QuickWit Weekly QuickWit Weekly (9/25/23) Last Week’s Top Retail News The top retail news and most interesting & most read stories in commerce. RetailWit September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 < 1 min read Technology & InnovationAIMarketing: Retail MediaInstacartStart UpsResults & InvestmentDeliveryCoca ColaAmazon 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked 5
Channel: Ecommerce & Digital Peak and Demand Surcharge Considerations for Your Holiday Shipping Matrix The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not raise pricing by applying a peak season surcharge this holiday season. Wait, what? 2023 will be the fourth peak season since COVID temporarily forced volume surges on the package carriers, and the carriers forced “peak” surcharges on the shipping public. This year, however, the USPS is making […] Gordon Glazer September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 5 min read DeliveryOperations & Supply ChainPricing & PromotionsEconomyMarketing: TradeHoliday & EventsInternationalGovernmentMarketing: In StoreTechnology & InnovationReturnsDept. FuelCOVID19Health & WellnessConsultingPredictions and ForecastsStrategyAmazon 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Demographic-Driven Promotional Strategies Are Crucial This Holiday Season In 2023, a prevailing theme that has ensnared retailers is the phenomenon of consumer behavior. Both sentiment and spending have been unstable, leading business leaders through a whirlwind of changing strategies based on predictions that never quite came to fruition. Economists collectively anticipated that an impending economic downturn would dissuade consumers from depleting their savings. […] Danielle Marceau September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 3 min read ConsumersHoliday & EventsEconomyData & InsightsShoppersCOVID19AIOperations & Supply ChainMarketing: TradeDept. ApparelHealth & WellnessStrategyTechnology & InnovationStore LocationResults & InvestmentAssociatesOwned Brands (Private Label)Marketing: In StoreDept. NonfoodTarget 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces FTC, 17 States Sue Amazon on Antitrust Charges The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Amazon.com Tuesday seeking to bar the company from allegedly abusing its powers to raise prices for shoppers and levy high fees against businesses that sell on its platform. The lawsuit, filed in Western Washington district court, marks a historic political […] Joe Keenan September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 < 1 min read GovernmentAmazonLegal & CriminalShoppersConsumersTechnology & InnovationPricing & PromotionsMeta (Facebook)Marketing: Social MediaGoogle 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces FTC sues Amazon, says the ecommerce giant is a monopoly [[“value”:” Amazon is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission and 17 state attorney generals for “acting like a monopoly” and preventing businesses from emerging and succeeding. The FTC says the delivery giant uses “a set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies to illegally maintain its monopoly power.” Related: Amazon Fresh ‘zombie’ […] Supermarket News September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 2 min read AmazonGovernmentLegal & CriminalShoppersBrick and MortarDept. FreshCompetitionCustomer ExperienceDeliveryHealth & WellnessResults & InvestmentDept. Natural / OrganicTechnology & Innovation 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces UNFI hopes for quick turnaround following disappointing Q4 [[“value”:” United Natural Foods, Inc., is hoping a technology-driven strategy for 2024 will help make unimpressive 2023 fourth quarter financial results a quick and distant memory. While the Providence, R.I.-based grocery wholesaler did record a 2% year-over-year sales increase of $7.4 billion, ultimately the company suffered losses this quarter which impacted the bottom […] Supermarket News September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 2 min read Predictions and ForecastsTechnology & InnovationShoppersEconomyData & InsightsExecutivesUnited Natural FoodsStrategyResults & InvestmentOperations & Supply ChainHealth & WellnessDept. Natural / Organic 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Club Costco faces huge mattress recall [[“value”:” Costco is in the process of contacting customers directly about recalled mattresses. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall, involving 48,000 mattresses due to a mold exposure risk, reports CNN. The product was sold exclusively at Costco between January and June in the Northwest U.S. and the San Francisco Bay […] Supermarket News September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 < 1 min read CostcoConsumersOperations & Supply Chain 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
