RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Is Apple a Monopoly?
In a landmark antitrust case, the Justice Department sued Apple, claiming that the iPhone maker has a monopoly over the phone market. What do you think would be the best…
Should McDonald’s, In-N-Out, and Other Fast-Food Restaurants Have Secret Menus?
In the world of fast-food hacks, one Texan mom has cracked the code to a secret McDonald’s menu item. How do the revelations of secret menu items impact consumer behavior…
Does Starbucks Need a Chief Marketing Officer?
Starbucks has become the latest in a number of companies to eliminate the chief marketing officer role. Has the global CMO role become less relevant, or is the marketing function…
Should SHEIN and Fast-Fashion Retailers Be Subject to Additional Fines?
SHEIN and other Asian retailers now face potential fines of up to 10 euros per item sold in France by 2030 as part of a new bill. How can policymakers…
Is March Madness Expanding as an Advertising Opportunity?
Home Depot launched a March Madness campaign this month aimed at homeowners tackling spring do-it-yourself projects, joining a number of other brands showcasing campaigns around the three-week tournament. Should March…
Retail Giants Nordstrom and Macy’s Consider Private Ownership
Major department store chains Nordstrom and Macy’s could soon find themselves under the ownership of private-equity firms or hedge funds. How might the shift to private ownership of major retail…
What Should Petco’s Next CEO Focus On?
Petco’s CEO Ron Coughlin stepped down amid downward trends in pet adoptions and as the pet category overall has proved less resistant to macroeconomic pressures than predicted. Should Petco continue,…
Will Sustainable Second-Hand Clothing Remain Retail Viable?
It’s no secret that second-hand clothing offers affordable prices without compromising on quality. How can retail leaders balance profit and sustainability in the second-hand clothing market?
Under Armour’s Founder Returns To Guide Turnaround
Kevin Plank, who founded Under Armour in his grandmother’s basement in 1996, is returning as CEO to get his brand back on a growth trajectory. How would you assess the…
Will Foot Locker’s New Omnichannel Strategy Work?
In the realm of athletic gear, Foot Locker has set its sights on a transformation toward omnichannel retail. What metrics should retail experts and business leaders prioritize to measure the…
Will Amazon’s Big Spring Sale Be a Boon to Spring Retailing?
Amazon announced plans to introduce its first-ever Big Spring Sale running from March 20 through March 25, becoming the platform’s third major strategic selling event of the year. Is this…
Will Kohl’s and Babies“R”Us Be a Beneficial Alliance?
Kohl’s has announced a pioneering partnership with WHP Global, the proprietors of Babies”R”Us. How does this partnership reflect a broader trend in the retail industry toward diversification and collaboration amidst…
How Did Abercrombie Become Cool With Millennials?
Abercrombie & Fitch reported that sales jumped 35% at its flagship Abercrombie brand in the fourth quarter this year, continuing its unexpected turnaround. What lessons can be gleaned from the…
How Will Dollar Tree and Family Dollar Survive Their Growing Difficulties?
Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are closing 1,000 stores across the nation. What specific operational and cultural barriers have hindered the successful integration of the two chains?
Target Returns to Canada With Private Label Kids Line
Target has agreed to distribute its Cat & Jack private label children’s apparel brand inside Hudson’s Bay, marking its return to Canada retailing. Does the brand stand a good chance…
Is a TikTok Ban in the US the Right Move?
Today marked a significant stride in the halls of the United States House of Representatives as they rallied behind a bipartisan effort to push forth a bill targeting the operations…
Are AI-Driven Chatbots Only Frustrating the Online Shopper Journey?
AI-powered chatbots were seen as the most disruptive AI application causing friction in online shopping experiences, according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.K. consumers. Are AI-supported chatbots generally causing…
Should We Move to a Digital-Only World of Entertainment Products?
Consumers might find themselves in a digital-only world of certain products sooner than they realize. How can businesses navigate ethical issues related to consumer access and rights in the digital…
Can Same-Day Delivery Overcome Its Costs and Complexities?
A survey from UPS-owned Roadie finds retailers still seeking to determine whether the sender or customer should cover the costs of same-day delivery. What path or tools do you see…
Should More Retailers Fuse Like Applebee’s and IHOP Dual-Branded Locations?
Applebee’s and IHOP, both under the umbrella of Dine Brands Inc., are contemplating dual-branded locations. How might the success of dual-branded restaurants reshape traditional notions of brand identity and customer…
Should Rack Be Nordstrom’s Growth Engine?
Nordstrom plans to accelerate store openings at its Rack off-price concept following a strong recovery in sales in the holiday quarter. Does it make sense for Nordstrom to prioritize growth…
