Recently I talked about inventions for lazy people, but these 14 inventions actually make sense. Well, most of them, anyway. The see-through toaster looks cool, but you can only do 1 slice at a time and who would really spend the time to stare at the toast while it’s being cooked? You’re too busy cooking the eggs Read More…
Category: Retail Trends
Retail trends
15 Fast-Forward Facts About Blockbuster Video
Another sad reminder of how fast things can change in the retail industry. They had over 9,000 stores in 2004 and a decade later they’re bankrupt with only 51 franchises left. A fickle bunch us Americans are with our technology–streaming is a lot better than driving to browse shelves in a store. (A Read More…
The Coca-Cola You’ll Never See On Shelves
Well here’s one I’ve never heard before. When you say “White Coke” I think most people would think of cocaine, (which was actually originally an ingredient in Coca-Cola) but there was a clear version of Coke produced for a Soviet leader decades ago. They have a lot of flavors–vanila, lemon, lime, cherry, coffee and Read More…
How Millennials Are Shaking Up Valentines Day
It will be interesting to see how it impacts retail sales in general, but it seems that the 24-35 year old “Millennials” are spending less money on the good ol’ flowers and boxed chocolates and more time with each other. Time is more valuable to them as they are spending more time working so Read More…
The 11 Biggest Food Flops Of All Time – Business Insider
I’ve talked about the purple ketchup before, but some of these are almost as bad. I probably tried New Coke just to see what the fuss was all about, but never had the inclination to eat baby food, Pepsi in the morning, or celery flavored Jell-O. And I do remember looking Read More…
Bernie Sanders vs. Walmart
Here’s a story from the Boston Globe about Bernie Sanders attacking Walmart’s family, who apparently has more wealth than the bottom 40% of the U.S. population. While that is a scary statistic, the writer correctly points out that he shouldn’t be attacking Walmart per se, but rather the economic system we have Read More…
Another Technology is Dying
So a few years back the incandescent light bulb, which had been the primary lighting source for generations, was phased out in favor of CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs. They were more expensive but lasted a lot longer, although I never really warmed up to the odd shape if it was in Read More…
13 Fast Food Items to Avoid, According to Employees
I am proud to say that my instincts for self-survival must be pretty good because I’ve never actually ordered any of these other than an occasional popcorn at the movies and hot dogs at a baseball game. I still remember the ads (I think from Burger King) that said “What part of the chicken Read More…
25 Foods You’ll Never Be Able To Eat Again
This list is actually 4 years old, and interestingly enough, some of the items have made a comeback since then, so you will be able to eat them again. Crispy M and M’s apparently didn’t sell in a blue package, but have returned in a green package. Surge Cola has also Read More…
Walmart’s Outdated Management Style Is Failing Customers
This article talks about how Walmart hasn’t updated their management style to keep up with today’s customers. I would suggest that it’s not just Walmart, but the majority of retailers who don’t get it either. As the writer says, customers are focused on convenience and good service, and cutting hours (both store hours and labor Read More…