RetailWit Being the Bigger Person, Content Strategy and Advice for Startup Businesses: Tea with GaryVee 9/26 Recap The post Being the Bigger Person, Content Strategy and Advice for Startup Businesses: Tea with GaryVee 9/26 Recap appeared first on Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary Vaynerchuk September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 < 1 min read General BusinessStrategyDept. Beverage 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces FTC Suit Claims Amazon Illegally Maintains Monopoly Power Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since it was published earlier today. A long-expected lawsuit has been filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general against Amazon, alleging that the company uses “interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies to illegally maintain its monopoly power,” according to an FTC statement. The agency […] Retail TouchPoints September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 3 min read AmazonGovernmentLegal & CriminalConsumersCompetitionShoppersExecutivesMarketing: Social MediaOperations & Supply ChainCustomer ExperiencePartnershipsHealth & WellnessPricing & PromotionsDeliveryDept. NonfoodDept. Natural / OrganicDept. ApparelMerchandisingTechnology & Innovation 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Corporate Finance Solving Capital Challenges: Ecommerce Loans Simplified The e-commerce industry is characterized by both immense opportunities and notable challenges. Among the most pressing challenges is the issue of capital. Whether you’re seeking to scale your operations, manage daily expenses, or optimize inventory during peak seasons, access to timely and adequate funding is crucial. For an e-commerce business owner like yourself, understanding the […] Retail Minded September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 4 min read Results & InvestmentShopifyOperations & Supply ChainShoppersTechnology & InnovationPredictions and ForecastsCustomer ExperiencePricing & PromotionsMarketing: In StoreHealth & WellnessDept. HBC 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing FaceTime with the Content Guy: An Oddly Sentimental Fellow Some badly needed suburban renewal in my local town, a byproduct of which is the tearing down of my old office building, got me thinking about the connections between history and progress. The post FaceTime with the Content Guy: An Oddly Sentimental Fellow appeared first on MNB. MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Marketing: Social MediaDept. Nonfood 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Costco Gets Into Healthcare Business The Seattle Times reports that Costco is making a healthcare play, offering its customers/members access to online primary care visits for $29, and mental health visits for $79. The services are being offered through the online health marketplace Sesame, which also will offer Costco members 10 percent off other health services. The Times says that […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 2 min read Health & WellnessCostcoDept. HBCWalgreensWalmartResults & InvestmentPartnershipsKrogerDeliveryCVSBest BuyAmazon 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Grocery New Kroger In Houston Features Multicultural Approach The Houston Chronicle reports on a new food store in Houston that it describes as “a first-of-its-kind Kroger, one that specifically caters to its neighbors in the community. “From the outside, the Kroger off South Sam Houston Parkway looks like all the others. But inside, the Ohio-based retail company has made significant changes to pioneer the […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 2 min read KrogerDept. BeverageDept. FreshStore LocationDept. DairyRestaurantsInternational - North AmericaInclusivityDept. PharmacyDept. PerimeterDept. Grocery 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Delivery Worth Reading: “How To Be A Good Instacart Customer” The Washington Post has an interesting piece that poses two questions to the independent contractors who work as shoppers for Instacart: What do they wish Instacart customers or potential ones knew about their jobs? And how can customers get good service and be considerate? Not surprisingly, tipping is a big deal, though it is problematic. […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read InstacartDeliveryShoppersTechnology & Innovation 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Your Views: Loyalty Ignored I went off yesterday – twice – about Amazon’s decision to convert Prime Video to an advertising-supported platform; you’ll only be able to watch commercial-free if you pay an extra $36 a year (which makes it a de facto Prime membership fee increase). I think this represents a lack of loyalty on Amazon’s part to […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 3 min read ShoppersAmazonStreamingMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionDeliveryMarketing: Digital MediaOperations & Supply ChainPackagingMarketing: BroadcastExecutivesMetaverseTech: AR and VRSustainabilityResults & InvestmentPricing & PromotionsPredictions and ForecastsData & InsightsMarketing: TradeTrends: TechCOVID19Dept. GroceryDept. FuelHealth & WellnessMarketing: Print 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Mass Dick’s to shutter 11 Moosejaw stores amid integration with Public Lands [[“value”:”Three Moosejaw locations will remain open, while the rest — and the outdoor retailer’s headquarters — are scheduled to close by February.”]] RetailDive September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read WalmartBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Corporate Strategy UrbanStems hires new chief executive officer [[“value”:” Dive Brief The online floral company has tapped Ana Mollinedo Mims for the position, succeeding Seth