Store Location

  1. Shopper & Customer
[[{“value”:” By John Spiropoulos Media is filled with evolutionary step-change transitions which permanently alter the marketplace. Each evolutionary event, seen in terms of advertiser outlays – the media mix – is driven by incremental change during economic uncertainty. This is particularly true – and trackable – in modern times. Some of these events were covered […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
STRATACACHE company Walkbase, an in-store analytics solutions provider for retailers, has unveiled new millimeter wave sensor technology. On display this week at NRF in New York, it provides retailers and premises owners a way to accurately measure in-store customer behaviour without collecting or divulging the personal identifying information (PII) of customers.  “For retailers looking to […]
  1. Media & Marketing
  As the food and beverage industry navigates the intersection of evolving consumer behaviors and digital innovation, one tool has surged in importance: digital coupons according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. These virtual savings mechanisms not only attract new customers but also drive loyalty, purchase frequency, and basket size. […]
  1. Channel: Mass
The customer-facing mobile app for Dick’s Sporting Goods has traveled a long way since its debut in 2021. Initially focused on providing an easy way for athletes (Dick’s name for its customers) to learn more about products via an in-store barcode scanning feature, the app has continued to incorporate new features that remove friction from […]
  1. Channel: Dollar/Value
  Amazon has built its empire on delivering items quickly and at low prices, revolutionizing e-commerce along the way. However, that formula has stumbled in the competitive and customer-sensitive grocery segment according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Johnson believes that Amazon Fresh, instead of using its tech-driven efficiency to […]
  1. Department & Category
  Throughout history, price wars have shaped consumer decision-making in the competitive foodservice landscape according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. However, price alone seldom guarantees success; service, convenience, and quality frequently emerge as decisive factors. In this context, EG America’s introduction of its $3 Meal Deal signals a strategic […]
  1. Channel: Restaurants
  As Starbucks navigates a turbulent path through 2025, three critical challenges threaten its domestic performance according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Johnson believes that Starbucks needs to close a significant number of underperforming stores, a potential double hit from declining traffic and sales amidst economic uncertainty, and the […]
  1. Channel: Grocery
  In 2025, the foodservice landscape is rapidly evolving, creating significant challenges for restaurant operators contemplating price increases. While higher menu prices may offset rising labor, rent, and ingredient costs, they come with heightened risks in an era where consumer behavior has dramatically shifted. From the Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
In this special encore bonus episode, we update and revisit the story of Primark, the Dublin-based retail giant with 450 stores across 17 countries. We initially spoke to Primark’s US President, Kevin Tulip, in the spring of 2023, and we discussed the brand’s steady push into the American market and its ambitious plans for the […]
  1. Department: Food
  Today convenience stores, grocery delis, and virtual restaurants are eating into legacy restaurant market share according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.The fast-food industry, once the go-to for affordability, speed, and convenience, is facing formidable competition from unexpected corners. Convenience stores (C-stores), grocery deli departments, and virtual restaurants are […]
  1. Data & Insights
  Consider this, digital guests are less satisfied than dine-in guests. In today’s competitive foodservice landscape, ensuring happy customers is more critical than ever for success. New data underscores a critical disparity—customers who dine in are often happier than those who experience a restaurant digitally through delivery, mobile apps, or takeout. According to updated insights […]
  1. Data & Insights
The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by industry analyst Andrew Lipsman. With a decade plus of observing and analyzing the omnichannel market and retail transformation, he is arguably one of the most revered analysts of our time. We have a deep dialogue on the year that passed us by and who the retail media […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Augmented reality (AR) is transforming the retail landscape by seamlessly merging the digital and physical worlds. This technological evolution mirrors innovations seen in industries like online betting, where advanced features are redefining user engagement and creating immersive experiences. Similarly, retailers are increasingly adopting AR to enhance customer engagement, improve shopping experiences, and drive sales. A […]
  1. Channel: Restaurants
  In the last decade, the foodservice and commercial real estate industries have increasingly overlapped, especially as restaurant chains falter under the weight of declining consumer relevance, rising operating costs, and outdated models, according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. The key question facing investors today isn’t whether the struggling […]
  1. Retail Ecosystem
Brands and retailers are investing more in cultivating community — not just online, but through immersive IRL experiences. While experts agree taking this more experience-driven approach helps cultivate community, it also can have a financial impact, especially for businesses like Poshmark, which rely heavily on its communities of sellers to drive business growth. In fact, […]
  1. Channel: Restaurants
  After the holiday hustle fades and credit card bills arrive, January has historically been a brutal month for restaurants. In the past seven years, restaurant operators across fast food, casual dining, and full-service sectors have felt the squeeze as consumers cut back on spending post-holiday splurges. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
We wrap up Season 9 with Part 2 of taking account of Steve’s 2024 retail predictions. Our second batch include: 7.  Neiman Marcus and Saks merge. 8. Nordstrom goes private. 9.  Apple’s “Vision Pro” is a big nothing burger…for now 10.  Sustainability schizophrenia hits a new high. 11.  Bailing still doesn’t fix the hole among […]
  1. Data & Insights
As we wrap up 2024, we’re seeing some fascinating shifts in the retail landscape, from surprisingly strong November sales numbers to major changes in how industry leaders manage their inventory. This month’s newsletter explores how retailers like Nordstrom and Macy’s are modernizing their accounting practices, plus we dive into the latest consumer spending trends and […]
  1. Stores & Formats
Bell Media, one of Canada’s top media and entertainment companies, is bringing curated, shoppable TV experiences to two of its top shows: The Good Stuff with Mary Berg and Etalk. These new second-screen shopping experiences will be powered by Shopsense AI, which offers an AI-driven retail media platform that allows consumers to shop while consuming […]
  1. Stores & Formats
  Chi-Chi’s, once a celebrated pioneer in Tex-Mex cuisine within the United States, retains an enduring allure despite the closure of its U.S. restaurants in 2004. Today, the brand survives through a robust retail presence, primarily focused on salsa, tortillas, and related products. With consumers increasingly craving bold flavors and convenient meal solutions, Chi-Chi’s stands […]
  1. Stores & Formats
WHP Global has partnered with Cotton Candy International to bring both Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us brick-and-mortar stores to Latin American and Caribbean markets, beginning with flagship stores in Panama that are scheduled to open next year. Toys ‘R’ Us already has a presence in Mexico thanks to an April 2023 partnership between […]
  1. Department: Food
  As 2024 comes to a close, the dynamic interplay between convenience stores (C-stores), restaurants, and service delis continues to reshape the food industry landscape. If success does leave clues and it does according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® let’s look at who is winning and some that may […]
  1. Department & Category
  Looking for new consumers? Snacking just might be the brand invitation tool in your food marketing tool kit you should leverage according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. In an ever-evolving foodservice industry, adapting to consumer preferences is critical. The rise of snacking culture has created new opportunities for […]

