Competition

General articles on the competitive situation and competitive forces in retail.

  1. Shopper & Customer

Restaurant Leaders Confront the Future: Why Reinvention, Not Nostalgia, Will Define the Next Era of Dining

  As chain restaurant executives gather in Chicago, the stakes have never been higher. Traditional strategies rooted in brand protectionism are crumbling under the weight of rising costs, labor shortages, and fierce competition from non-traditional food outlets. According to Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru® at Foodservice Solutions®, the path to survival is not resistance but […]
5 min read
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  1. Technology & Innovation

Personalized Disruption: Grocery’s Secret to Breaking Old Habits

There’s no shortage of talk about technology that’s going to redefine, dominate, or transform retail this year. Much of this language boils down to marketing speech, and often, true industry disruption fails to materialize. There is no shortage of tech hyperbole in retail. But then there’s the occasional exception — a technology that genuinely does […]
4 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

April 2025 Retail Metrics are in!

April 2025 Retail Metrics: As we close are halfway through the second quarter of 2025, both furniture and mattress retailers face challenging market conditions characterized by declining conversion rates and average tickets. The furniture industry shows stronger traffic generation with daily opportunities up 5% year-over-year, while the mattress sector demonstrates remarkable improvement in prospect collection […]
2 min read
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  1. Stores & Formats

Rite Aid blames latest bankruptcy on retail operations

​[[“value”:” This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. For its 2023 bankruptcy, which ended last fall, Rite Aid blamed macroeconomic factors and business challenges arising from the pandemic. For its 2025 bankruptcy, which commenced Monday, the drugstore chain says its front-of-store retail operations are largely at fault. In a letter […]
4 min read
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  1. Channel: Delivery

Wednesday Eye-Openers

With brief, occasional, italicized and sometimes gratuitous commentary… •  DoorDash To Acquire Deliveroo From the New York Times: “DoorDash announced two deals worth billions of dollars on Tuesday, saying it has agreed to acquire Deliveroo, the British food delivery company, and SevenRooms, a platform used by hotels and restaurants to manage reservations and marketing. “The […]
5 min read
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  1. Department: Consumer Durables

Nike Reorganizes Leadership Structure, Names New President

Nike has made significant structural and personnel changes at the top of its organization. The footwear company’s Consumer, Product and Brand leadership, formerly under the direction of President Heidi O’Neill, will now be divided into three distinct areas: Consumer and Sport, Marketing, and Product Creation, inclusive of Innovation and Design. All these roles will report […]
2 min read
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  1. Merchandising

Top 6 Signs Your Brand Needs a Packaging Makeover

A packaging redesign is more than just colors, fonts, shapes and graphics; it’s a strategic move to align your packaging with your brand’s evolving identity, consumer preferences, and market trends. Whether you’re refreshing your visuals, shifting materials, or altering messaging, the goal is to ensure your packaging resonates with your target audience and helps your […]
4 min read
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  1. Media & Marketing

Elevate Your Startup’s Success with Customer Reviews

In the bustling digital marketplace, customer reviews have become a powerful asset for product startups. Building a reputation from the ground up is no small feat, especially when the competition is just a click away. For startups looking to make their mark on retailer websites, soliciting online customer reviews can be the key to unlocking […]
4 min read
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  1. Channel: Ecommerce & Digital

Food Delivery: The Rise of a Retail Channel All Its Own

  In the 1990s, the seeds of food delivery’s evolution were planted by pioneering companies like CyberSlice.com, Webvan.com, CyberMeals.com, Food.com, and EZ2Get.com. Though many of these startups were ahead of their time—challenged by sluggish internet speeds, underdeveloped logistics infrastructure, and underwhelming funding—they laid the foundational marketing and operational frameworks for what has today become a […]
5 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

The Power of AI, Mobile-First, and Performance Ads in Unlocking Global Retail Growth

Fueled by mobile commerce and innovative acquisition strategies, retailers are expanding globally. The rise of brands like SHEIN and Temu has raised the bar, showing that mobile-first and data-driven approaches can drive extraordinary growth in international markets. Adjust’s latest Mobile App Trends report finds that e-commerce app installs grew 17 percent year-over-year in 2024, with […]
2 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Pantry or Takeout? What’s for Dinner? Why the Takeout Trend is Winning the Mealtime Battle

  From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, the modern consumer is shifting away from the stocked pantry and toward the convenience of takeout. Time pressures, missing ingredients, and diverse family preferences are driving a nationwide mealtime migration according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Here’s what the data reveals—and why […]
4 min read
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  1. Acquisitions, Divestitures & Mergers

Etsy’s Latest Turnaround Efforts: Selloff of Reverb, Seller Experience Improvements

Etsy continues to make refinements to its business model as it seeks a return to growth amid increasing competition. The company’s latest moves include selling off Reverb, a resale marketplace for musical instruments that it acquired in 2019, and a host of updates to its seller experience.  Etsy Offloads Reverb to Focus on its Core […]
3 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Turn Up the Music, Turn Up Your Sales

