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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Are Flagship Stores Necessary for Retail Brands?
Flagship stores stand out for their size, location, customer service, and overarching purpose. What key metrics should be used to evaluate the success of flagship stores like Banana Republic, Seiko,…
Are Drones Almost Ready for Takeoff?
Amazon’s Prime Air drone program has been cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly devices beyond the visual line of sight, clearing a key regulatory hurdle to the…
Will Walmart+ Week’s Early Launch Outperform Amazon Prime Day in 2024?
This year, Walmart is stepping up its game in the members-only sales arena by launching its Walmart+ Week ahead of Amazon’s anticipated Prime Day event in July. How might this…
How Should Brands Respond to Positive Online Reviews?
While businesses are widely encouraged to respond to negative online reviews, a new study finds responding to positive online reviews is more of a “minefield” and some should be ignored…
Will Amazon Take Over the Restaurant Delivery Industry?
Amazon has expanded its Prime membership to include a permanent Grubhub+ subscription. How might this partnership reshape the landscape of food delivery services?
Is Bigger Better for Walmart’s Neighborhood Markets?
Walmart is testing two Neighborhood Market locations that span 57,000 square feet of selling space, about 17,000 square feet larger than average. Would a larger format make Neighborhood Markets a…
Will CosMc’s New App and Customizable Beverages Make McDonald’s Spinoff a Hit?
McDonald’s has ventured into new territory with the launch of CosMc’s. Given the rapid rollout of CosMc’s loyalty app despite limited physical presence, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks…
Is Macy’s Taking the Right Steps To Reawaken Growth?
Macy’s Inc. reported that the “First 50” Macy’s traditional locations have been revamped under its Bold New Chapter strategy. Are the steps being taken to revive growth at the full-line…
Is It Time for QR Codes To Become Mainstream in the US?
QR codes have transformed the global transaction landscape. How might they evolve further in retail, especially concerning consumer engagement and brand transparency?
Should Brands Still Have Qualms About Selling on Amazon?
More brands have started launching Amazon storefronts in recent years after being reluctant to sell on the platform. Why has the stigma of selling directly on Amazon apparently evaporated for…
Should US Shopping Malls Include Gamification and Experiential Retail?
In response to the growing demand for experiential retail, ION Orchard has integrated gamification into its customer loyalty strategy. How can other retailers leverage similar strategies?
Can TJX Get a Lot Bigger?
The TJX Companies Inc. earned some headlines last week for telling the investment community it still sees the potential to open “1,300-plus” stores with its current banners in existing countries…
Is the Corporate Retail Lunch Rush Gone?
In a shift driven by the rise of hybrid work, the traditional weekday lunch rush in American bars and restaurants has yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. How can…
Will Walmart Retain Affluent Shoppers as Inflation Subsides?
Bill Simon, the former president and CEO of Walmart U.S., believes Walmart’s service proposition still isn’t where it needs to be to hold on to the higher-income customers that have…
Will Walmart Dominate Virtual Retail?
Walmart has launched an innovative virtual shopping platform, Walmart Realm, that represents a significant evolution in the world of e-commerce. With influencer-led virtual shops like those in Walmart Realm, how…
Is Lululemon’s Chief Product Officer Exit a Big Blow?
Lululemon Athletica Inc. announced a new organizational structure across its product, brand, and merchandise teams following the departure of its acclaimed chief product officer, Sun Choe. Will this new structure…
How Should Costco Deal With Non-Members?
Costco has expanded its accessibility by forming a strategic partnership with Uber, allowing non-members to order products from the warehouse club. How does this partnership reflect changes in retail logistics…
Why Are Disabled People Being Shortchanged in Advertisement Representation?
A recent survey of more than 6,500 UK adults — including more than 2,300 who identified as disabled — found that 32% had not seen any disability represented in the…
Can Red Lobster Successfully Continue With New Owners?
Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after abruptly closing numerous locations. In what ways do you foresee restructuring efforts impacting the brand’s image and market positioning?
Under Armour Looks To Do More With Less
In his first quarterly earnings call since returning to the CEO role after four years, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank outlined a new Protect This House turnaround strategy. What do…
What Will It Take To Reverse Starbucks’ Decline?
Starbucks faced a disappointing quarter with declining same-store sales in the U.S. and China, leading to a 2% dip in global revenue. How can Starbucks optimize its digital strategies and…
