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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
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…
Will Consumers Eventually Allow AI To Choose What They Buy?
GlassesUSA.com has recently announced “Pairfect Match AI,” which is an artificial intelligence technology designed to enhance online eyewear shopping. How might personalized recommendations from AI impact consumer confidence and satisfaction…
Should Amazon Be Cracking Down on ‘Coffee Badgers’?
Amazon has instituted new return-to-office policies to reduce “coffee badging.” Are you for or against minimum-hour obligations for days when hybrid corporate employees are in office?
Should Surveillance Pricing Be Allowed or Prevented by the FTC?
The FTC is investigating “surveillance pricing,” where companies use artificial intelligence to set different prices for the same item based on individual customer data. How should regulators craft policies to…
Will the Paris Olympics Pay Off for Brands?
A survey from Numerator shows advertising recall from past Olympics is extremely low, while product endorsements by Olympians boast only a moderate influence on purchasing decisions. Do you see the…
Can PacSun and Pinterest Bank on a Retro Fashion Trend?
PacSun is taking a bold step with its latest fall campaign, “Better in Baggy,” which spotlights the resurgence of baggy denim and all oversized clothes. Will PacSun help influence and…
Are Emerging Upstarts Challenging Lululemon’s Growth?
An analyst from Jefferies lowered his price targets on Lululemon due in large part to threats from athleisure upstarts Alo Yoga and Vuori. How should Lululemon address these threats?
Will Best Buy’s New Initiative Make a Difference?
Best Buy has announced plans to shift its retail strategy from a traditional approach to a newfound focus on technology and customer engagement. What are the potential implications of Best…
Do Grocery Shoppers Want To Be Surprised by Surplus Food?
Whole Foods Market launched a new program that enables customers to purchase “surprise bags” of discounted surplus food to save money and minimize food waste. The program represents a partnership…
Is Del Taco Really the No. 1 Fast-Food Restaurant?
Del Taco achieved the top spot in USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice 10 Best Fast-Food Restaurant rankings. Do you think Del Taco’s “Del’s Real Deal Menu” might have contributed to…
Overstock.com Returns to Complement Bedbathandbeyond.com
Overstock.com officially relaunched as a stand-alone website with a return to its roots around clearance items across a wide range of categories. With the return, sister banner Bed Bath &…
