’s With bettergoods Launch?
Walmart is introducing a new premium private label, called bettergoods, that the discount giant describes as “approachable and — most importantly — affordable.” What will be key to bettergoods gaining…
Will the Toys“R”Us and WHSmith UK Expansion Help the Retailer?
WHP Global, owner of Toys“R”Us, has partnered with WHSmith to bring the toy retailer to more locations in the UK. How does this partnership reflect the evolving nature of retail…
Is E-Grocery Entering a New Phase of Growth?
U.S. online grocery growth is expected to significantly slow but still outpace in-store growth by three times over the next five years. How do you see the drivers of e-grocery’s…
What Can Be Learned From Walmart Closing All of Its Health Clinics?
Walmart announced its decision to close down all 51 of its health clinics and cease its virtual healthcare operations within the next 30-90 days. What implications does this hold for…
Will Magazine Content Elevate Retail Media’s Opportunity?
Promising a “new retail media model,” Best Buy has partnered with CNET to integrate the tech review site’s recommendations across Best Buy channels. Do you see enough benefits from the…
How Will JD Sports Do After Acquiring Hibbett?
JD Sports Fashion aims to acquire Hibbett Inc. for $1.08 billion, enhancing its presence in the southeastern U.S. despite challenges in the athletic clothing market. How does this acquisition strategically…
Should Google Have Fired Its Protesting Employees?
Google reportedly fired about 50 employees in April for participating in sit-in protests at company offices. How should firms deal with activist employees?
How Should JOANN Capitalize on Its Second Chance?
Earlier this year, JOANN filed for bankruptcy due to a significant decline in customer spending. Now the retailer is exiting bankruptcy proceedings. What strategic shifts should we anticipate from JOANN…
QVC Champions Women Over 50
QVC launched a campaign, “Age of Possibility,” celebrating women over the age of 50. Do you agree that consumers over 50 are “too often ignored and under-supported by mainstream brands”?
Will the New Amazon Grocery Subscription Take Off or Fall Flat?
Amazon has launched a new subscription-based grocery delivery service aimed at streamlining the shopping experience for its Prime members. How will this service impact the traditional grocery retail model, especially…
JLL Scores With ‘Virtual Shopping Bestie’
JLL Retail Property Management recently became the first shopping center owner to introduce a virtual influencer. How would you assess the pros and cons of using virtual influencers?
Will Express Survive Bankruptcy?
Express has filed for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of around 100 stores nationwide. How can Express strategically leverage its remaining assets to navigate its current financial crisis?
Is Biometric Authentication Still in Retail’s Future?
Target has become the latest retailer to land in court over allegedly collecting and storing biometric data without consumer consent. Do you suspect the use of biometric authentication will be…
Will Retail Be Full of AI CEOs and AI CEO Avatars?
JD.com recently showcased a virtual avatar of its founder, Richard Liu, during a livestream event. Is the use of virtual avatars a transformative strategy for the future of e-commerce, or…
