As parents and students begin preparing for the upcoming school year in the coming weeks, retailers have already begun rolling out their back-to-school shopping strategies and promotions. This year, several specialty retailers like Apple, Pottery Barn Kids and Bed, Bath & Beyond have dug in a little harder with back-to-school promotions, with Bed, Bath & […]
Wal-Mart
Retail Rap: 2013 Outlook
Any discussion about what’s on tap for 2013 has to start with the economy and consumer spending. Even though there are signs of recovery, including recent successes by the Dow and an improving housing market, consumers still appear to be nervous to open their wallets. In the latest edition of my Retail Rap column with […]
Does Social Responsibility = Retail Opportunity?
Wal-Mart recently unveiled an ambitious plan to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years. While I certainly hope this initiative helps spur other retailers do institute similar plans, the announcement made me wonder about the social consciousness of retailers. Are they doing these things out of the goodness of their hearts, or because it […]
Big Names – Small(er) Stores
Many retailers are downsizing their operations and squeezing into buildings with less square footage that feature more effective store plans. In this week’s Retail Rap column, I discuss this trend, how different retailers are implementing it and how I see it effecting both the companies looking to make changes and consumers who shop at these […]
2008 holiday sales to increase
I was surprised to see the National Retail Federation is estimating a 2.2 percent increase in holiday sales this year. From my perspective, I think we’ll be lucky to see any increase. When you take into consideration the fact that inflation is currently 5 percent higher than it was this time last year, and could […]
