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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
How Will AI-Driven Inventory Management Revolutionize Retail in 2024?
AI is getting the final say in retail’s inventory management role. How will AI impact the evolution of the retail landscape?
Are the Shorter Holiday Return Windows Necessary?
Seeking to reduce the high cost of returns, retailers are shortening the time customers have to bring back merchandise after the holidays. Do you generally lean toward more stringent or…
What Does the Future Hold for DTC Retailers?
The DTC sector prepares for a new era — but will it thrive? How can companies strategically balance the advantages of DTC models with the value provided by traditional intermediaries…
Burger King Taps Facial Recognition for Hangover Promotion
The Brazil wing of Burger King launched a “Hangover Whopper” interactive campaign, using facial recognition technology to dole out coupons based on hangover severity. Do you see this as fun…
How Can Retailers Overcome the Challenges of Discerning Consumers in 2024?
2024 might prove to be a difficult year for retailers, especially with the rise of discerning consumers. How can retailers adapt their value propositions to appeal to these new consumer…
Is Resale Much of an Opportunity for Mainstream Retailers?
A number of retailers in recent years have been dabbling with rental, resale, and repair as the industry faces criticism over its high carbon footprint. Will the resale opportunity live…
Rethinking Customer Loyalty in the Age of the ‘Zero Consumer’
The retail industry is undergoing a seismic shift due to the emergence of “zero consumers.” Has customer loyalty gone out of style?
Where Can Artificial Intelligence Help Minimize Returns?
Emerging artificial intelligence is promising to reduce the elevated rate of returns online. Where will AI likely be most beneficial in reducing product returns?
How Can Retailers Harness the Power of IPS Technology in Stores?
As online shopping has grown exponentially, stores are no longer just point-of-sales but key touchpoints where customers expect a unique and personalized experience. Will retailers start embracing the potential of…
Are EV Charging Stations a Threat or Opportunity for C-Stores?
For convenience stores, the rollout of EV charging stations promises to more than offset the loss of foot traffic from declining gas and tobacco sales. How may C-stores have to…
Will the Gluten-Free Diet Industry Take Over Food Retail?
The gluten-free diet market is positioned for significant expansion, aiming to jump from $6.5 billion in 2022 to an impressive $15.1 billion in 2032. Which factors do you think could…
Wayfair CEO: ‘Winning Requires Hard Work’
Wayfair CEO Niraj Shah told his employees that the company is “back to winning” amid a return to profitability but cautioned that “winning requires hard work.” Do you see his…
The Return of Office Cubicles and Potential Collaborative Workspaces
Office cubicle culture is experiencing a revival, with the demand surging over the last few years. How do you foresee these changes impacting the psychology of employees and, consequently, their…
Are ‘Bin Stores’ an Optimal Way To Liquidate Returns?
“Bin stores” continue to gain significant local media coverage as a way for consumers to score jaw-dropping bargains as well as for stores to offload returns. Has their arrival been…
Does Background Music in Stores Improve Sales During the Holidays?
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, retailers are hoping background music will enhance the customer experience. How can retailers strike the right balance between creating a festive…
How Can Retailers Plan for Gen Z’s Current Spending Habits?
There’s a new financial force stepping into the limelight — Generation Z. How do you think the retail industry needs to adapt its strategies to cater effectively to this discerning…
Will Weight Loss Drugs Radically Reshape America’s Diet?
The arrival of GLP-1 weight loss drugs promise to change food consumption patterns, with early analysis indicating the junk food category faces particularly high risks. How will these drugs alter…
What Happens if All American Brands Are Foreign-Owned?
There are more American brands owned outside of the United States than you think. How can American businesses maintain their national identity while navigating this increasingly interconnected landscape?
What Is Lululemon’s Secret Sauce?
Lululemon Athletica posted its 14th straight quarter of double-digit same-store gains since the pandemic’s arrival. Is product, the customer experience, or something else the “secret sauce” to Lululemon’s success?
Mastercard Is Redefining Personalized Retail Experiences With Dynamic Yield
In the ever-evolving world of retail, personalization has moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have. How do you see generative AI tools like Shopping Muse altering the landscape of online…
Are Layoffs Worth the Trouble?
While layoffs may be warranted to reduce overhead in challenging times, they can also lead to lower employee morale, damage to brand reputation, and reduced productivity. Do you think retailers…