Goldman who has served as CEO since 2018. Published Sept. 26, 2023 UrbanStems CEO Ana Mollinedo Mims. The company previously raised $20 million in a Series C funding round in 2021. Permission granted by UrbanStems “]] RetailDive September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read ExecutivesStart UpsDept. Fresh 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Stores & Formats Target says it will close nine stores in major cities, citing violence and theft [[“value”:”It’s the latest move related to theft for Target, which has been outspoken about the industrywide problem of organized retail crime.”]] CNBC September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read TargetLegal & CriminalBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Corporate Finance Costco tops quarterly earnings expectations, even as sales remain soft [[“value”:”Costco topped quarterly earnings and revenue expectations, even as sales trends at the membership club slowed.”]] CNBC September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Results & InvestmentCostco 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces FTC, 17 states sue Amazon for ‘exploiting its monopoly power’ The e-commerce giant defended the practices outlined in the lawsuit, saying they “spur competition and innovation across the retail industry.” Grocery Dive September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read GovernmentAmazonCompetitionTechnology & InnovationLegal & Criminal 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Mattel Creates AI Version Of Classic Guessing Game Pictionary Mattel is releasing a version of Pictionary that uses artificial intelligence to guess clues. It’s another example of how toy manufacturers are embracing AI. Joan Verdon - Forbes September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read AITechnology & InnovationDept. Toys & Games 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Retail Operations How Free People is Utilizing Customer-Declared Data to Personalize CX In episode 420 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Erin Malone, director of digital strategy at Free People, a bohemian women’s apparel and lifestyle retailer, part of the Urban Outfitters portfolio of brands. Malone provides an overview of the brand and her role (0:50), how Free People is optimizing the online shopping experience (2:30), […] Joe Keenan September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Customer ExperienceShoppersData & InsightsStrategyPodcastsDept. Apparel 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Grocery SN Top 10: Hy-Vee, Stop & Shop, Kroger top the week's headlines [[“value”:”UFCW cites ‘echoes of Haggen’ in proposed C&S deal. The United Food and Commercial Workers union on Wednesday expressed deep concerns about the proposed acquisition of 413 Kroger- and Albertsons-owned stores by C&S Wholesale Grocers.”It”]] Supermarket News September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Hy-VeeKrogerRegional GroceryAssociatesAlbertsons / SafewayAcquisitionDept. GroceryC&S Wholesale GrocersBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Mass Dick’s Sporting Goods to Close all but 3 Moosejaw Stores Dick’s Sporting Goods, which acquired Moosejaw from Walmart in February 2023 for an undisclosed amount, plans to close all but three of the 14 stores in the outdoor retailer chain, according to multiple media reports. In recent months Dick’s has been putting more energy into formats such as its House of Sport and Public Lands […] Retail TouchPoints September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read WalmartBrick and MortarDept. Sporting goodsDept. NonfoodMarketing: Social MediaAcquisitionSustainabilityStrategyPredictions and ForecastsOperations & Supply ChainMerchandising 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Nedap teams with Foot Locker to extend RFID project to new Eastern European stores Sports fashion and apparel retailer Foot Locker has extended the Nedap iD Cloud RFID solution to its new Eastern European stores. This means that the project, which kicked off in 2018, now involves over 650 stores across Europe. By using RFID tagged merchandise from brands such as Nike, adidas, and PUMA, Foot Locker says that […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 2 min read Marketing: Social MediaTwitterBrick and MortarDept. ApparelTechnology & InnovationOperations & Supply ChainShoppersPartnershipsData & InsightsPress ReleaseConsumers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Fruit of the Loom’s fruit mascots return to refresh brand’s TikTok strategy The 172-year-old brand wants to develop a more meaningful connection with Gen Z, which came of age during the characters’ TV heyday. MarketingDive September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Dept. FreshTikTokStrategyMarketing: Social MediaMarketing: BroadcastConsumers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Delivery Grubhub expands Snoop Dogg-starring effort on tail of international success Extending to the U.S., “Did Somebody Say” generated 4 million views in the first three days of its U.K. premiere. MarketingDive September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read InternationalGrubhubFood Delivery 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces FTC Antitrust Suit Against Amazon Expected This Week Politico