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Editor’s Choice

  1. Holiday & Events
  2. Holiday & Events
A good number of consumers, over 77%, believe there are better deals available after the holidays, and nearly 51% plan to take advantage by making a large purchase in late December and January. Those are top findings from a Holiday Green survey, from CouponCabin, regarding consumer habits in the post-holiday time frame. When it comes to post-holiday […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
  2. Data & Insights
  3. Technology & Innovation
  4. Trends & External Forces
IAB’s 2025 Outlook: A Snapshot into Ad Spend, Opportunities, and Strategies for Growth offering an early glimpse into ad spending trends for the coming year. The report is a must-read to gain and understanding of brand and agency buyers’ growth strategies and the challenges they foresee. The report covers: 2025 projections for the market overall […]
  1. Data & Insights
  2. Technology & Innovation
There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) and how these technologies are going to revolutionize retail. But the retail revolution can’t be accomplished with sweeping generalizations about putting more technology into stores. Successful retail outcomes are built using technology to solve specific challenges, expanding on wins and […]
  1. Media & Marketing
  2. Department: Consumer Durables
  3. Department: HBC
  4. ESG
  5. Media & Marketing
  6. Data & Insights
  7. Shopper & Customer
  8. Trends & External Forces
  9. Holiday & Events
  10. Merchandising
  11. Operations & Supply Chain
  12. Stores & Formats
TikTok Shop took the market by storm in just two years. The social media platform sold more merchandise than Sephora [LVMUY] in late 2024 according to Earnest credit card data. TikTok Shop also handily outperformed during the 2024 holiday season. But a potential ban could result in brands losing access to a vital marketing and […]

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