Direct mail, often seen as antiquated by the now extensive online access to information, still has broad value to shoppers because of the large number of purchasing decisions made at home, according to a new study. Where do you see the value in direct mail marketing and its role in the path to purchase?
Aldi is testing a smaller concept, Aldi Local, in southwest London that’s designed to be a grocer for city dwellers, even as some see it as potential competition to convenience stores. Would the Aldi Local format work in the U.S.? To whom does it posed the biggest competitive threat?
Given the critical role people play in the success of any retail enterprise, it’s surprising that people initiatives don’t get more credit or coverage. The tide, however, may be turning. Do you think that investments in people are translating into better business results?
Target is experimenting with a new section at the front of the store to speed up shopping for grab-and-go snackers. Do you see more pros or cons to Target’s grab-and-go Snack Bar design?
A survey found that when given a choice, 66 percent of hourly retail employees would use their personal mobile devices to access work info. 26 percent said they would not. Do you see more benefits than risks in letting retail associates use their own mobile phone devices on selling floors?
Instagram announced the introduction of Checkout, a new feature that allows members to buy items they find in their feeds without having to click out of the app. Will Instagram Checkout become a popular method for members of the social site to make purchases?
Home goods retailers have adapted as retail has become more digitally focused, but it’s still a category in which many consumers need convincing to make a purchase online. What are the biggest hurdles holding back the furniture category online?
Crowdsourcing is the act of getting ideas, services or marketing materials by surveying a physical or digital community –– and it promises to enable retailers to make better business decisions in less time. What do you see as the best crowdsourcing use cases for retailers looking to grow their businesses?
Yesterday, DSW Inc. announced a three-year strategic plan that includes a name change for the company, a decision to add private label footwear to its current mix of brand name shoes and a further strengthening of its omnichannel operations. What factors do you think have had the greatest impact on shoe retailing over the past five years?
A recent account by a former Apple employee suggests that the Ahrendts-era Apple store wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and that the golden years of the retail outlet ended before she joined the company. Relatively speaking, how big an impact have Ron Johnson and Angela Ahrendts had on the performance of Apple’s retail business?
