A classic “buy nine, get one free” loyalty program is often an effective way to squeeze a little more value out of a low- or mid-tier customer. Are these types of programs the right way for retailers to appeal to their very best customers, as well? Do you see a real need for retailers to upgrade loyalty programs/rewards for their highest value customers?
It’s not always easy to find grocery workers who want to stick with a company — especially an independent — and move up, a fact The National Grocers Association Foundation hopes to address with its new NGA Foundation Career Center website. Will a national job board and resource site like NGA’s lead to the recruitment of better talent for independent grocers?
Kohl’s, like many other retailers, is looking to attract younger shoppers and keep them as customers. To do this, the chain is turning to Facebook for help. What do you think of Kohl’s curating a selection of niche brands based on Facebook and Instagram popularity?
Nordstrom Local, a hub for online order pickups and returns, is heavy on services and helpful staff but low on inventory. Do you think service-oriented “showrooms” shortchange customers, or is the limited scope of what they do understood by shoppers?
When a van delivery from regional grocer H-E-B arrives at a customer’s house, there might not be anyone in the driver’s seat — if things work out with a planned pilot. What will be the determining factor(s) if/when autonomous delivery tech is rolled out on a widespread basis?
Nike Adventure Club is the athletic brand’s first subscription service designed for kids. Nike is promoting the service, which launched yesterday, as “a parent’s best friend.” Do you expect that the Nike Adventure Club will be a success or a failure?
When Amazon.com announced a c-store that would let people shop and walk out without physically conducting a transaction at a checkout, it seemed like a feat only they could pull off. Now, even regional grocers are attempting the same. What does the use of checkout-free technology by regional grocers mean for Amazon and its retail rivals?
Adobe’s first ever emoji trend report shows how these graphic symbols have evolved as a way to break through the clutter of digital communications. What can emojis do that words can’t in consumer outreach and marketing communications? What downsides do you see?
Nike Inc. has acquired Celect, a predictive analytics firm founded by MIT professors, to accelerate its ability to match inventories to consumer needs. Is marrying predictive analytics and RFID a strategy that will become a competitive necessity for big retail chains?
The North Face has opened a store in SoHo with a new look and experiential bent, and it’s already planning to expand the new layout into the rest of its locations nationwide. Do you think The North Face is making a smart move by going “experiential” in all of its locations nationwide?
