2009 Analysis of Top U.S. Retail Industry News Stories and Events
News of the U.S. retail industry continues to dominate the headlines. Find expert analysis of the top U.S. retail industry news stories, as well as editorial commentary about the impact of retail events on consumers and retail industry professionals.
U.S. Retail Industry Leaders Ask "What Would Bezos Do?" To Turn Around Retailers
What would Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos do to turn around struggling retailers like Blockbuster, Chrysler and eBay if he was their leader? Get expert analysis of the cause of Amazon's stunning recession success, and answers to the question that retail industry leaders and analysts are asking - "What Would Bezos Do?"
What would Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos do to turn around struggling retailers like Blockbuster, Chrysler and eBay if he was their leader? Get expert analysis of the cause of Amazon's stunning recession success, and answers to the question that retail industry leaders and analysts are asking - "What Would Bezos Do?"
September 2009 Same Store Sales Negatives - Hopes High, Growth and Recovery Low
September 2009 same store sales figures first seemed to indicate that a U.S. retail industry turnaround and recovery had begun, but a closer look revealed hidden declines and negative movement. Get expert analysis of the 2009 September same store sales reports and the unreasonable hope that was attached to them.
September 2009 same store sales figures first seemed to indicate that a U.S. retail industry turnaround and recovery had begun, but a closer look revealed hidden declines and negative movement. Get expert analysis of the 2009 September same store sales reports and the unreasonable hope that was attached to them.
Bernanke’s "Recession Over" Speech Is Bad Timing and Very Likely Bad Prediction
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke announced in September,2009 that the U.S. recession was "very likely" over on the same day that Blockbuster announced 960 stores closings, which made Bernanke's timing seem very bad. Get expert analysis of Bernanke's recsssion prediction and the role consumer attitudes play in recession in this article.
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke announced in September,2009 that the U.S. recession was "very likely" over on the same day that Blockbuster announced 960 stores closings, which made Bernanke's timing seem very bad. Get expert analysis of Bernanke's recsssion prediction and the role consumer attitudes play in recession in this article.
Target Values Traditional Long-term Careers and Community Responsibility
Target has maintained its commitment to long-term career development and planned charitable giving, long after other retailers have dismissed the practies as old-fashioned. Get expert analysis of Target's traditional values and how the American dream fits into the U.S. retail industry's future.
Target has maintained its commitment to long-term career development and planned charitable giving, long after other retailers have dismissed the practies as old-fashioned. Get expert analysis of Target's traditional values and how the American dream fits into the U.S. retail industry's future.
U.S. Green Retailing : Will Wal-Mart Profit From Sustainability Labeling
Green retailing was impacted with great force when Wal-Mart announced that it would organize an effort to create a sustainability labeling and indexing system. Get expert analysis of Wal-Mart's motivation for this environmental program and the eco-friendly progress the company is making in its own operations.
Green retailing was impacted with great force when Wal-Mart announced that it would organize an effort to create a sustainability labeling and indexing system. Get expert analysis of Wal-Mart's motivation for this environmental program and the eco-friendly progress the company is making in its own operations.
Entertainment’s Big Loss Is the Retail Industry’s Big Gain in Merchandise Sales
The loss of three entertainment industry superstars in one week resulted in massive memorabilia merchandise sales and one big lesson for the retail industry. Get expert analysis of Michael Jackson's passing, crashes in cyberspace, and how the extraordinary events in one extraordinary week impacted the future of global retailing.
The loss of three entertainment industry superstars in one week resulted in massive memorabilia merchandise sales and one big lesson for the retail industry. Get expert analysis of Michael Jackson's passing, crashes in cyberspace, and how the extraordinary events in one extraordinary week impacted the future of global retailing.
News Analysis of U.S. Retail Industry May, 2009 Same Store Sales Figures
U.S. Retail Industry analysts worked hard to make sense out of May, 2009 same store sales figures that were influenced by two major holidays, more shopping budget constraints, last year's tax refunds, and the absence of Wal-Mart's numbers. Get expert analysis of the new meaning behind the monthly figures that saw boosts, cuts, comparisons, and major changes in a search to establish a new normal.
