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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
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…
Should the Sustainability Benefits of In-Store Shopping Be Promoted?
A new university study finds that explicitly providing consumers with information on the environmental and social impact of home deliveries can help U.S. omnichannel retailers capture sizeable market share from…
Has IKEA Revolutionized the Retail Experience With Roblox?
IKEA has announced that it will pay a limited number of Roblox players £13.15 or €14.80 per hour to work in its virtual store experience, called “The Co-Worker Game.” What…
Can McDonald’s Solve Its Price Perception Problem?
Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, wrote an open letter to refute charges that the fast-food giant’s menu prices have skyrocketed over the inflationary period. Should McDonald’s and other fast-food…
Are Flagship Stores Necessary for Retail Brands?
Flagship stores stand out for their size, location, customer service, and overarching purpose. What key metrics should be used to evaluate the success of flagship stores like Banana Republic, Seiko,…
Are Drones Almost Ready for Takeoff?
Amazon’s Prime Air drone program has been cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly devices beyond the visual line of sight, clearing a key regulatory hurdle to the…
Will Walmart+ Week’s Early Launch Outperform Amazon Prime Day in 2024?
This year, Walmart is stepping up its game in the members-only sales arena by launching its Walmart+ Week ahead of Amazon’s anticipated Prime Day event in July. How might this…
How Should Brands Respond to Positive Online Reviews?
While businesses are widely encouraged to respond to negative online reviews, a new study finds responding to positive online reviews is more of a “minefield” and some should be ignored…
