The year 2023 is going to be better at retail than expected, especially for those companies that appeal to the higher and lower ends of the market. Those catering to the middle will likely have a tough go of it. How do you think the national economy will affect consumer behavior and retail in 2023?
Macy’s recently announced that it has carved out roughly one million square feet across 35 stores to efficiently fulfill online orders in local markets at a reduced cost. How do you see Macy’s semi-automated store-level and large warehouse fulfillment centers working together?
Same-day delivery service DoorDash recently announced the layoff of 1,250 corporate workers, raising questions as to whether this is a result of a company in trouble, a contracting vertical, an impending recession or elements of two or three of the above. Are the layoffs at DoorDash a sign of things to come for delivery companies or are they commensurate with changes in the broader retailing market?
The RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge may not rise to the competitive level of the World Cup but, for this week at least, it will bring together two international grocery powerhouses, each with their own holiday stories to tell. What is your critique of the Christmas spots from Aldi UK and Lidl?
A recent study finds that men are more likely to shop for groceries online when compared to women, who would rather shop in-store. Do you agree with the findings that men prefer shopping online and women prefer shopping in-store?
Amazon has long been the main go-to place for online product search, but a recent Washington Post article finds that it is no longer giving customers what they want because advertisements are muscling out the real search results. Do you see Amazon’s practice of displaying ads in search results reducing the faith that shoppers have in the site?
Best Buy has implemented and expanded its use of digital clienteling to serve more than a quarter million customers since announcing its virtual store pilot in 2021. Customer satisfaction has increased 20 percent as a result of the company taking its famous in-store service online. What do you see as the biggest benefits of Best Buy’s virtual store?
2022 is shaping up as a breakout year for Publix’s Greenwise Market format. The Greenwise organic food and essentials specialty concept in Florida experienced higher year-over-year foot traffic growth in September than Publix’s mainstream stores, according to a Placer.ai study. What factors are key to making small format grocery stores work?
A columnist at The Wall Street Journal has found some “nits to pick” with Kroger following the grocery giant’s release of its third quarter earnings results and its recent deal to merge with Albertsons, including a lack of progress by Kroger on the digital front. How do Kroger’s digital operations stand up to its competitors in the grocery space?
Inflation is a top concern for both businesses and consumers currently, and rightfully so as the U.S. trend continues to remain high. What do you see as the most effective tactics for retailers trying to hold the line on inflation for their customers?
