And now for something completely different. Target today said that it plans to open new larger-format stores with new reimagined open layouts designed to better meet the needs of the chain’s guests (AKA customers). Is Target on the right track with its new, larger store format and new design?
The 2022 RetailWire Christmas Commercial Challenge (year 10 of our annual event) kicks off today with two different approaches to holiday marketing from Etsy and Hobby Lobby. What is your critique of the Christmas spots from Etsy and Hobby Lobby?
New research shows that Americans are shifting more of their Christmas shopping to stores this year rather than placing orders online. Do you expect to see a significant shift back to shopping in stores over the balance of the Christmas shopping season?
Michelle Gass is stepping down as the chief executive of Kohl’s as of December 2 and moving to Levi Strauss & Co in January. What should happen at Kohl’s following Michelle Gass’ departure?
“The Customer-Base Audit,” co-authored by Wharton marketing professor Peter Fader, argues that firms cannot make fully informed decisions without first understanding their customers’ buying behavior and the actual health of their customer base. Do you believe a customer-base audit as proposed in the article is a good first step on the journey to customer centricity?
Lowe’s is looking to simplify. The home improvement retailer last week disclosed that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Canadian operations to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $400 million in cash and future performance-based considerations. What do you see as Lowe’s strengths and weaknesses over the next year and beyond?
This holiday season, customers might be more likely to head to an airport than a shopping mall. Thanks to an increased customer interest in traveling, some worry that retailers might find themselves with less foot traffic than they had hoped for. Do you expect retailers to take a hit this holiday season because of money being rerouted to travel?
Justin Lindsey, a Chick-fil-A operator, has been getting a lot of press attention for designing a full-time three-day-a-week work schedule that has eliminated turnover at the restaurant and made it a magnet for job seekers. What do you think are the biggest challenges for retailers looking to recruit and retain frontline associates and managers?
The Walt Disney Company last week launched a “limited test” in the U.S. that will allow Disney+ subscribers to shop exclusive merchandise from franchises like “Star Wars,” “Black Panther” and “Frozen” through the Disney+ app. How would you rate the viability of selling themed merchandise alongside certain Disney+ shows and films?
Retailers are shortening their returns windows and even charging return fees to mitigate rising costs. Are free return policies becoming too costly?
