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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
NRF Big Show: Magic Johnson Hails the Benefits of Mentorship
At NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, Earvin “Magic” Johnson loudly promoted the value of finding and serving as mentors. What advice would you have around finding mentors as well as…
How Will Natural Diamonds Adapt to the Synthetic Diamond Shift?
Almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, synthetic diamonds are starting to shine. How can traditional diamond miners and retailers adapt to the growing trend of lab-grown diamonds to ensure viability…
NRF Big Show: Has the CFO Role Become More Important in Retail?
At the NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, the CFOs of Macy’s, Rothy’s, and Levi Strauss shared a panel that discussed how the CFO role in retail has changed due in…
How Will Sperry’s Boat Shoes Fare Post Purchase?
The Sperry brand sails to new owners after leaving Wolverine Worldwide. How can Sperry leverage its established name in boat shoes while adapting to changing consumer preferences and staying competitive…
NRF Big Show: Levi’s Incoming CEO Offers Lessons in Brand Building
Speaking Sunday at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, Michelle Gass, Levi Strauss & Co.’s incoming CEO, highlighted five key learnings over her 33-year retail career. What would you add to…
Can the DTC Brand Little Spoon Continue To Thrive?
This is a story about a Little Spoon that could. How can traditional baby food brands pivot effectively to emphasize healthier options and compete with innovative companies like Little Spoon?
Can AI Deliver on the Hype Promised for Shopping?
Surveys are showing that people want more from their in-store and online shopping experiences. Can AI elevate these experiences, and where do you see AI exceeding and falling short of…
Associate Experience Is Becoming the Norm for Retail Success
The associate experience is stepping up as a critical ingredient in retail success. How do societal and economic changes influence the shift from customer experience to associate experience?
Walmart Doubles Down on People-First Digital Transformation
At CES, Walmart detailed how new AI, GenAI, and AR technologies are reimagining the discounter’s role as a shopping destination. Which of Walmart’s new technologies hold the most promise?
Should the US’s 7-Eleven Match the Standards of Japan’s 7-Eleven?
U.S. 7-Eleven stores need to step their game up. How can they learn from the brand’s esteem and integrated role in daily life in Japan?
How Do You Get Honest Feedback From Employees?
Many U.S. workers are afraid to share their ideas with their supervisors. What advice would you have around collecting honest feedback from employees?
Does the Metaverse Still Have a Chance To Revolutionize Retail?
The metaverse is gradually making its way into the retail landscape. How can we reconcile the initial failures and setbacks with the potential transformative power of virtual experiences?
Will Carrefour Benefit From Pulling PepsiCo Products Over High Prices?
Last week, Carrefour moved to stop selling PepsiCo products in its stores in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy over high prices. Would pulling products be an effective tool for U.S…
Will Dutch Bros Brew Up Enough Success To Surpass Starbucks?
With Starbucks almost everywhere you look, success might seem daunting for smaller coffee chains. Can Dutch Bros usher in a new formula for success in the thriving coffee market?
Costco Apologizes in Response to Union Victory
Costco’s management issued an apology to its employees rather than defend its work practices in response to one of its U.S. stores unionizing for the first time in two decades…
Should Companies Follow TikTok Trends To Make Employees Happier?
Throughout 2023, employee attitudes at the workplace underwent a significant shift, as seen in TikTok trends and social media buzz. How can organizational leaders reconcile the emerging employee wellness trends…
Are Online or Phone Surveys Better?
The value of online versus phone surveys continues to be examined as internet polling has surpassed traditional phone-based methods. What advice would you have for choosing which technique to use…
Can Other Brands Emulate the Formula for Stanley Cups’ Success?
Will the Stanley Quencher be the one cup to rule them all? How can Stanley leverage its newfound popularity to influence its future product developments?
Will Americans Embrace Reusable Coffee Cups?
Starbucks on Wednesday became the first national coffee chain to give customers the option to use reusable cups for drive-thru and mobile orders. Where do you see flaws or potential…
Will Classic Brands Survive on the New Battleground for Shelf Space?
Would you miss classic brands if they started disappearing altogether? How can these established companies innovate to regain influence and remain competitive?
What Led to Zulily’s Demise?
Zulily, once valued at approximately $9 billion, last week moved to shutter operations. What was the company missing from its business model?
