Do you see AI and the cloud solving many of retail’s challenges around inventory visibility, unified commerce and underutilization of data? Where do you see the biggest near-term versus long-term benefits of the technologies? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I’ve been talking about the benefits of utilizing multiple data sources since I had a … Continue reading Cloud and AI seen fueling digital transformation
How transparent should retailers be in giving consumers information on inventory availability? Should the goal be active (as close to real-time inventory availability as possible) or passive (only out-of-stock disclosure)? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Why not provide complete and total visibility? There is nothing more frustrating for the shopper when the item they … Continue reading How much inventory visibility do retailers need to give consumers?
Do you have more praise or criticism for Gillette’s “Is this the best a man can get?” ad? Is it fair game for brands with products for men to build messages around the #MeToo movement? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Quite frankly, I don’t understand why this received so much negative backlash. This is … Continue reading Did Gillette’s rant against toxic masculinity go too far?
Do you see associates, shoppers, costs or functionality as the biggest hurdle holding back robots from becoming a bigger presence on selling floors? What do you see as the greatest potential benefits to robotic tech on selling floors?Do you approve of the decision by Whole Foods Market to end the expansion of its 365 store … Continue reading NRF: Roving robots report for work at all Giant Foods’ stores
Do you approve of the decision by Whole Foods Market to end the expansion of its 365 store concept? Does the move signal a change in Amazon’s intentions about its grocery business? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I don’t think it will make a significant difference in the long term. Whether it is a … Continue reading Whole Foods halts 365 concept’s growth
Are services such as those offered by Zola an effective way to meet the needs of stressed-out couples? How should retailers adapt to create customer experiences that appeal to the todays wedding shoppers? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I’ve not been to the Zola pop up here in NYC but I have been all … Continue reading Zola de-stresses the wedding planning experience for Millennials
Do you think that Millennials, in particular, fall prey to purchasing knockoff goods? What factors will contribute to the growth or demise of the counterfeit market in 2019? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Millennials, my kids included, are generally very aware of social issues and especially those that end up hurting people. Certainly the … Continue reading Why are Millennials apparently addicted to Chinese knockoffs?
Should Dollar Tree sell Family Dollar? What do you think is wrong with Family Dollar’s business, and how do you see the dollar store competitive landscape shaking out? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Walmart’s small format stores + way too many Dollar Stores = an uphill battle that investors will most likely not have … Continue reading Should Dollar Tree sell Family Dollar?
Is it cause for concern that Kevin Johnson doesn’t appear to share the same vision for Starbucks as Howard Schultz? Is Mr. Johnson’s approach what Starbucks needs at this point in its history? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: This remains to be seen. If Starbucks wanted the same thinking as they had under Schultz, … Continue reading The new boss is different than the old boss at Starbucks
Should the decision to open or close a flagship store differ, in your mind, from other chain locations? Do you think Lord & Taylor, Ralph Lauren or Gap will come to regret closing their flagships? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Lord & Taylor was a great store and there is nothing else like it … Continue reading Retailers are shutting down their NYC flagships