What’s the soundtrack to your sales success? We’re curious – what tunes are getting your customers in the mood to buy? This week, we’re diving into how the right in-store music could boost your sales by up to 37% (yes, really!) and why Havenly is making bold moves into brick-and-mortar while others hesitate during these […]
4 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Smarter Advertising for SMEs: Data-driven Strategies to grow your business

Webinar Smarter Advertising for SMEs: Data-driven Strategies to grow your business Unlock Your SME’s Advertising Potential Thursday, May 15, 2025 2pm – 2.45pm Register Now Webinar Outsmart the competition with ad intelligence  How to turn competitor data into actionable insights Recording coming soon Join our webinar Smarter Advertising for SMEs: Data-driven Strategies to grow your […]
2 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Thriving vs. Struggling: What Sets Growing Restaurant Chains Apart in Q1 2025?

  The food industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with consumer preferences evolving toward convenience, freshness, and customization. The grocerant concept—where restaurants blend grocery-style fresh offerings with fast-casual convenience—continues to influence foot traffic trends. According to Q1 2025 data, some chains are thriving while others are struggling to adapt. Let’s explore five shared traits of […]
4 min read
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  1. Department: Beverage

Mix & Match for Meal Sales Success: How Self-Pour Tech and Consumer-Centric Innovation Are Changing the Food & Beverage Game

  As dining trends continue to evolve, one thing is clear—flexibility, personalization, and convenience are leading the charge. In today’s hybrid world of foodservice, where snacking is replacing meals and beverage programs can make or break profitability, the 2024 Self-Pour Impact Report from PourMyBev shines a spotlight on how next-gen beverage tech is driving serious […]
4 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Tilman Fertitta: From Restaurateur to U.S. Ambassador – A Journey of Vision, Innovation, and Leadership

  In the world of business, few stories are as compelling as that of Tilman Fertitta, whose trajectory from running a modest restaurant business to becoming one of the most influential figures in the U.S. economy—ultimately earning the role of U.S. Ambassador—is nothing short of remarkable. Fertitta’s path is a testament to visionary entrepreneurship, relentless […]
5 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Why Equity Crowdfunding Could Propel Your Product Startup to New Heights

In the fast-paced world of product startups, securing the right funding can often mean the difference between success and stagnation. Enter equity crowdfunding—a game-changing solution for many entrepreneurs. Imagine raising the capital you need while simultaneously building a community of brand advocates. This dynamic approach not only democratizes fundraising but also offers a unique blend […]
5 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

How To Talk To Shoppers About Tariffs

Often in this space, attention has been paid to how Stew Leonard’s effectively communicates with customers – something that MNB would argue is more important than ever at the moment as tariffs and economic volatility threaten price stability at the nation’s food stores. Over the weekend, Stew Leonard’s once again raised the bar on how […]
3 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Westons Cider luxury holiday competition

Westons Cider is giving drinkers of its Henry Westons range the chance to win an exotic holiday as part of its on-pack promotion. The prize is a luxury holiday for up to four people to either Iceland, Hanoi, Kenya or Marrakesh. In honour of the… This story continues at Westons Cider luxury holiday competition Or […]
< 1 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Etsy Revamps App Experience to Propel More Discovery, Inspiration

With the help of AI, the shopping experience on the Etsy app has been reimagined to offer a more inspiring, personalized shopping experience. “Too often, shopping online feels like déjà vu,” said Nick Daniel, Chief Product Officer at Etsy in a blog post. “We’ve all been there — you’re searching for a shirt or a […]
2 min read
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  1. Technology & Innovation

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian on AI Competition, Agents, and Tariffs

For years, Google’s cloud services offering ran a distant third behind Microsoft and Amazon. Then came generative AI. While Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian doesn’t give the recent AI revolution all the credit for his division turning in 30% quarterly revenue growth and closing the gap, it’s certainly an important factor. And in an interview […]
9 min read
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  1. Channel: Mass

Retail Renaissance: A Conversation with Barrie Scardina, President, Americas Retail Services at Cushman & Wakefield

The episode, recorded live at Shoptalk in the Berns Communications Group media room, opens with Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc surveying a broad sweep of headline-grabbing developments in the retail world. They highlight continued uncertainty around recently imposed tariffs and resulting economic ripples, as major international trade disputes stoke inflationary concerns. Stock market volatility factors […]
4 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Costco Destination Dinning

  Costco has long been recognized as a destination for consumers seeking Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Heat-and-Eat fresh prepared foods. This strategic focus has significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty, positioning Costco as a leader in the grocerant niche—a sector characterized by the fusion of grocery and restaurant-quality offerings. Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based […]
4 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

What’s Working in Retail Now: AI Shopping, Small Store Wins & Team Motivation

  What a month it’s been in our world! I’m excited to share some insights that caught my eye recently – from Wayfair betting big on AI with their new “Muse” tool (making inspirational room scenes instantly shoppable), to some encouraging news for smaller retailers who are proving that size doesn’t always dictate success in […]
4 min read
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  1. Technology & Innovation

