Who would have thunk that hanging out in a kitchen and bath appliance store could replicate the Starbucks experience for coffee aficionados and Apple for computer lovers? Well, thunk again. Pirch, as in perching, or sort of feathering your nest […]
Pirch – The “Third Place” For Kitchen and Bath Lovers Read More »
While everyone is trying to figure out how to fix the troubled fast food chain, they are missing one very important ingredient…and it ain’t pickles. My nephew David’s first word was “fries.” He learned it at McDonald’s. Two generations later,
Old McDonald’s and Its Youngest Customers Read More »
What’s happening in the tumultuous youth market? The way youth retailers are faring reflects the typically fickle trend-sensitive nature of this market. Based on recent earnings reports, I think Aeropostale could derail this year. While their international opportunity is real
Youth Retailers Rebounding in 2015…or Not? Read More »
Fifty meters off Nanking Road in Shanghai, behind the Apple Store, you still have remnants of the early 20th century city. The alleys are narrow and you can stare into homes lit with cold fluorescent lights. The dirt, the smells,
A Tale of Two Malls Read More »
If it weren’t for the massive stack of 2015 promo calendars clogging our mailbox (thank you, Triple-A Termite Control and Super Shiny Carwash!), we’d bet our bottom dollar it was 2000 all over again. At least this seems to be
Beauty’s Buying Blitz: It’s the Early Aughts All Over Again Read More »
Again, in Front of the Trend I recently wrote about Macy\’s distribution brilliance. And even though the ink is hardly dry, here I am again. Actually, I am not going to focus on lauding what most people might view as
Macy\’s – The Distribution of Things Read More »
This is the first in a series of firsthand views from industry leaders on the retail landscape, careers, personal insights, and the future of retail. How did you get into the business? Executives at VF Corporation, CEO Larry Pugh and
For more than four decades, Urban Outfitters Inc.’s namesake brand has been a favorite among hip young adults in search of edgy products and a cool place to hang out. Though its brand ethos is the envy of many in
Or if you don’t like that original acronym, JNCO (Jean Company), it also now stands for “Judge None, Choose One.” I’m not sure I get either one of those lines, but, then again, I’m way beyond the age of which
Journey of the Chosen Ones – JNCO Jeans Are Coming Back Read More »
The IGD’s recent London conference focused on “disruptive innovation.” The organizers brought together industry heavyweights from both retail and brands; several spoke, and all claimed the new reality of business was a universe of shoppers who expected low prices. Let’s
What is “Disruptive Innovation” Supposed to Mean? Read More »
