Some recent comments on Walmart Express
I’m posting two separate comments about Walmart Express (its small format experiment) that were published within a few days of each other on RetailWire: 1. When Walmart is satisfied that its pilot is...
View ArticleNordstrom in Manhattan: A no-brainer
A pretty straightforward conversation at RetailWire about Nordstrom’s plan to open a flagship store in New York City. Little disagreement with my opinion: Nordstrom will draw in Manhattan almost...
View ArticleCityTarget: A new concept for urban locations
The latest discussion at RetailWire about “small format” retail centers on CityTarget, a new idea being rolled out in Chicago and elsewhere. I see Target as particularly well-positioned to make this...
View ArticleRepurposing the mall to combat e-commerce
It’s true that adding dining and entertainment venues to malls and lifestyle centers can provide experiences not available online. But there are plenty of other good reasons to pursue this idea. Here’s...
View ArticleLululemon for kids
From a recent RetailWire post about ivivva, the kids’ concept from Lululemon. The discussion centered on the growth potential of activewear in general and for kids in particular. I’m a believer: I...
View ArticleBeyond Whole Foods?
The following comment from RetailWire points to Trader Joe’s and Fresh Market as a couple of grocery concepts taking a different tack from Whole Foods. Based on my observation of both stores, they have...
View ArticleOfficeMax opens “shops within stores”
From a recent RetailWire discussion: Panelists argued the merits of OfficeMax “managing” the office supply section within other retailers, such as grocers. I think it’s a smart move in light of the...
View ArticleApple trademarks its store design
From a recent RetailWire panel discussion: Apple recently received patent approval for its store design, ranging from design elements like logos and flooring to the arrangement of shelves and...
View ArticleTarget Canada: What’s the strategic advantage?
Target Canada opens this week, and RetailWire recently published panelists’ reactions to one of its marketing angles: The promise of shorter checkout lanes vs. Walmart. I question whether this will...
View ArticleBest Buy’s new partnership with Samsung
Samsung just announced plans to open a shop concept within Best Buy, to highlight its mobile devices. I see this as a win for both companies, especially as Best Buy regroups under new management....
View ArticleBluelight special on data storage?
Sears Holdings has come up with one idea after another about ways to generate revenue from their assets, very few of which have anything to do with improving their retail model. The latest has to do...
View ArticlePop-up stores: Here to stay?
A brief comment (from a recent RetailWire discussion) follows, on the subject of pop-up stores. What started as a risk-averse strategy to use empty space during the recession is now part of the...
View ArticleNordstrom Rack expansion is accelerating
Most of the discussion on RetailWire about off-pricers centers on TJX and Ross Stores, but attention should be paid to Nordstrom Rack too. Nordstrom is stepping up the pace of store openings and seems...
View ArticleNew growth plan for the Mall of America
A timely discussion last Monday about expansion plans at the Mall of America, outside Minneapolis. (Timely because I was headed to the mall on the same day.) The plan is to expand dramatically by...
View ArticleHudson’s Bay makes a play
The rumored combination of Saks and Neiman Marcus was just that…a rumor. It was laid to rest by the announcement this week that Canada’s Hudson Bay Company — already owners of Lord & Taylor — is...
View ArticleGGP steps into the omnichannel arena
Mall developer General Growth Properties is testing a concept where customers can shop online or in-store at some of its tenant retailers and arrange for same-day delivery or pickup. It’s an...
View ArticleShould Walmart buy a dollar store?
Lots of discussion on RetailWire recently, on the topic of whether Walmart should buy Family Dollar (or another emerging competitor). Most of the panelists agreed with me that Walmart should stick to...
View ArticleWhich new concept should Walmart support? Why not both?
RetailWire panelists weighed in on the question of whether Walmart should expand its “Express” or “Neighborhood Market” concept faster. I see this as a false choice, since both small-format stores have...
View ArticleShould Penney stop reporting monthly sales?
Two related questions under discussion at RetailWire today: First, is Penney’s announcement that it will stop reporting monthly comp sales the smart thing to do? Second, is JCP moving fast enough on...
View ArticleIs H&M missing the omnichannel bandwagon?
H&M has been famously late to the table developing its own e-commerce site from which it can sell merchandise. There continues to be a lot of debate (including on RetailWire) about whether the...
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