reported on Friday that “a long-awaited antitrust case against Amazon’s massive online retail operations is expected to be filed in federal court as soon as Tuesday. “The Federal Trade Commission has been preparing a complaint since at least the start of this year targeting an array of Amazon’s business practices. The exact details of […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 2 min read GovernmentAmazonLegal & CriminalOperations & Supply ChainCompetitionUnileverMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: In Store 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Amazon Converts Prime Video To Ad-Supported Offering Amazon plans to start running commercials on Prime Video starting early next year, essentially converting a subscriber-supported service to an ad-supported platform. There will be an option for users who don’t want ads. They will be able to pay $2.99 a month – or almost $36 a year on top of the $139 annual Prime […] MorningNewsBeat September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 4 min read StreamingAmazonMarketing: Digital MediaMarketing: BroadcastExecutivesPredictions and ForecastsMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionOperations & Supply ChainConsumersResults & InvestmentEconomyDelivery 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Consumer Durables Lego Abandons One of Its Projects To Make Oil-Free Bricks -FT Danish toymaker Lego has reportedly abandoned a prominent initiative to eliminate oil-based plastics from its bricks. This decision comes after the company discovered that the new material, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), would result in higher carbon emissions. Lego’s CEO, Niels Christiansen, mentioned that extensive testing revealed it was challenging to find a material that met… RetailWire September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read Dept. Toys & GamesDept. FuelExecutives 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Drug CVS Is Permanently Closing Hundreds of Stores for a Surprising Reason As the pandemic’s impact on brick-and-mortar retail lingers, the U.S. drugstore landscape is undergoing significant changes. CVS, the largest drugstore chain in America, is implementing a policy change that will lead to the closure of hundreds of stores over the next three years, aiming to optimize store locations based on population shifts and consumer buying… RetailWire September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 < 1 min read CVSBrick and MortarPredictions and ForecastsConsumersCOVID19 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Technology & Innovation ‘Money Doesn’t Stink:’ The Sad State Of Affairs In Ad Tech After 12 years of working in – or adjacent to – the ad tech industry, I am coming to terms with the simple answer to many depressing questions. The post ‘Money Doesn’t Stink:’ The Sad State Of Affairs In Ad Tech appeared first on AdExchanger. Written by AdExchanger September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Consumer Durables Department: Consumer Durables Corporate Strategy Lego Abandons One of Its Projects To Make Oil-Free Bricks -FT Danish toymaker Lego has reportedly abandoned a prominent initiative to eliminate oil-based plastics from its bricks. This decision comes after the company discovered that the new material, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), would result in higher carbon emissions. Lego’s CEO, Niels Christiansen, mentioned that extensive testing revealed it was challenging to find a material that met… Written by RetailWire September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Drug Shopper & Customer Trends & External Forces Stores & Formats CVS Is Permanently Closing Hundreds of Stores for a Surprising Reason As the pandemic’s impact on brick-and-mortar retail lingers, the U.S. drugstore landscape is undergoing significant changes. CVS, the largest drugstore chain in America, is implementing a policy change that will lead to the closure of hundreds of stores over the next three years, aiming to optimize store locations based on population shifts and consumer buying… Written by RetailWire September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Ecommerce & Digital Corporate Strategy Media & Marketing Data & Insights Shopper & Customer Technology & Innovation Trends & External Forces Amazon Invests $4 Billion in AI Company Anthropic Amazon will invest up to $4 billion in Anthropic and gain a minority ownership position in the company, part of a deal that will have Amazon Web Services (AWS) become Anthropic’s primary cloud provider. Anthropic will make its future AI foundation models accessible to million of developers, as well as provide AWS customers with early […] Written by Retail TouchPoints September 25, 2023September 26, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Marketplace Partnerships & Alt Profit Media & Marketing Retailer Media Shopify Audiences Adds Criteo, Its First Open Web Ads Partner Shopify Audiences debuted last year with only Google and Meta. In January, Pinterest was added to the mix. Now TikTok, Snap and, notably, Criteo will be able to plug into The post Shopify Audiences Adds Criteo, Its First Open Web Ads Partner appeared first on AdExchanger. Written by AdExchanger September 25, 2023September 26, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked