Walmart will, as a precaution, discontinue sales of short-barrel rifle ammunition, once the company has fulfilled its current obligations with suppliers. Do you think retailers are compelled to take steps to mitigate gun violence because of the failure of political leaders to do so?
Now one of the biggest names in Midwest grocery has announced the launch of a second small concept store in one of its major Michigan markets. Will launching small, urban, hyperlocal store concepts be as important for regional superstore retailers like Meijer as it is for major chains like Target?
As we continue to observe loyalty programs across multiple sectors, time and again we see failures that can readily be solved. What do see as some common shortcomings in the execution of loyalty programs?
Lowe’s will sell NFL-branded merchandise online and reserve space in select stores for fan merchandise geared to local teams for the first time, and launch an online “homegating” video series to inspire football fans as they prepare for the NFL season. Is homegating still an underserved opportunity overall for retail?
Walmart has partnered with BuzzFeed’s Tasty video site for “shoppable” recipes. Users browsing Tasty’s 4,000 online recipes can add the necessary ingredients to their cart and check out with Walmart for in-store pickup or home delivery. Do you see shoppable recipes becoming a major driver of online grocery selling?
H&M has selected 15 employees to lead its first employee ambassador program in the U.S. What do you think of H&M’s plan to use employees as influencers as well as its new focus on lifelong ambassadors?
Difficult customers are nothing new, but social media creators are now seeking to cause trouble in retail stores for the purpose of getting attention on YouTube and other social media outlets. How should retailers deal with pranksters without violating their rights and potentially making matters worse on social media?
Target has sent a letter to suppliers insisting they absorb any costs related to increased tariffs on Chinese-made product. Is Target making a wise move in insisting that suppliers absorb costs tied to the tariff war?
The increasingly acrimonious U.S./China trade war didn’t seem to have an impact on the opening of Costco’s first store in China earlier this week. In fact, the first location was so slammed that it had to close early on its first day to prevent pandemonium. Why do you think Costco received such a strong initial reception in China?
While some stores are partnering with or launching their own rental subscription services, Lord & Taylor, America’s oldest department store, is being bought by one. Does a fashion rental subscription service have any advantage in bringing advanced personalization techniques to the department store model?
