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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are Generous Coupon and Return Policies Hurting the Bottom Line?
The cost of returns is weighing on retailers’ bottom lines, to the point where 67% said they generally make back less than half the value of returned items. What do…
What’s Driving Halloween’s Momentum as a Shopping Holiday?
Despite a number of reports predicting a softer holiday season, Halloween spending is expected to reach the double-digits this year. Will Halloween spending’s momentum continue in the years ahead?
Top 3 Retail Brands Whose Success Rules the Stock Market
At the end of August, Nasdaq reported that though many companies are struggling, there are three retail stocks to consider that will hold or increase their value. What can other…
Should Container Store’s CEO Be Sacrificing His Salary?
The Container Store’s CEO is voluntarily taking a 10% pay cut to help cover the cost of higher salaries for staff. What do you think of the pros and cons…
Are US Retail Workers Calling It Quits?
Retail employees are leaving their jobs at an alarming rate. What ways can stores ensure safer work environments and prepare their employees for the shifting times?
Are Plant-Rich Diets Losing Momentum?
Despite plant-based meat-substitute food products becoming more commonplace, only 4% of Americans claim to be vegetarian and 1% vegan. Do you think that America’s diet will increasingly shift toward plant-based…
Will Greater Convenience Help eBay Grow Its Luxury Resale Offerings?
eBay is launching a consignment service that provides customers with direct access to expert sellers who can list items on their behalf. Will this service meaningfully help a broader audience…
Are Retail Holidays Becoming the Norm? Nike SNKRS Day vs. Yeezy Day
Retail holidays might be on the verge of becoming mainstream. Should all big-name brands establish their own yearly holiday that offers sales, exclusive products, restocks, entertainment, and more?
Is Pickleball a Game Changer for American Retailers?
Pickleball is becoming America’s hottest and fastest-growing sport, and it’s creating a major shift for retail. In what other ways can sports and retail continue converging for consumers?
Does TJX Have the Most Bulletproof Business Model in Today’s Retail Market?
Department stores have been losing market share for years, while TJX has grown and thrived. What actions do department stores have to take to stop the market share drift to…
Will Google’s Antitrust Trial Guide the Internet’s Future?
The Justice Department’s landmark antitrust case against Google is being viewed as the first monopoly trial of the modern internet era. What do you suspect will be the outcome?
Should Chicago Be Getting Into the Grocery Business?
Chicago’s mayor is conducting a feasibility study to determine whether the city could open a municipally owned grocery store in an underserved neighborhood. Is a city-run grocer a viable solution…
Mastering Omnichannel Optimization at eTail Boston
eTail Boston’s main theme this year revolved around the art of cultivating personalized customer relationships in an omnichannel landscape. How are you creating a harmonious omnichannel experience for your customers?
Will Late-Night Delivery Pay Off for Walmart?
Walmart is now offering late-night Express Delivery until 10 p.m. for orders placed by 9:30 p.m. Will this offering benefit Walmart enough to offset execution challenges
Was Howard Schultz a ‘Distraction’ for Starbucks’ Board?
Howard Schultz, who built Starbucks’ coffee empire, stepped down from the company’s board of directors last week. What do you make of his legacy?
Will Instacart Succeed as an Advertising Company After Going Public?
Instacart is getting ready to change things up as they go public by leaning more heavily into advertising. If Instacart succeeds with its focus on ads, do you think others…
Is a 413-Store Divestiture Enough for the Kroger-Albertsons Merger?
Kroger and Albertsons are selling 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers to get regulatory approval for their planned merger. Is C&S a good choice to create a new competitor for…
Should Stores Close on Christmas Eve?
Altar’d State will be closing all of its stores on Christmas Eve for the first time this year. Would many chains engender enough goodwill from associates and consumers to offset…
Should U.S. Retailers Be Fighting Suppliers Against Shrinkflation?
A French supermarket recently began warning shoppers of shrinkflation by putting labels on its shelves to encourage supplies to cut their prices. Should U.S. grocers push back against shrinkflation as…
Can Target’s New Deal With Kendra Scott Boost Its Holiday Season?
Kendra Scott hits the mark with her exclusive jewelry, but will it help or hurt Target?
Do Marketers Have a Disconnect With the Average Joe and Jane?
A recent survey highlights how a growing disparity between consumer and marketer values can lead to campaigns that focus on trends consumers don’t care about. How can marketers reduce these…
