The hottest Retail Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

What Are Companies Doing With Generative AI? A Tale Of 3 Strategies.

High ROI Data Science • 297 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Retail Data Strategy E-commerce
  1. Companies are using Generative AI tools to decrease training times and improve customer service in retail.
  2. Some companies are implementing Generative AI without a clear business problem statement, leading to undefined outcomes.
  3. Retailers like Walmart are strategically using Generative AI to change customer workflows, improve online shopping experiences, and increase revenue.

How Hermès Sells "Time"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 435 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Finance Heritage Retail
  1. Hermès sells luxury by focusing on craftsmanship, heritage, and long-term thinking, with iconic bags like the Birkin and Kelly embodying these values.
  2. The concept of 'time' is central to Hermès' brand, with leadership emphasizing selling time and creating desire through managed supply and quality craftsmanship.
  3. The history and heritage of luxury brands like Hermès play a significant role in their perceived value, illustrating a strong correlation between brand longevity and luxury status.

Inside Amazon's $100 Million Plan To Turn NFL Fans Into Black Friday Shoppers

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce Advertising Retail Consumer behavior
  1. Amazon is creating an advertising program for NFL games, letting fans shop deals without leaving the game broadcast. It aims to connect NFL viewers directly to their shopping experience.
  2. They are investing $100 million to encourage NFL fans to be Black Friday shoppers, targeting a large audience during games.
  3. This initiative shows how Amazon combines entertainment with shopping, making it easier for viewers to buy products while they enjoy the game.
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10 rules of IP brands

The Sociology of Business • 438 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💼 Business Branding Marketing Retail Intellectual Property Fashion
  1. IP brands focus on monetizing their intellectual property through various means like merchandising, partnerships, and experiences.
  2. IP-focused retail brands position themselves at the intersection of fashion and popular culture, extending their brand beyond just products.
  3. Strategic rules for IP brands include interstitial storytelling, generating anticipation, creating repeatable narrative anchors, building fandom, and leveraging licensing for brand expansion.

Apple

Business Breakdowns • 373 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💼 Business Technology Finance Retail Strategy Economy
  1. Apple's revenue is divided into five segments: iPhone, Mac, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories, and Services.
  2. Apple's Services segment has high margins and benefits from the large installed base of iPhone, Mac, and iPad users.
  3. Apple has a negative cash conversion cycle, giving the company leverage over its suppliers and improving working capital.

We Need a New Movement for Independent Retail

The New Urban Order • 299 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
💼 Business Retail Economic Development City Planning Commercial Real Estate Small businesses
  1. The uniqueness of independent retail in cities like Cadiz, Spain, highlights the need for a new movement supporting independent retail in American cities.
  2. While American retail may seem to be thriving, there is a concern about the homogenization of street life across cities, showcasing the importance of distinct local retail offerings.
  3. To revitalize independent retail, new solutions such as credit tenant leasing adjustments and promoting corner stores are essential, along with the need for an international movement to advocate for and support independent retail.

Rethinking Returns: The Invisible Battleground of Modern Retail

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer behavior Sustainability Logistics
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.

Lululemon

Business Breakdowns • 275 implied HN points • 23 May 23
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Strategy Management Risk
  1. Lululemon dominates luxury athleisure market with loyal customers and high-quality products.
  2. The company has strong revenue segments, with high margins in direct-to-consumer sales.
  3. Industry trends and growth opportunities in menswear and international markets support Lululemon's continued success.

Combating Retail Shrinkage with Technology and Social Interventions

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail Technology Economics Operations Criminal Justice
  1. Retail shrinkage is a big issue caused by theft, damage, or errors, and it frustrates both businesses and honest customers. When retailers put products behind lock and key to prevent theft, it can make shopping hard for people just trying to buy what they need.
  2. Using technology can help reduce shrinkage while keeping customers happy. Retailers can use things like mobile apps or surveillance systems to spot theft, but they also need to make sure shopping remains a good experience.
  3. Understanding people's behavior is key to reducing theft, especially with self-checkout systems. Designing better systems and providing reminders can help prevent accidental theft, making it easier for everyone to shop without issues.

Vol. 2, Issue 10 - Interview with Dave Hillenbrand

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Entertainment Interviews Retail Branding
  1. Dave Hillenbrand managed the Pokémon Center NYC, creating a fun shopping experience for kids. He wanted to make it as memorable as places like Disney.
  2. The opening of the store was a huge event just after 9/11, helping bring joy back to New York City. It involved a big marketing push and many excited Pokémon fans.
  3. Working with diverse teams taught Dave the importance of adapting to new challenges. He learned a lot about blending different cultures and teamwork to make things successful.

The collapse of Alibaba’s New Retail? - Part 1: Shopping Malls & Home Furnishing

Tech Buzz China Insider • 79 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Retail Investments E-commerce Management
  1. Alibaba's New Retail initiatives, including offline investments, are facing challenges and potential failures.
  2. The focus on consumption upgrade led Alibaba to miss the shifting consumer trends towards practical and inexpensive purchases, affecting their strategies.
  3. There is a shift within Alibaba towards returning to prioritizing online business, user experience, and supporting small and medium businesses once again.

Something strange is happening at JB Hi-Fi.

Boiler Room • 117 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Retail
  1. JB Hi-Fi's growth is linked to the resurgence of vinyl sales.
  2. The chain's unique approach to retail, offering a mix of vinyl records and tech gadgets, is attracting customers.
  3. Their expansion plans include opening over 20 new stores, doubling their presence in New Zealand.

