Research Topic

Poll: Minimum wage too low
New York -- A strong majority of Americans (72%) - crossing regional, political, generational, gender and income lines – believe the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is lower than it should be. However, while Americans clearly feel minimum wage should be higher, exactly how high remains a more contentious subject.
Why retailers shouldn't depend on apps for sales
When it comes to the rapidly changing retail landscape and how retailers should respond to engage shoppers, it turns out that it's not all about the app.

A new study by Forrester Consulting commissioned by RetailMeNot Inc. shows that while today's consumers overwhelmingly prefer to access the Internet on their mobile devices, only 30% use retailer applications to purchase products. In fact, 60% of consumers have two or fewer retailer apps on their phones, and 21% have none.

Report: Impulsive, thrifty millennials a tricky group to court

Seattle — A new report from MSLGROUP and the Hartman Group is underscoring grocers’ need to appeal to millennial shoppers in unique ways. The report, Food Shopping in America found that one of the youngest and constantly connected consumer groups is also a tough nut to crack — simultaneously impulsive, thrifty and wary of inauthentic marketing.
These brands are tops with students

Barnes & Noble is tops when it comes to the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to a new survey.
Here's how millennials put grocers to the test

A new report is underscoring grocers’ need to appeal to millennial shoppers in unique ways.
Amazon hot in July

New York -- Amazon should be feeling pumped about the results of its one-day super sale anniversary event in July.

The Internet giant had a 30.1% increase in marketplace sales in July over the year-ago period, with the increase likely due to its “Prime Day” sale on July 15, according to a ChannelAdvisor report.
In-store still sells

New York -- Female millennial shoppers still like the mall when it comes to shopping for back-to- school goods, and they are also using social media platforms to talk about it.
And the top 20 retail back-to-school brands are…

New York -- Barnes & Noble claims the top position in a list of the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to Tenet Partners’ Top 20 ranking.

Rounding out the top five: Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Old Navy.
Why Costco should have a fear of France

Lost jobs, ugly architecture, picky consumers and stiff competition are among the reasons why Costco may have a tough time achieving success in France, according to a Seattle Times report.

The newspaper says the Washington-based retailer is building its first warehouse in France and envisions opening as many as 15 stores in that nation over the next 10 years. But whether Costco will succeed in attracting the French consumer is an important question.

Read more by clicking here.
Back-to-school shoppers not in a hurry

Chicago -- Shoppers are making retailers wait for the back-to-school rush.

The majority (65%) of shoppers will start back-to-school shopping in the next few weeks, according to JLL’s Back-to-School Survey, which also revealed that 88% of shoppers will shop at a brick-and-mortar store for either school supplies or clothing, placing minimal online orders for merchandise.
Poll: New Yorkers want Walmart

New York -- Local politicians and local New Yorkers differ in their views on Walmart.

Fifty-five percent of New York City residents want elected officials to let Walmart open a store within the five boroughs, according to a poll by Quinnipiac University.

The results are similar to a poll conducted by the university four years ago, when the retailer made a failed push to open in Brooklyn.
Whole Foods taps into craft beer market

Whole Foods, which is known for luxurious produce departments and an exhaustive assortment of natural foods, is adding "brewery" to its list of offerings.

The grocery chain has been opening brewpubs at select stores throughout the U.S. The beers have been so popular with shoppers that the retailer plans to distribute one of its beers to all of its Texas stores starting in September.