Walmart will add customer hosts positions at the stores where greeters were being eliminated. The responsibilities of hosts go well beyond what was expected of greeters. Practically speaking, how do you expect Walmart to handle product returns using customer hosts?
Shopping looks a little different in 2019 — getting more complex and requiring platforms to frequently iterate and adapt. These trends were made apparent at Shoptalk last week, with Snapchat, Amazon and Google all addressing important changes in their ad formats. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for shoppable ads to take off?
One of the oldest and most recognized names in denim is going to be available to stock market investors — again. Is an IPO a wise move for Levi Strauss & Co. at this time in its history?
When planning a new store concept and/or DTC growth strategy, some dynamic and tectonic shifts must be weighed that lie beyond the old prototype model’s reach. Are traditional prototype store models no longer scalable for the shifting dynamics of retail?
Amazon has decided to end its “price parity” rule, which may mean that consumers will find better prices from third-party sellers on other sites. Do you think Amazon’s “price parity” rule was within its rights or did it cross a line?
Digitization continues to upend the CPG business by enabling start-ups to launch businesses much more easily and faster than ever before, according to the global CMO for J&J. What advantages and disadvantages do larger CPG brands have competing against the new breed of digitally-supported startups?
While there were a lot of announcements and lightbulb moments at Shoptalk last week, one thing was apparent: Department stores, as we know them, are changing. What do you think department stores will look like in 10 years?
What does innovation mean for your brand? Here’s how brands are applying innovation in areas of their businesses to connect with customers, fulfill on-demand and drive growth. What do retailers and brands need to do to define what innovation means to their organizations?
Stage Stores recently announced plans to convert approximately 220 department stores to its new off-price concept, Gordmans, by the middle of 2020. Is Stage Stores’ shift to off-price a good idea, and will the conversions likely work across its smaller markets?
Starting in July, Philadelphia will become the first major U.S. city to institute a ban on cashless stores. Should retailers be preparing for a backlash to cashless stores? How do you see the dispute playing out in the near- and long-term?