U.S. Retail Industry analysts worked hard to make sense out of May, 2009 same store sales figures that were influenced by two major holidays, more shopping budget constraints, last year's tax refunds, and the absence of Wal-Mart's numbers. Get expert analysis of the new meaning behind the monthly figures that saw boosts, cuts, comparisons, and major changes in a search to establish a new normal.
Retailers Find Balance Between Operational Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
After a period of intense focus on operational efficiency, the retail industry is challenged to shift its focus to put the customer experience back into the retailing equation. Get expert analysis about the new balance that must be achieved between profitability and custmer satisfaction in a new economy in this article.
After a period of intense focus on operational efficiency, the retail industry is challenged to shift its focus to put the customer experience back into the retailing equation. Get expert analysis about the new balance that must be achieved between profitability and custmer satisfaction in a new economy in this article.
Success Strategies From Past Recessionary Winners In the U.S. Retail Industry
The U.S. has experienced recessions before and many companies in the U.S. retail industry have thrived and survived in spite of recessions and depressions. Get examples of past retail recessionary winners and expert analysis of how yesterday's strategies might work for today's retailers in this article.
The U.S. has experienced recessions before and many companies in the U.S. retail industry have thrived and survived in spite of recessions and depressions. Get examples of past retail recessionary winners and expert analysis of how yesterday's strategies might work for today's retailers in this article.
Retail Industry May 25-31, 2009: Stabilization Hopes Stall In Sector Ups & Downs
"Stabilization" was the buzz word in the U.S. retail industry the week of May 25-31, although the sum total of store openings and closings, retail sector ups and downs, and Chapter 11 ins and outs didn't create much equillibrium. Find highlights of the weekly U.S. retail industry news events here.
"Stabilization" was the buzz word in the U.S. retail industry the week of May 25-31, although the sum total of store openings and closings, retail sector ups and downs, and Chapter 11 ins and outs didn't create much equillibrium. Find highlights of the weekly U.S. retail industry news events here.
Starbucks' Service Can't Stop Store Closings But Customers Still Love the Brand
Despite the reality of substantial store closings, Starbucks is staying true to the branded experience that is still keeping its most loyal customers satisfied. Get expert analysis of the role of customer service in recessionary times and the true value of customer satisfaction in the retail industry equation here.
Despite the reality of substantial store closings, Starbucks is staying true to the branded experience that is still keeping its most loyal customers satisfied. Get expert analysis of the role of customer service in recessionary times and the true value of customer satisfaction in the retail industry equation here.
Can Google and YouTube Find A Successful Advertising Strategy for Retailers?
While Google continues to search for a revenue source to fund YouTube, retailers continue to search for an effective way to get the attention of the millions of consumers viewing billions of videos online. Get expert analysis of YouTube's sponsored video pay-per-click advertising strategy its potential for downloading profits for the retail industry.
While Google continues to search for a revenue source to fund YouTube, retailers continue to search for an effective way to get the attention of the millions of consumers viewing billions of videos online. Get expert analysis of YouTube's sponsored video pay-per-click advertising strategy its potential for downloading profits for the retail industry.
U.S. Retail Industry CEO Compensation May Need Government Intervention
The compensation of top U.S. retail industry CEOs came into question when other American corporations used government bailout funds to pay executive bonuses. See expert analysis of President Obama's "Say on Pay" initiative, and find out how government intervention might figure into the calculations of retailing's largest paychecks in the future.
The compensation of top U.S. retail industry CEOs came into question when other American corporations used government bailout funds to pay executive bonuses. See expert analysis of President Obama's "Say on Pay" initiative, and find out how government intervention might figure into the calculations of retailing's largest paychecks in the future.
News Analysis of U.S. Retail Industry April 2009 Same Store Sales Figures
The April, 2009 same store sales figures reflected a defnite shift for the U.S. retail industry, as positive returns increased and executive excuses decreased. Get expert news analysis about the value of same store sales numbers, and the future of the monthly reporting game after the world's largest retailer stops playing.
The April, 2009 same store sales figures reflected a defnite shift for the U.S. retail industry, as positive returns increased and executive excuses decreased. Get expert news analysis about the value of same store sales numbers, and the future of the monthly reporting game after the world's largest retailer stops playing.
