RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Brewers Applaud Vertical Underage Drivers License
A broad coalition representing the three-tier system of malt beverage distribution in Ohio praised Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor for her efforts to implement Ohio’s vertical licensing initiative that will help…
On-the-Go Foods Grab Research Attention
Giant food companies are betting on you multi-tasking with your mouth full, and are introducing more foods that meet growing consumer demand for speed, convenience and portability. Is a price…
Soda Growth Slows: Diet, Flavored & New Out-Pace Cola
Diet outpaced regular, flavored soft drinks grew faster than colas and Austria’s Red Bull joined the ranks of the top 10 U.S. carbonated soft drink companies led by Coke and…
Sentencing of Grand Union Embezzler Postponed, Again
For a second time in two months, federal authorities have postponed the sentencing of former Grand Union Co. executive Donald C. Vaillancourt, who has admitted embezzling more than $2 million…
Starbucks Expands Internet Service, International Cafes
Starbucks plans on extensive international expansion, and to expand wireless service provided by VoiceStream to 70 percent of its cafés during the next several years. Does Starbucks risk overexposing its…
National Underage Drinking Findings Carded
A major substance abuse think tank acknowledged that its alarming claim — that youths ages 12 to 20 consume 25 percent of all alcohol in the United States — was…
Health Care Ranks in Employment Benefits
Even during the recession, more than half of U.S. workers consider health-care coverage more important than compensation. Which retailers and CPG companies are doing the best job of using benefits…
Harry’s Closes Last Stores In A Hurry
The last of the Harry’s In A Hurry stores will close next week, marking the final chapter in the company’s tumultuous history. Why did Harry’s In A Hurry fail?…
Target Sharpens Edge with Designer Fringe
In a bid to further distance itself from rivals, Target Corp is stepping up its partnerships with designers demonstrating why it has been able to carve out a sizeable niche…
Underage College Drinking Lessens as Kids Start Younger
Alcohol abuse, specifically underage drinking in colleges, has continued to decline to a 20-year low, while America is experiencing an epidemic of underage drinking germinating in elementary and middle schools…
Food Companies Get Consumer Satisfaction A-Rating
Several well-known food companies graced a list of about 85 firms and brands singled out by PlanetFeedback as “A-Rated Companies” during 2001 for consistently high levels of customer satisfaction. Do…
What Do Tom Brady and Salsa Have in Common?
The IRI Pulse(TM): Super Bowl XXXVI consumer packaged goods trends study finds beverages, beer/ale/alcoholic cider and salty
snacks at the top of the list in driving incremental supermarket food products…
Refrigerated Range Makes Its Worldwide Debut
Whirlpool unveiled a suite of new appliances including its Polara Refrigerated Range, and a portable Web Tablet for a matched suite of Internet-enabled home appliances. How will technology shape the…
Growing Hispanic Population Favors Branded Meat Products
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) new “The Hispanic Consumer: Attitudes, Buying Behavior, & Purchase Drivers” consumer research finds that the growing consumer base likes branded products. Are…
Frozen Foods Warm up to Taste Buds and Sales
Recent improvements in technology, ingredients and packaging have raised the culinary status of frozen food. Does the performance of frozen foods justify the department receiving added space in stores, similar…
Tasty Fries Takes Order for 10,000 Vending Machines
Tasty Fries, Inc. has received a purchase order agreement to manufacture and provide 10,000 state-of-the-art French fry vending machines by 2004. Will American consumers buy French fries from a…
King of the Working Class Sets Sights on Loftier Patrons
After becoming the nation’s biggest company, Wal-Mart is setting its sights on a fresh target: more affluent shoppers. What does Wal-Mart need to do to broaden the consumer base…
Online Shopping: Price Tops Convenience?
Evidence now suggests that online shoppers are more concerned about price than about new features or convenience – the advantage which e-tailers once thought would allow them to charge more…
Holistic Yet Tasteful New Products Abound
A cornucopia of new product ranges from P&G’s Baby Stages line to healthful snacks to organic pet supplements. Are new product failure fees or other up-front monies justified? How can…
Healthy Foods Venture Waxes Dysfunctional
A joint venture of Quaker Oats and Swiss health-care giant Novartis AG to develop products called “functional foods” has quietly been scrapped. Is there a mass market for nutraceuticals?
Stop & Shop Becomes One-Stop for Dunkin’ Donuts
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company and Dunkin’ Donuts have formed a strategic alliance in which Dunkin’ Donuts will open full-service stores in Stop & Shop locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut…
