Over the years, Edward Lampert fired back at critics of his plan to turn around Sears, suggesting they simply didn’t get it. History has yet to prove that the “genius” of Mr. Lampert’s plans. Do you think Edward Lampert’s new plan to turn Sears around is likely to achieve success?
Technology has gone from cost to enabler in retail, putting it at the heart of the customer experience. Yet business leaders’ understanding of tech has not really increased. Has expertise in technology become a core competency that a CEO can no longer delegate to others?
Prices are on the rise at your local grocery store as consumer packaged goods companies pass along increases to retailers, citing higher commodity costs. Do you think Whole Foods has more room to raise prices than other grocers or is it limited by its recent promises to lower prices?
The hit Netflix series, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” has led to a surge in donations to thrift stores since its debut on New Year’s Day. Some speculate that the de-cluttering trend may pose a threat to fast-fashion. Why has “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” struck a chord with the public?
Late next month, Barneys New York will debut a store-within-a-store in its Beverly Hills location making it the first major retailer, management claims, to open a legal cannabis department. What’s your opinion on Barneys decision to open a cannabis lifestyle shop?
Walmart is taking its mattresses on a big tour in a tiny house. The retailer is taking its “Allswell Tiny Home” moving popup on the road in mid-February. What do you think of Walmart using its tiny house tour to increase consumer interest in Allswell mattresses?
A study from Bain & Co. finds voice assistants and grocery apps remain two under-utilized tools that could help break shoppers’ “analog” habits such as written lists that are holding back adoption of online grocery. Will apps and voice assistants play a large role in elevating the online grocery experience in the years to come?
As predictive analytics become more sophisticated, companies are increasingly relying on aggregated data. But how much should firms trust the wisdom of the crowd? Does it make sense that crowd-sourced “surprisingly popular” answers are often more accurate than the majority vote?
Foot Locker has made a $100 million minority investment in Goat Group, which claims to be the largest resale marketplace for sneakers. Where do you see the greatest potential benefits from the partnership between Foot Locker and GOAT?
Are we developing associates to be chatbots or true retail sales professionals that have the ability to connect with customers and solve problems? Where does the development of interpersonal skills (e.g., picking up on verbal and non-verbal cues) stand with the training of sales associates at retail?