Earth Day 2009: Green's Gains are the U.S. Retail Industry's Losses
The U.S. retail industry offered support to Earth Day 2009 activities even though the conscious consuming mission behind the holiday doesn't really support the mission of retailing. Get expert news analysis of the major consequences that a minor holiday can have, and how the green movement and the retail industry can coexist in the future.
The U.S. retail industry offered support to Earth Day 2009 activities even though the conscious consuming mission behind the holiday doesn't really support the mission of retailing. Get expert news analysis of the major consequences that a minor holiday can have, and how the green movement and the retail industry can coexist in the future.
2009 Fortune 500: Unexpected U.S. Retail Industry Rankings Raise Questions
Though the annual Fortune 500 list is highly regarded as a prestigious ranking of the best American corporations, the 2009 list raises questions about the credibility of its measurements and status. Find out how U.S. retail industry companies ranked on the latest Fortune 500 list and get expert analysis of the questions raised by this year's surprises.
Though the annual Fortune 500 list is highly regarded as a prestigious ranking of the best American corporations, the 2009 list raises questions about the credibility of its measurements and status. Find out how U.S. retail industry companies ranked on the latest Fortune 500 list and get expert analysis of the questions raised by this year's surprises.
Free Choice Doesn’t Need an Act: Wal-Mart Workers Organize Despite Fear
While the Free Choice Act is stuck in debate on Capitol Hill, Wal-Mart employees are not waiting for permission to participate in union activities and challenge the "anti-worker policies" of the world's largest retailer. Get expert news analysis of the grass roots worker movement that threatens to undermine Wal-Mart's employee policies and low price model forever.
While the Free Choice Act is stuck in debate on Capitol Hill, Wal-Mart employees are not waiting for permission to participate in union activities and challenge the "anti-worker policies" of the world's largest retailer. Get expert news analysis of the grass roots worker movement that threatens to undermine Wal-Mart's employee policies and low price model forever.
Earth Day 2009: Green's Gains are the U.S. Retail Industry's Losses
The U.S. retail industry offered support to Earth Day 2009 activities even though the conscious consuming mission behind the holiday doesn't really support the mission of retailing. Get expert news analysis of the major consequences that a minor holiday can have, and how the green movement and the retail industry can coexist in the future.
The U.S. retail industry offered support to Earth Day 2009 activities even though the conscious consuming mission behind the holiday doesn't really support the mission of retailing. Get expert news analysis of the major consequences that a minor holiday can have, and how the green movement and the retail industry can coexist in the future.
Retail Industry News Analysis: Do Freebies Boost Sales and Consumer Goodwill?
After exhausting shoppers with discounts, U.S. retailers are giving handouts in the form of free drinks, free food, free healthcare, and free tickets to create good will and boost ancillary sales. Get expert news analysis of the use of freebies in the U.S. and the effect of the strategy on a slumping retail industry.
After exhausting shoppers with discounts, U.S. retailers are giving handouts in the form of free drinks, free food, free healthcare, and free tickets to create good will and boost ancillary sales. Get expert news analysis of the use of freebies in the U.S. and the effect of the strategy on a slumping retail industry.
Wal-Mart's Sex Discrimination Class Action Suit Doesn't Stop NAFE Recognition
Wal-Mart was recognized in 2009 by the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) for its exemplary support of women in authority positions. The same year, Wal-Mart is the defendant in a national sex discrimination lawsuit, which is the largest class action suit in U.S. history. Get expert commentary about Wal-Mart's treatment of females in the workplace here.
Wal-Mart was recognized in 2009 by the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) for its exemplary support of women in authority positions. The same year, Wal-Mart is the defendant in a national sex discrimination lawsuit, which is the largest class action suit in U.S. history. Get expert commentary about Wal-Mart's treatment of females in the workplace here.
Free Merchandise is Okay for Customers, Free Choice Is Not Okay for Employees
The retail industry is embracing "free" as a reccsionary marketing strategy to capture customer attention and build loyalty. When it comes to "Free Choice" in the workplace, however, top U.S. retailers are fighting hard against it. Find expert commentary on how the concept of free is influencing retail practices and shaping the U.S. retail industry's future here.
