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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Assigned Seating Hurt Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines announced it will move from its traditional open seating model to assigned seating with premium options starting soon. How might this shift affect its brand identity and customer…
Can Chipotle Regain Its Reputation for Big Portions?
Addressing a social media uproar over skimpy servings, Chipotle said it has recommitted to “generous portions” while admitting that some of its locations were shortchanging customers. Do you see a…
Should All Retailers Offer Instant Refunds?
Reshop is changing things up when it comes to the refund process by offering instant refunds, bypassing a traditional waiting period that consumers have come to expect. How might instant…
Are Five Below’s Problems Self-Inflicted?
Shares of Five Below crashed recently as the sudden deterioration in sales trends and abrupt exit of its CEO Joel Anderson led some analysts to believe the chain’s challenges were…
Will Consumers Eventually Allow AI To Choose What They Buy?
GlassesUSA.com has recently announced “Pairfect Match AI,” which is an artificial intelligence technology designed to enhance online eyewear shopping. How might personalized recommendations from AI impact consumer confidence and satisfaction…
Should Amazon Be Cracking Down on ‘Coffee Badgers’?
Amazon has instituted new return-to-office policies to reduce “coffee badging.” Are you for or against minimum-hour obligations for days when hybrid corporate employees are in office?
Should Surveillance Pricing Be Allowed or Prevented?
The FTC is investigating “surveillance pricing,” where companies use artificial intelligence to set different prices for the same item based on individual customer data. How should regulators craft policies to…
Will the Paris Olympics Pay Off for Brands?
A survey from Numerator shows advertising recall from past Olympics is extremely low, while product endorsements by Olympians boast only a moderate influence on purchasing decisions. Do you see the…
Can PacSun and Pinterest Bank on a Retro Fashion Trend?
PacSun is taking a bold step with its latest fall campaign, “Better in Baggy,” which spotlights the resurgence of baggy denim and all oversized clothes. Will PacSun help influence and…
Are Emerging Upstarts Challenging Lululemon’s Growth?
An analyst from Jefferies lowered his price targets on Lululemon due in large part to threats from athleisure upstarts Alo Yoga and Vuori. How should Lululemon address these threats?
Will Best Buy’s New Initiative Make a Difference?
Best Buy has announced plans to shift its retail strategy from a traditional approach to a newfound focus on technology and customer engagement. What are the potential implications of Best…
Do Grocery Shoppers Want To Be Surprised by Surplus Food?
Whole Foods Market launched a new program that enables customers to purchase “surprise bags” of discounted surplus food to save money and minimize food waste. The program represents a partnership…
Is Del Taco Really the No. 1 Fast-Food Restaurant?
Del Taco achieved the top spot in USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice 10 Best Fast-Food Restaurant rankings. Do you think Del Taco’s “Del’s Real Deal Menu” might have contributed to…
Overstock.com Returns to Complement Bedbathandbeyond.com
Overstock.com officially relaunched as a stand-alone website with a return to its roots around clearance items across a wide range of categories. With the return, sister banner Bed Bath &…
Can H Mart Become a Top Contender in the Grocery Arena?
H Mart has partnered with VTEX and VML to enhance H Mart’s e-commerce operations. What are the broader implications for customer experience and market reach in the grocery sector?
How Do You Get Over Post-Vacation Blues?
A survey from MyBioSource found that instead of feeling recharged and refreshed, 42% of Americans dread coming back to work after time off. What advice would you have for employees…
Can Hallmark+ and Its Retail Benefits Compete With Other Streaming Services?
Hallmark recently announced the launch of Hallmark+, a new streaming service and membership program, set to debut in mid-September. With Hallmark+ blending entertainment and retail rewards, how might this trend…
Is Slow Fashion in the Slow Lane?
Several Democratic representatives have introduced a Slow Fashion Caucus initiative aimed at limiting waste and pollution from the fast-fashion industry. What needs to happen to break consumers’ addiction to fast…
Is Starbucks Paving the Way for Mainstream Walk-Out Cashierless Stores?
Starbucks has upgraded its two New York cafes that use Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, enhancing the smartphone experience for customers and simplifying the process for staff. How might this…
Should Walmart Return to 24/7 Operations?
Walmart pulled back from being open round-the-clock, seven days a week at most stores during the pandemic and for now has no plans to return. What factors should be most…
How Will Fender and Bluecore Shape the Musical Instruments Industry?
Bluecore has announced a new partnership with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to enhance customer growth and retention. In what ways can data-driven partnerships like this reshape customer loyalty and engagement…
