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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Will Sephora’s 4 Ingredients for Success Continue To Work?
According to its CEO, Sephora’s broad-based growth is a testament to its global success. How can Sephora balance localized strategies with its global brand identity for sustained growth?
Are Food Halls Still Primed for Growth?
Food halls are seen as the successor of food courts, but some wonder if the concept may need to be tweaked for long-term viability. What shortcomings or pain points in…
Is Starbucks’ Focus on Store Ambiance a Sign of Future Trends?
Starbucks is reducing noise inside its stores and enhancing accessibility for all customers. How do Starbucks’ recent design changes reflect broader shifts in consumer expectations toward inclusivity and sensory comfort…
Should More Retailers Be Accepting Third-Party Returns?
A university study finds that partnerships involving physical stores accepting returns from other retailers or brands “can be a win-win.” Should significantly more retailers be open to accepting returns from…
Will Voice Commerce Continue To Gain Traction?
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the role of voice commerce has been gaining traction. What strategies can retailers employ to increase awareness, educate consumers, and drive adoption of voice…
How To Ensure a Rapid and Effective Recovery From Layoffs
Lattice’s 2024 State of People Strategy Report found that the wide majority of HR leaders believe it takes up to a year for employee morale and productivity to bounce back…
How Can Heritage Brands Remain Relevant Without Losing Their Roots?
Compared to newer brands, it’s even more challenging for heritage brands to attract new shoppers without ignoring or alienating their long-time loyal customers. What experiences and products from heritage brands…
Should More Retail Stores Emulate Levi’s ‘NextGen’ Format?
Levi’s has launched a revamped store in Kyoto, Japan, adopting the “NextGen” format aimed at improving the shopping experience. How can brands strike a balance between maintaining a consistent brand…
Grocery Inflation Gets Political
A new survey shows consumers blame government policies the most for high grocery prices, but food suppliers and grocers weren’t far behind. Should grocers be doing more to communicate how…
Is IKEA Setting the Standard for Employee AI Training?
IKEA is launching an initiative to promote artificial intelligence literacy throughout its organization. What strategies can CEOs employ to prioritize AI literacy and reskilling within their organizations to foster innovation,…
Should Seniors Automatically Access Digital Coupons?
Digital-only coupons offered through grocers’ loyalty programs would be automatically applied to senior citizens’ bills across the state of New York under new legislation being proposed in the New York…
Will YouTube’s New Seller Tools Change the E-Commerce Landscape?
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, YouTube has once again stepped up its game. How might YouTube’s integration of features like Shopping Collections reshape the boundaries between content creation and…
Is Tech Elevating the Full-Service Dining Experience?
The National Restaurant Association’s Technology Landscape report found that technology is increasingly being desired as part of the full-service dining experience, although boomers aren’t happy about it. Where do you…
Is JCPenney’s First New Store in 8 Years a Good Sign?
After an eight-year hiatus, JCPenney is making a bold return with the grand opening of its newest store in Wayne, New Jersey. As JCPenney invests in advanced technologies and enhancements,…
Should Beauty Brands Say ‘No’ To Using AI-Generated Models?
Dove has become the first beauty brand to commit to never using AI-generated imagery to represent “real people” in its advertising. Do you see a strong consumer backlash developing over…
Will Hasbro Sink, Stay Afloat, or Swim?
In a recent interview on NPR’s Here & Now Anytime podcast, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks delved into several key topics, shedding light on the company’s recent layoffs, the shift towards…
Are Open-Air Centers Still the Place To Be?
Open-air centers have seen the biggest rebound in foot traffic among retail channels since the pandemic hit four years ago. Do you see multiple tailwinds supporting the continued outperformance of…
Can Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands Dominate the Fitness Industry?
Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands have announced their intention to merge. How will this merger reshape franchising, personalized wellness solutions, and global market penetration in the fitness industry?
Is Trader Joe’s Crossing the Copycatting Line?
Multiple brands have charged Trader Joe’s with copying their recipes and package designs when developing its private label offerings. Are Trader Joe’s alleged tactics in engaging with smaller brands to…
Should the 99 Cents Only Stores Retail Chain Be Saved?
The discount retail chain 99 Cents Only Stores has announced its intention to gradually cease its operations. What broader implications does the bankruptcy and liquidation of 99 Cents Only Stores…
Will Caitlin Clark Reimagine the Potential of Women’s Sports Marketing?
The fascination over Iowa’s star guard Caitlin Clark has many observers wondering if the presumptive No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft will not only transform women’s basketball in the…