The retail industry is embracing "free" as a reccsionary marketing strategy to capture customer attention and build loyalty. When it comes to "Free Choice" in the workplace, however, top U.S. retailers are fighting hard against it. Find expert commentary on how the concept of free is influencing retail practices and shaping the U.S. retail industry's future here.
After AIG's Bonus Blowout: eBay, Amazon, and Wal-Mart CEO Earnings Revealed
The 2008 bonus packages for CEOs at Ebay, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart CEOs reveal the huge disparity in compensation that exists between retail industry employees and the CEOs who lead them. Find expert analysis of how the AIG big bonus blowup will shape the future of retail industry executive compensation packages, and connect huge bonuses with hugely positive results.
The 2008 bonus packages for CEOs at Ebay, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart CEOs reveal the huge disparity in compensation that exists between retail industry employees and the CEOs who lead them. Find expert analysis of how the AIG big bonus blowup will shape the future of retail industry executive compensation packages, and connect huge bonuses with hugely positive results.
AIG $165 Million Bonuses Force Consumers and Lawmakers to Take Stock
When tax dollars were being used in 2009 to pay enormous salaries and bonuses to senior executives at AIG and other bailed out companies, consumers protested loudly, and U.S. lawmakers spoke out against an abusive pay system. Find expert commentary about how retail CEO compensation compares to other industries, and what role consumers will play in determining executive pay in the future.
When tax dollars were being used in 2009 to pay enormous salaries and bonuses to senior executives at AIG and other bailed out companies, consumers protested loudly, and U.S. lawmakers spoke out against an abusive pay system. Find expert commentary about how retail CEO compensation compares to other industries, and what role consumers will play in determining executive pay in the future.
Customer Satisfaction Drives Sales and Loyalty for Top U.S. Retail Companies
While many struggling retailers are focused on price cuts to lure customers in the door and motivate sales, many top U.S. retail companies are focusing extra attention on giving superior service to customers and creating a successful shopping experience. Find expert commentary about the need for focus on customer satisfaction in retail stores and e-commerce websites even in the midst of a recession.
While many struggling retailers are focused on price cuts to lure customers in the door and motivate sales, many top U.S. retail companies are focusing extra attention on giving superior service to customers and creating a successful shopping experience. Find expert commentary about the need for focus on customer satisfaction in retail stores and e-commerce websites even in the midst of a recession.
2009 Retail Industry Predictions: Not Just Stores Closings, Layoffs & Bankruptcy
Following a devastating holiday shopping season, 2009 is projected to be a year filled with store closings, job cuts, layoffs, Chapter 11 filings, bankruptcies, and going out of business sales. Find predictions about how the retail industry will weather the recession and how the U.S. retail experience will be changed for the better.
Following a devastating holiday shopping season, 2009 is projected to be a year filled with store closings, job cuts, layoffs, Chapter 11 filings, bankruptcies, and going out of business sales. Find predictions about how the retail industry will weather the recession and how the U.S. retail experience will be changed for the better.
February 2009 Retail Industry Numbers: Same Store Sales, Layoffs, Store Closings
After months of rapidly declining sales figures, the U.S. retail industry posted same store sales results that were higher than expected, and layoff numbers that were lower than expected. Find an expert analysis of the significance behind the retail industry's February key indicators, and the state of the retail recession.
After months of rapidly declining sales figures, the U.S. retail industry posted same store sales results that were higher than expected, and layoff numbers that were lower than expected. Find an expert analysis of the significance behind the retail industry's February key indicators, and the state of the retail recession.
History Making Quarter for Build-a-Bear, eBay, and Southwest Airlines
October 2008 was an unfortunate record-setting month for Build-a-Bear, eBay and Southwest Airlines. But while the retail industry declined to new lows, "sin stock" companies like Hershey's and Anheuser Busch soothed consumer misery and reported profits.
October 2008 was an unfortunate record-setting month for Build-a-Bear, eBay and Southwest Airlines. But while the retail industry declined to new lows, "sin stock" companies like Hershey's and Anheuser Busch soothed consumer misery and reported profits.