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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
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…
Will Amazon Take Over the Restaurant Delivery Industry?
Amazon has expanded its Prime membership to include a permanent Grubhub+ subscription. How might this partnership reshape the landscape of food delivery services?
Is Bigger Better for Walmart’s Neighborhood Markets?
Walmart is testing two Neighborhood Market locations that span 57,000 square feet of selling space, about 17,000 square feet larger than average. Would a larger format make Neighborhood Markets a…
Will CosMc’s New App and Customizable Beverages Make McDonald’s Spinoff a Hit?
McDonald’s has ventured into new territory with the launch of CosMc’s. Given the rapid rollout of CosMc’s loyalty app despite limited physical presence, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks…
Is Macy’s Taking the Right Steps To Reawaken Growth?
Macy’s Inc. reported that the “First 50” Macy’s traditional locations have been revamped under its Bold New Chapter strategy. Are the steps being taken to revive growth at the full-line…
Is It Time for QR Codes To Become Mainstream in the US?
QR codes have transformed the global transaction landscape. How might they evolve further in retail, especially concerning consumer engagement and brand transparency?
Should Brands Still Have Qualms About Selling on Amazon?
More brands have started launching Amazon storefronts in recent years after being reluctant to sell on the platform. Why has the stigma of selling directly on Amazon apparently evaporated for…
Should US Shopping Malls Include Gamification and Experiential Retail?
In response to the growing demand for experiential retail, ION Orchard has integrated gamification into its customer loyalty strategy. How can other retailers leverage similar strategies?
Can TJX Get a Lot Bigger?
The TJX Companies Inc. earned some headlines last week for telling the investment community it still sees the potential to open “1,300-plus” stores with its current banners in existing countries…
Is the Corporate Retail Lunch Rush Gone?
In a shift driven by the rise of hybrid work, the traditional weekday lunch rush in American bars and restaurants has yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. How can…
Will Walmart Retain Affluent Shoppers as Inflation Subsides?
Bill Simon, the former president and CEO of Walmart U.S., believes Walmart’s service proposition still isn’t where it needs to be to hold on to the higher-income customers that have…
