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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Does the ‘Quiet Luxury’ Trend Have Staying Power?
Some fashion insiders are predicting that the quiet luxury trend is on its way out, making room for the comeback of blingy, loud fashion. Do you see quiet luxury remaining…
Do All Retailers Need In-Store Media Networks to Remain Viable?
In the bustling landscape of retail technology, one trend stands out: the burgeoning realm of in-store media networks. What implications does the surge of in-store media networks hold for the…
How Should The Container Store Be Reorganized?
The Container Store posted its second straight year of losses, received a delisting notice from the New York Stock Exchange, and is evaluating strategic alternatives that may include a sale…
Is It Time for Phygital Retail To Become Mainstream?
In 2022, BrainTrust members discussed the notion of a phygital retail future. Over two years later, we take a look at how far this landscape has evolved. What are the…
How Do You Recover When a Star Employee Leaves?
While boosting the performance of an underperformer can be a primary challenge for a manager, losing an overperformer can be a bigger blow. What steps should a retailer take to…
Should All Retailers Utilize Self-Service?
There has been a growing divide between supporters and detractors of self-service and self-checkout lanes. Do you think there could eventually be stores that are able to successfully remain fully…
Should Target Be Scaling Back Pride Month?
Target is reducing the number of stores that will carry its LGBTQ-themed merchandise as well as limiting apparel sizes to adults for Pride Month. Is LGBTQ+ pride marketing becoming riskier?
Is Airport Retail Evolving Into the New Shopping Mall?
Hybrid stores, a blend of retail and food and beverage offerings, are reshaping the landscape of airport retail worldwide. What strategies can airports and brands employ to effectively optimize space…
Should Grocery Outlet Join the Private Label Bandwagon?
Grocery Outlet, the closeout grocer, plans to introduce its first private label program in the third quarter of 2024. What potential benefits do you see from this addition to its…
How Will Price Wars Change Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains?
The landscape of dining out is changing, with fast food no longer being the clear-cut choice for budget-conscious consumers. Do you think the lines have blurred or been removed between…
Do Price Cut Announcements Pay Off?
ALDI and Giant Foods both recently announced new rounds of price cuts as food prices remain significantly above pre-pandemic levels. How would you rate the pros and cons of grocers…
How Can Retailers Capitalize on Consumer Shopping Demographics?
Recent research from e-commerce consulting firm 2 Visions delves into consumer shopping habits, revealing intriguing insights into preferences across generations and regions. What underlying factors might contribute to the stark…
Will AI Mimic the Dot-Com Bubble?
The explosion of interest in bots like ChatGPT has powered U.S. stocks to massive gains, leading to speculation over whether the AI investing craze may follow the path of the…
Should Retailers Expand Their Nonalcoholic Drinks To Keep Up With the Sober Curious Trend?
With the rise of movements like Dry January and a growing interest in the sober curious lifestyle, the demand for nonalcoholic drinks is on the rise. How can retailers and…
Should More Retailers Offer Same-Day Delivery To Remain Relevant?
Kohl’s has joined forces with Instacart, bringing same-day delivery to nearly 109 million households across the U.S. How might this reflect a broader trend in retail toward diversifying delivery options…
Should Managers Bring Their Whole Selves to Work?
Leaders sharing personal information with their subordinates may be able to build greater trust and stronger communication with their teams — if they get self-disclosure just right. Do you see…
Should Self-Checkout Kiosks Be Regulated To Reduce Theft?
California bill SB 1446 aims to regulate self-checkout systems in grocery and retail drug establishments. Should government regulations like this oversee self-checkout systems in retail establishments?
Does Woodbury Common Outlets Need a VIP Suite?
New York’s Woodbury Common Premium Outlets will be adding a “multimillion-dollar” VIP Suite. Do the economics of private shopping suites shared among luxury brands make sense for many other factory…
Are ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Services Helpful or Harmful to Retail?
In recent years, BNPL services have surged in popularity, offering consumers the flexibility to make purchases and spread payments over time. What regulatory steps can the U.S. take to ensure…
L.L.Bean Axes Call Center Staff and Hours
L.L.Bean is laying off some of its customer service reps and reducing call center hours by four hours each day. What’s likely the primary reason L.L.Bean’s call centers are receiving…
Will Estée Lauder and Microsoft’s AI Collaboration Affect the Beauty Industry?
In a recent announcement, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and Microsoft Corp. disclosed plans to establish an AI Innovation Lab, marking an extension of their existing global partnership. Through the…
