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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Does America Need More ALDI Stores?
ALDI has set its sights on a significant expansion across the United States, aiming to introduce a whopping 800 new stores by the end of 2028. How might ALDI’s ambitious…
Are ‘Underemployed’ College Grads an Opportunity for Retail?
A new study found that 52% of college graduates end up “underemployed” within a year of graduation. Can retailers capitalize more on the seemingly greater amount of college grads open…
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Non-Linear Career Paths
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the women on the BrainTrust and their exciting achievements and career journeys.
How Will Computer Vision Change the Retail Experience?
AI has become a buzzword in the retail industry, and retailers like Sam’s Club and Home Depot are stepping up their game, particularly in one area of AI: computer vision…
Which Are the Best Cities for Shopping?
A recent analysis by StorageCafe identified Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach as the top metro destination for “retail therapy” in the U.S. Which cities would make your list of the top…
Is the Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Bag Craze a Good or Bad Trend?
In the realm of grocery supermarkets, there’s a hot new trending item that is not at all edible: Trader Joe’s mini tote bags. How can retailers make the most of…
Target Leans Into Same-Day Delivery in Paid Membership Launch
Following the playbook of Amazon and Walmart, Target has launched its first paid membership program. Does Target Circle 360 offer enough appeal to compete against other subscription offerings?
Amazon Begins Using Humanoid Robot Workers
In a nondescript Amazon warehouse near Seattle, employees recently encountered the future of work: a 5-foot-9-inch robot named Digit. As humanoid robots like Digit join warehouse operations, what ethical considerations…
Do National Brands Have a Bigger Private Label Opportunity?
A university study concluded that national brands stand to benefit from producing more private labels for grocers, although doing so brings “complex trade-offs” that carry some risks. Is private label…
Will the New Small-Format Whole Foods Stores Succeed or Fail Yet Again?
Whole Foods Market has unveiled plans to launch smaller stores, aiming to cater to urban dwellers looking for quick shopping trips. What strategic advantages and challenges might Whole Foods face?
Should IT Staffers Periodically Work in Their Stores?
By giving IT employees first-hand experience in the stores that their work impacts, they can gain valuable knowledge to apply back to their jobs. But is having them take time…
Should Proposing Cereal for Dinner Have Caused an Uproar?
Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick was ridiculed across social media after suggesting families should eat cereal for dinner to combat inflation-spiked food prices. Does this strong reaction say more about …
Can Seiko Compete Against Rolex in the Luxury Watch Market?
Seiko Watch Corporation has made a significant move to bolster its presence in the North American market. How can Seiko’s Grand Seiko Boutique in New York strategically position itself to…
Will Warehouse Construction Opposition Upend Online’s Growth?
More local governments are restricting or outright banning new warehouses that may be required to support the next stage of e-commerce growth. Do local communities in most cases have a…
Big Lots Snags Hearthsong’s Toys, But Is It Too Late?
Big Lots has acquired the entire inventory of Hearthsong, a renowned children’s toy brand. How does this acquisition reflect the company’s strategic positioning within the competitive retail landscape, particularly in…
Should Retailers Tone Down Political Discussions at Work?
In recent years, an increasingly polarized electorate has been escalating political tensions in the workplace that only promise to intensify in the coming months leading up to the presidential election…
Can UNIQLO Set the Standard for Fast-Fashion Sustainability?
UNIQLO introduced its very first pop-up store specializing in secondhand items in Harajuku, Tokyo, last October. How can UNIQLO’s pioneering approach to secondhand clothing sales influence broader sustainability initiatives within…
Macy’s Shifts to ‘A Bold New Chapter’
Macy’s has announced a new turnaround plan that calls for the closing 150 of its traditional department stores while ramping up the expansion of smaller-format stores and luxury concepts. What…
Will Wendy’s Succeed or Fail With Its Upcoming Dynamic Menu Pricing?
Wendy’s is rolling out a plan where the cost of your favorite burger might fluctuate throughout the day. What strategic measures should Wendy’s and other chains take to mitigate potential…
Walmart Offers Vendors a Slight Break on Delivery Thresholds
Walmart is slightly reducing its requirements for on-time and in-full (OTIF) shipments from suppliers after tightening them in 2020 due to the supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic. Is…
Is Campbell’s Exclusive Fashion Collab With Parks Project a Good Move?
Campbell’s is teaming up with Parks Project to release a limited-edition capsule collection of winter-themed apparel bundles. How can collaborative partnerships between iconic brands like Campbell’s and Parks Project redefine…
