Research Topic

New York -- Amazon.com has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test drone delivery. Although consumers should not expect packages to be dropped on their porches by buzzing unmanned aircraft anytime soon, just getting the OK to test the devices is regarded as a big win for the online retail giant.

New York -- The collapse of oil prices translates into a huge tax cut for 90% of the economy, former CNBC host, economist and newspaper columnist Larry Kudlow told attendees at Chain Store Age’s 51st annual SPECS show. Kudlow was a keynoter at the event, which was held at the Sands Expo, Venetian/Palazzo Hotel, Las Vegas, March 15 – 16, and brought together retail executives in store planning & design, construction and facilities.
 

New York – Multicultural consumers are growing in importance as the U.S. increasingly becomes a multicultural country. According to an upcoming study from Nielsen, “The Multicultural Edge: Rising Super Consumers,” multicultural consumers today are leaders in technology adoption.

Lawrenceville, N.J. - Apparel and general merchandise manufacturers and retailers are using item-level, electronic product code (EPC)-enabled radio frequency identification (RFID) to enhance inventory visibility and respond to consumer demands for omnichannel options. According to results of the 2014 GS1 US Standards Usage Survey, more than half (57%) of retailers reported that they are currently implementing RFID, and another 19% planned to implement RFID within the next 12 months.

Boston -- Walmart narrowly leads the one-stop basket assessment versus Target, according to the latest Kantar Retail basket pricing study, which examines a basket of grocery, HBA, and general merchandise items. Study findings indicate Target’s overall basket is 3.5% more expensive than Walmart’s and Walmart leads in each of the sub-baskets, with the strongest lead in general merchandise.
Notable findings from the study include:

In case you missed it, the first quarter edition of Walmart Supplier News is now available. For perspective on Walmart COO Judith McKenna’s quest for operational excellence and a wide range of Walmart-related topics click here. 

New York -- Lowe’s is looking to put smile on the face of residents who live in the 10 U.S. cities hardest hit by this past winter by giving the areas a makeover. Lowe's said it will deploy Lowe’s "Heroes," or employee volunteers, to visit the "10 Bleakest Cities of 2015" to complete makeover projects that have been neglected or delayed because of extreme winter conditions. Volunteers will complete projects such as painting, landscaping, creating outdoor rooms and adding curb appeal throughout the spring season.

The CVS Health Foundation is backing up its promise to make a $5 million  commitment to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids by announcing the first four winners of grants.