Mass retailing has long been a gregarious profession. In the main, the people engaged in the mass retailing community, on both sides of the desk, are genuinely fond of each other. With very few exceptions. This truism holds not only for retailers who vigorously compete with each other. It equally effectively describes the relationship between
As 2020 finally and reluctantly gives way to 2021, the mass retail community is understandably optimistic about the year ahead. As background, much has changed, more perhaps than in any other 12-month period in the history of retailing in America. Foremost among these shifts in consumer shopping habits is the undeniable fact that online shopping,
The quiet year continues. Mass retailing has changed, but only insofar as new faces have replaced the old and new formats have come along to challenge existing ones. The major players remain in place, and new retailing forms have thus far not disturbed the balance of power. This is not to say that retailing is
A new generation of faces has quietly assumed leadership positions within the mass retailing community, a generation that has come to dominate the buying and merchandising ranks. In the main, these merchants are largely unknown outside their companies, though they are quickly gaining recognition and respect. With the NACDS Total Store Expo event coming to
Walmart just released its quarterly performance figures and, though they were only marginally improved over recent results, the consumer press glowed in its praise for the performance of the world’s largest retailer. In truth, Walmart is still struggling with attempts to lure shoppers into its stores and, once there, to entice them to purchase at
The first quarter of the new calendar year is history — and the mass retailing community still bubbles with more questions than answers. Few major mass retailers have dramatically altered course in response to changes in the marketplace. Many grocery retailers have continued to perform well during trying times. Target, notably, has recovered its stride