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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Leaders Wanted
In their book, ‘Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done’, Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan write, “If you don’t get the people process right, you will never fulfill the potential…
The High Price of Missing Work
A new survey says that the cost of absenteeism rose almost 5% this year to $789 per employee, and finding that only one out of three who missed work were…
Defibrillators Even a Kid Could Use
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine says that having defibrillators in public places saves lives because no special training is needed to operate the devices…
A Blockbuster for Beer and Wine Sales
Blockbuster Video is planning to sell wine, beer and other spirits in more of its U.K. stores after a successful test selling alcoholic beverages at locations in England. What are…
Donald Leaves Pathmark for a Coffee Break
Reuters reports that Jim Donald, chairman, president and chief executive of Pathmark, has resigned to become president of Starbucks’ North American division. What impact will Jim Donald’s leaving have on…
A Fresh Approach to Superior Customer Service
Retailing consultant Harold Lloyd is a strong advocate of personal involvement of top management in goings on at store-level. In a recent seminar, he imparted ideas for making customers and…
Vols Love Back to the Future Drug Store
In a day and age when drive-thrus for prescriptions, one-hour photo labs and dashboard dining are the norm, Long’s Drug Store in Bearden, Tennessee has held firm to tradition. Is…
Cause Marketing Getting a Bad Name
Cause marketing is a popular way for companies to give back and drive sales at the same time. That, according to some, is part of the problem. Are consumers…
White Hen Parent Files for Chapter 11 Protection
Clark Retail Enterprises has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Lower margin gasoline sales and weak economic conditions were said to be the factors. Has it become too easy…
Netflix Gets New Competition: Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart is testing its own online DVD rental service for a monthly fee, similar to online service, Netflix. The new Wal-Mart service allows customers to rent up to three DVD…
Duct Tape for Home Improvement and Wart Removal
Until now, duct tape was for, well, taping ducts. That has changed, however, based on recent study findings which concluded that duct tape was successful 85 percent of the time…
Forget Investing Say Consumers
Nearly two out of every three consumers said they thought it was a bad idea to invest in stocks, according to the poll conducted by the Associated Press. More than…
Limited Assortment Stores Growing in Popularity
Saving money is top of mind with a growing number of consumers and operators of limited assortment stores couldn’t be happier. The Times-Union of Albany, NY reports that there has…
Largest Meat Recall in U.S. History
Pilgrim’s Pride is recalling 27.4 million pounds of cooked sandwich meat. The recall, ordered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the largest in U.S. history. Do the number…
Oregon GMO Vote Not Needed, Says FDA
Genetically modified foods are just as safe as conventional foods and need no additional labeling, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a letter written to Oregon’s governor, John…
Consumer Study Presented at PMA Fresh Summit
Robb Bertels, publisher, The Packer, presented results of a recent consumer study at the PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans. The purpose of the study was to understand more about…
Starbucks Still Trying to Get Food Right
Starbucks has revolutionized the coffee business, but has failed to figure out how to match the success of its food to its beverage offerings. The most recent experiment, however, may…
Safeway Changes Strategy
Like most other grocers, Safeway is feeling pressure from more selective consumer spending and Wal-Mart. Safeway’s response has been to focus on lowering prices and stepping up promotional activity. …
Caution: Coffee Spill Ahead
The Chicago Tribune reports that approximately twenty percent of meals eaten by adults in the U.S. are consumed behind the wheel of a car. And an insurance company has developed…
Starbucks is Right on Target
Target and Starbucks have reached an agreement to put a Starbucks coffee shop in all new Target locations as well as many existing stores beginning next fall. Are Target…
Coke Offers Roadmap to Category Growth
Thirsty consumers are walking out of and driving away from convenience stores without making beverage purchases, according to a new Coca-Cola study. What are the biggest impediments to and opportunities…
