RECENT discussions
Discussions
Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Beer and Wine Consumers Break the Mould
The beverages one imbibes often doesn’t match what one is “supposed” to be drinking, a new study found. What do the insights from Scarborough research mean for retailers that sell…
Dollar General Emerges from Accounting Onus
Dollar General is emerging from the shadow of accounting errors, which resulted in a nearly $200 million overstatement of earnings, shareholder lawsuits and an investigation by the SEC, with aggressive…
Kids Manage Winn-Dixie Store for a Day
Winn-Dixie promotes more than 10,000 associates between the ages of 14 and 20 to managers in more than 1,100 stores in 14 states for its Youth Management Day. What do…
7-Eleven Faces Profit Crunch with Strategy
Several analysts are highly critical of 7-Eleven’s aggressive plans to invest in technological initiatives, staff training and a ramp-up of its fresh-food program, expressing concern about increased spending in a…
Coca-Cola to Distribute Evian in North America
Coca-Cola Co. and Groupe Danone have signed an agreement under which Coke will distribute the French food group’s Evian bottled water in North America. What will the Coca-Cola and Danone…
Group Protests Sunny Delight’s Deceptive Image
The Florida Department of Citrus, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the Children’s Foundation, and the Center for Florida’s Children have formed an alliance of consumers, parents…
Anheuser-Busch’s Profits Rise, New CEO Named
On Wednesday, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. posted a 16-percent jump in first quarter profits and ended a family tradition in naming its first chief executive in 142 years who is neither…
Acquisitions Open Big Doors for Fleming
Fleming reports that it is acquiring privately-held companies Core-Mark International, Inc. and Head Distributing, two convenience store distributors. Will Fleming’s historic grocery expertise be of particular benefit to convenience retailers…
FBI Warns of Terrorist Threat at Supermarkets
The FBI has received unsubstantiated information from a captured al-Qaida official that terrorists could be planning to target U.S. civilians in supermarkets, shopping centers and banks. What should/can U.S. retailers…
Parenting and Family Web Sites Traffic Skyrockets
Traffic to parenting and family Web sites jumped during the month of March. How can retailers more effectively reach first-time parents in their marketing areas?
Excise Taxes Raise Smokers’ Happiness
A recent study by two MIT economists found that, not only are higher taxes good for smokers, they actually make them happy. Are higher taxes giving Native American stores and…
C-Store Customers Find POP Ads Helpful
Nearly eight of 10 consumers who enter a convenience store say that in-store ads, or point-of-purchase advertising, provide helpful information. Does widespread use of manufacturer supplied POP materials clarify or…
Shaving Products Bolster Gillette Sales
The Gillette Co. announced a 23 percent increase in profits for the first quarter, citing strong sales of its Mach3 and Venus shaving products. How does Gillette stack up…
Smart Cards Best Credit Cards
Although widely used in Europe, adoption of smart cards continues to stall in the U.S. where Americans seem comfortable with the existing credit card infrastructure. Is it up to retailers…
Public Concern Veers Away from the Environment
According to Gallup’s annual survey on the environment, public concern during the past year has fallen off. Is the environment an economic issue? In what ways can retailers positively impact…
drugstore.com inc. Reports Results
drugstore.com showed marked progress on its path to profitability, surpassing earlier estimates for the quarter. Are e-commerce capabilities a competitive necessity for drugstores today?
Viagra Competition Heats up
Viagra competition is rising with a said-faster-acting drug being evaluated for use in Australia and the U.S., and the first topical treatment being unveiled in Hong Kong. How can…
Wal-Mart Leases Space to Sell Used Cars
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to lease space at five of its Houston-area super-center stores to a used-car endeavor planned by Asbury Automotive Inc. What is your reaction to Wal-Mart test…
Frozen Concentrate OJ Packs More C
Active vitamin C levels are higher in frozen-concentrate orange juice than ready-to-drink juice, researchers report. And once reconstituted, the vitamin in frozen juices may keep its potency longer. Will…
MediZine.com Dispels Sugar Myth-understandings
MediZine.com revises six commonly held ideas about sugar with research findings. Is it the place of retailers to educate consumers by addressing the myths and facts concerning the products sold…
Food-Borne Illnesses Decline in U.S. Reports
A 23-percent decline in bacterial illnesses caused by food since 1996 is credited to changes in the management of animal slaughter and processing, better agricultural practices on farms, regulation of…
