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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Tesco Tests PC Sales in Supermarkets
UK supermarket giant Tesco has begun a trial to sell two models of a PC by UK manufacturer Time in two of its stores. Will U.S. consumers ever be receptive…
Is Kmart Caught in a Doom Loop
When companies run into trouble, the desire for a quick fix can become overwhelming. Lurching from one solution to another, the company never gains any traction. Has Kmart finally learned…
7-Eleven Looks to Cash-In Online
7-Eleven plans to allow its interactive kiosks to accept cash for online purchases later this year. Will 7-Eleven’s interactive kiosk be successful with the convenience store’s customers?
BBQ Set Favors Ozzy’s Wife and Spider Man
In anticipation of the summer barbecue season beginning this weekend, a marketing agency released survey results of favorite barbecue personalities, the economy and world peace as part of its research…
Couples Work at Working at Home
Amid layoffs, restructuring and a boom in mobile-office technology, about 1.5 million couples now work together full time from home, either in a family business or in separate businesses or…
Heinz Introduces Upside-down Squeeze Container
Heinz has unveiled its Heinz Easy Squeeze, a new, upside-down squeezable container, which is due to hit supermarket shelves this summer. Will Heinz’ upside-down ketchup be successful? What other…
Woolworths’ HBC Gets Ugly
According to a report on the British newspaper site, the Woolworths chain’s struggles continue as it revealed disappointing sales and admitted its HBC-focused general stores had been a failure. What…
Frito-Lay Targets Hispanics with Snack Assortment
Frito-Lay launched an assortment of spicy snacks in cities with large Latino populations in November. Will large companies such as Frito-Lay continue to produce niche/targeted products if they fail to…
CoolSavings’ 20-Million-Member Milestone Reflects e-growth
More than 20 million consumers, representing 18.4 million U.S. households, have signed up at the CoolSavings Inc.’s Web site. Will overall coupon clipping increase because of the Internet or will…
Outside Sales Reps Rock
The best available statistics indicate that about 50 percent of all companies operating in North America use a contract sales force in some capacity. In general terms, are retailers, better…
Drug Prevention Takes a New Tact
A survey reveals that the nation’s most prominent anti-drug campaign has been largely ineffective. However, a growing body of scientific research is beginning to identify several basic principles proven to…
Schnucks Gives Seessel’s Its Name in June
Schnuck Markets, Inc. has decided to give the 12 remaining Seessel’s stores in the Memphis area its name. Is Schnucks making the right decision by replacing the Seessel’s name on…
Lowe’s Reports First Quarter Increases
Lowe’s Companies Inc. reports a 53.5 percent increase in net earnings for the quarter ended May 3 compared to the same period last year. Also, comparable store sales for the…
It Takes a Meijer Village
Meijer unveils four new “village-style” stores today in Bolingbrook and McHenry, Illinois, Madison Heights, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio. Will Meijer’s village concept stores be a hit with consumers?
Tips on Marketing to Kids
Many marketers are surprised to find that in marketing to kids, every dollar spent can deliver three dollars of value. Which categories are most underdeveloped for the kids market? What…
Kellogg Extends and Repackages Pop-Tarts
Kellogg will extend its Pop-Tarts franchise next month with a new Snak-Stix version. It also has plans to change all Pop-Tarts’ packaging from white to blue and to offer a…
SoBe Aims for Mainstream
SoBe is launching its first television ad campaign in an attempt to move the brand into the mass market. What lessons can SoBe/Pepsi learn from the failed Snapple/Quaker deal?…
Teens Prefer Value-Priced Fashions
The Ireland-wide Verdict Report has revealed that young people, in particular, favor value-priced clothing from supermarkets. Will this Northern Ireland fashion trend make its way to this side of the…
Estee Lauder Outsources E-Commerce
Estee Lauder Companies Inc.’s on-line subsidiary has agreed to outsource certain aspects of e-commerce for cosmetics retailer Gloss.com to Global Sports Inc. What are the advantages/disadvantage of outsourcing e-commerce?
The Late Dave Thomas Returns to Wendy’s Ads
Wendy’s International plans to resurrect its late founder, Dave Thomas, in its advertising and marketing efforts beginning next month, after removing him from its campaigns out of respect after his…
The Perils of Reverse Auctions
Retailers have embraced Reverse Internet Auctions and “on-premise shootouts” with respect to their store brands, where the sole consideration in negotiating supply contracts is price. All of the other necessary…
