BrainTrust Query: Retailing in the Absence of Recovery
It seems that each week experts look for even the faintest sign that the fabled "recovery" has begun. The problem with a speculative view of recovery is that it's oddly similar to the shortsighted behavior that brought on the recession in the first place. How should strategies change for retailers during this recovery versus those coming out of previous economic downturns?
New Living Spaces, New Shopping Spaces
Foreclosures and closed retail premises all over the U.S. are encouraging people to re-think where and how they live and work. Add to that consideration of ways to reduce fuel consumption and the result is a possibly new way of designing towns. Are town centers an expansion opportunity for retailers?
Amazon Cuts Off Colorado Affiliates Over Taxes
Amazon last week ended its relationship with Colorado-based affiliates in retaliation of a new state law aimed at getting out-of-state, online retailers to collect sales tax. Do you support e-commerce sites being tax-free or should e-tailers be required to pay the same levies as physical store locations?