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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Free Coffee for Cops Reduce Shoplifting?
In the UK, supermarket Waitrose and sister retailer John Lewis are offering free coffees to on-duty police officers as a way to counter the rise in shoplifting. What other measures…
Should Wegmans Be Dropping Its Store-Brand Soda?
Wegmans is discontinuing its popular private-label soda, known by fans as “WPOP,” because of concerns over artificial ingredients. Do you find this move commendable or hypocritical?
Will SPARC and SHEIN’s Partnership Create a Fashion Juggernaut?
SPARC Group and SHEIN have entered a partnership that aims to expand Forever 21’s presence online while giving SHEIN a testing ground for brick-and-mortar sales. Do you expect SHEIN and…
Is It Time for a Cashless Society in the US?
A cashless society is just around the corner if retailers get their way. Should all retail businesses be required to have at least one operating cash register or payment system?
Will Small, Off-Mall Locations Turn Macy’s Fortunes Around?
Macy’s is pushing forward with new store formats as it seeks to turn around its fortunes following a disappointing quarter. ill the smaller-format stores be enough to return Macy’s as…
Should Publix Be Cracking Down on Emotional Support Animals?
Publix recently began posting large signs in its stores across the Southeast reminding customers that all non-service animals, including emotional support dogs, are not allowed in stores. Are there any…
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Targets Asia as the Global Smartphone Market Declines
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max releases next month during the global smartphone market’s decade low, and Apple has eyes on Asia. Following Apple’s lead, should India become the focus…
Gump’s Threatened San Francisco Exit Highlights Downtown Struggles
High-end retailer Gump warned that it may soon close its sole location after 166 years due to deteriorating local conditions. Is San Francisco a unique situation or do many big…
Have Influencers Become Integral to Product Launches?
More and more retailers are using influencers for product launches to drive discovery. Have influencers transformed the path to discovery for new brands and products, at least in certain categories?…
Will Amazon Expand Its Retail Media Lead With Off-Site Ads?
Amazon is expanding its ad offerings by extending Sponsored Products campaigns to other sites, including Pinterest, BuzzFeed, and Lifehacker. Do you think Amazon Sponsored Products will prove as successful off…
Should Trader Joe’s Add Self-Checkout Options?
Trader Joe’s has strongly denied rumors that the grocer was planning to offer self-checkout options. Has offering a self-checkout option become an expectation at grocers?
Can Product Placement Break Through the Advertising Clutter?
A new survey finds that 52% of U.S. consumers would prefer to watch a TV program with product placement over traditional advertising. How would you rate product placement’s effectiveness in…
Is Retail Grocery Heading Toward a Final Showdown?
The world of supermarket retail might be nearing a climactic showdown sooner than predicted. Do you think the future of grocery retail will involve only Walmart, Target, and the final…
Is TJX Companies’ Among the Biggest Benefactors of Bed Bath & Beyond’s Demise?
TJX Companies has reported a very profitable Q2 2024 thanks to an inflation-friendly business model and the opportunities created by the shutdown of Bed Bath & Beyond’s physical footprint. How…
Will America’s Coffee Drinkers Embrace Reusable Cups?
Starbucks continues to make progress with its reusable cup tests, including letting customers bring in their own cups for a discount, borrow cups in a variety of ways, and even…
Is Kroger’s Expanded Vertical Farm Partnership a Sign of the Future?
Kroger is expanding the availability of vertically farmed produce across the Midwest and Southeast by extending its partnership with supplier 80 Acres Farms to about 1,000 stores. Will this expanded…
Why Did Walmart Outperform Target in the Second Quarter?
Same-store sales at Walmart’s U.S. stores climbed 6.4% in the second quarter while rival Target’s declined 5.4%. What do you think was behind Walmart’s outperformance and Target’s underperformance?
Will Amazon Conquer Healthcare Next?
Amazon is deepening its commitment to healthcare with the introduction of automatic coupons for more than 15 insulin and diabetes care brands through Amazon Pharmacy. Will this make Amazon Pharmacy…
Retailers Help Generate $14 Billion for Black-Owned Companies
Retailers have been making good on their pledges to support Black-owned businesses, resulting in $14 billion in revenue driven to these companies since May 2020. Do you expect more major…
Why Is It Easy To Sell & Buy Toxic Lead Toys on Amazon?
Lead is an extremely toxic substance that should never be exposed to children, yet lead toys and products still run rampant in today’s marketplace. Should Amazon begin testing products for…
Why Does Celebrity Advertising Work?
Celebrity endorsements are popular, but they can backfire. What are the obvious and less obvious reasons celebrity-backed campaigns often work in raising brand awareness and driving purchase consideration?