AI powered retail technology firm Profitmind crowned the winner at RTS 2025 Innovation Awards

Profitmind has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Retail Technology Show (RTS) Innovation Awards, which champion progressive technologies powering retail transformation. Each year, the awards selects solutions from across the RTS exhibition floor that can unlock competitive advantage and digitally transform retailers’ capabilities. Profitmind, exhibiting on stand number SU04 at RTS, is a SaaS […]
3 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Store Closures are Forcing Retailers to Thrive or Die: Here’s How Brands can Adapt

It’s been hard to miss this year’s headlines heralding a ‘retail reset,’ or predicting the end of physical retail as we know it. Chains like Foot Locker, CVS and Victoria’s Secret have been forced to shut down stores: it seems no sector is safe. This trend is unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon: A report […]
4 min read
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  1. Department & Category

Grocerant Niche Drives Competition for Food Relevance Food Fight: A Battle for Share of Stomach

  The food industry is experiencing a seismic shift as traditional boundaries between retailer’s dissolve, creating an intensified competition for consumer dollars. This battle, often referred to as the “Share of Stomach,” has evolved into a high-stakes contest among traditional grocers, convenience stores, and restaurants—alongside a growing list of non-traditional food retailers. Unexpected entrants like […]
5 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Chain Restaurants Evolving Less – Why? Insights from the Grocerant Guru® on the Slow Evolution of Chain Restaurants

  For decades, the restaurant industry has thrived on consistency, repetition, and brand familiarity. Chain restaurants, in particular, have built their business models on delivering the same meal, the same way, every time. However, the food landscape is evolving at an accelerating pace, and many legacy brands are failing to keep up. The Grocerant Guru® […]
4 min read
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Editor’s Choice

  1. Trends & External Forces
  2. Media & Marketing
  3. Data & Insights
  4. Technology & Innovation
  5. Trends & External Forces

Charted: How Do U.S. Universities Make Their Money?

See this visualization first on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Charted: How Are American Universities Funded? This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways More than half of American public college and […]
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  1. Channel: Delivery
  2. Channel: Ecommerce & Digital
  3. Corporate Strategy
  4. Media & Marketing
  5. Data & Insights
  6. Technology & Innovation

Week in Review: Instacart CEO heads to OpenAI

Welcome back to Week in Review! We’ve got lots of news for you this week: There were CEO shake-ups at Instacart and 11x; the web series is back — kind of; Threads is getting video ads; and much more. Let’s get to it! Big move: Instacart CEO Fidji Simo will become OpenAI’s CEO for Applications, […]
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  1. Technology & Innovation
  2. Channel: Ecommerce & Digital
  3. Channel: Mass
  4. Acquisitions, Divestitures & Mergers
  5. Corporate Strategy
  6. Corporate Finance
  7. Corporate Purpose
  8. Media & Marketing
  9. Data & Insights
  10. International
  11. Technology & Innovation
  12. Trends & External Forces
  13. Retail Operations
  14. Associates & Employees
  15. Operations & Supply Chain
  16. Stores & Formats

What’s next for Instacart as CEO Fidji Simo announces decision to join OpenAI as head of applications?

Instacart CEO Fidji Simo is departing the grocery technology company to join OpenAI as its Chief of Applications. In an email to employees, she said: “Let me start by saying this was an incredibly hard decision because I love this company. We are operating incredibly well as our last earnings results have shown. Our strategy […]
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  1. Technology & Innovation
  2. Channel: Dollar/Value
  3. Channel: Grocery
  4. Channel: Mass
  5. Department & Category
  6. Department: Nonfood
  7. Corporate Strategy
  8. Media & Marketing
  9. Data & Insights
  10. Shopper & Customer
  11. Technology & Innovation
  12. Trends & External Forces
  13. Retail Operations
  14. Merchandising
  15. Operations & Supply Chain
  16. Stores & Formats

Personalized Disruption: Grocery’s Secret to Breaking Old Habits

There’s no shortage of talk about technology that’s going to redefine, dominate, or transform retail this year. Much of this language boils down to marketing speech, and often, true industry disruption fails to materialize. There is no shortage of tech hyperbole in retail. But then there’s the occasional exception — a technology that genuinely does […]
Written by
  1. Shopper & Customer
  2. Department: Nonfood
  3. Media & Marketing
  4. Data & Insights
  5. Shopper & Customer
  6. Technology & Innovation
  7. Trends & External Forces
  8. Holiday & Events
  9. Operations & Supply Chain

State of the Consumer Report

[Week of May 9] Timely insights on consumer behavior, pricing, and retail trends This weekly snapshot highlights the most relevant signals shaping where and how consumers are spending—from e-commerce and inflation shifts to essential vs. discretionary demand. What you’ll get from this week’s report: Cross-border e-commerce slowdown: Learn how tariff pressures are reshaping sales trends […]
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