Experience Room

Tabletops • 176 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Retail Augmented reality
  1. Apple Stores play a crucial role in introducing new products like Apple Vision Pro to customers.
  2. Apple has created immersive retail experiences for products like Apple Watch and AirPods Pro.
  3. The new Experience Room concept at Apple Stores may revolutionize the retail environment for presenting products like Vision Pro.

Where the stores are

Tabletops • 176 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology Retail Events Architecture History
  1. A glimpse into the nostalgic past of Apple store openings in malls.
  2. Interesting details about the first Apple store locations and connections to other brands.
  3. Apple's recent event at the Tower Theatre showcased the blend of classical music and technology.

Apple Hongdae opens

Tabletops • 78 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Retail Product Launch Tech news
  1. Apple opened a new store, Apple Hongdae, in Seoul, making it the seventh Apple Store in the city.
  2. Apple is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with special promotions, products, and events in Asia.
  3. Apple announced the upcoming opening of a new store, Apple Mall of Scandinavia, in Sweden, a rare early announcement for the company.

The Art of the Brief

The Intersection • 138 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💼 Business Creativity Marketing Innovation Retail Management
  1. Having a clear and concise brief is crucial for successful creative projects, as it helps guide and shape the final outcome.
  2. Sticking to the initial brief is important, as digital tools have made changes easier, sometimes leading to less decisive decision-making and more revisions.
  3. The best briefs are often concise and inspirational, distilling the project goal into a simple directive that guides and elevates the creative process.

Apple Eaton Centre

Tabletops • 137 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Retail Architecture Innovation History
  1. Apple's second store in Canada opened at Toronto Eaton Centre on May 6, 2006, as a testbed for new ideas.
  2. The store featured innovative design elements like The Studio for creative projects and unique display pedestals.
  3. Apple Eaton Centre underwent rapid renovations in 2008 and later reopened in a larger space below its original location.

Redefining Fresh: Alibaba's Freshippo and the New Frontier in Grocery Business

Tech Buzz China Insider • 119 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Supply Chain Revenue model
  1. Freshippo utilizes Alibaba's big data to make strategic decisions such as new store locations.
  2. Freshippo has multiple revenue streams with its primary operations focused on its original brand, Freshippo, and membership-driven hypermarkets.
  3. Freshippo aims to increase private label SKUs and profit margins, particularly through supply chain optimization and new store formats.

Where it all began

Tabletops • 117 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🕹 Technology Apple Technology News Retail Innovation
  1. The first Apple Store opened 22 years ago at Tysons Corner, and it's now being reimagined.
  2. Apple MixC Shenzhen opened its second store after 11 years, with impressive opening day lines and organization.
  3. Apple is expanding with a new store in South Korea and sharing employee stories from Apple MixC Shenzhen.

Apple Saket

Tabletops • 117 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Graphic design Product Launch Retail Marketing
  1. Apple opened its first store in New Delhi, Apple Saket, just 2 days after its first store in Mumbai.
  2. Apple Saket's unique store design makes it look open and almost freestanding in the mall.
  3. Despite the size difference, both Apple BKC and Apple Saket in India have been consistently packed with customers.

Kopi Kenangan, the Shein of Coffee

Math Not Magic • 117 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
💼 Business Startup Retail Technology Strategy Expansion
  1. Kopi Kenangan has revolutionized the coffee industry by pioneering a grab-and-go model for efficient coffee consumption.
  2. Kopi Kenangan's success lies in its digital-first approach, low-cost storefronts, and ability to differentiate itself in the competitive coffee market.
  3. Kopi Kenangan is not just a coffee company but a growing F&B conglomerate with expansion into new food brands and FMCG products.

Introducing TapToAuth: Bringing the Familiarity of Contactless Payments to Open Banking

Building The Future of Payments by Mike Kelly • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Payments Security Retail Innovation
  1. TapToAuth combines contactless payments with the advantages of open banking, offering a new, secure, and cost-effective solution.
  2. This innovation minimizes fraud, reduces digital payment costs by enabling instant fund transfers, and enhances security with a cryptographically secured NFC protocol.
  3. TapToAuth not only provides a seamless customer experience but also integrates loyalty programs and digital receipts, transforming every transaction into an engagement opportunity for retailers.

Be Mindful of the Power of Platforms

Equal Ventures • 79 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
💼 Business Platforms Ecommerce Retail Investing
  1. Platforms like Salesforce, Apple, and Amazon have significant power over not only customers but also business partners, with potential risks for those who rely heavily on them.
  2. Shopify, once a DTC favorite, is now making strategic moves to increase its own revenue through actions like tightening control over checkout and fulfillment services, affecting both merchants and app developers.
  3. Amazon's dominance in the retail platform space has grown, leading to concerns for sellers regarding fees and limited alternatives, emphasizing the importance of balancing platform reliance with diversification.

In good company

Tabletops • 78 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Retail Data Analysis App Development
  1. Apple Stores often choose locations near other popular brands like Victoria's Secret, Lululemon, and Sephora.
  2. Most Apple Stores are located on the main level of the malls they are in.
  3. Apple Store distribution seems to loosely correlate with mall operators like Simon and Brookfield.

Apple Boylston Street

Tabletops • 78 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Retail Construction Architecture Technology History
  1. Apple's store designs appear effortless and are iconic in urban settings.
  2. The process of building an Apple store involves overcoming obstacles like public approval and construction delays.
  3. Apple Boylston Street is unique and was the largest store in the U.S. at the time, showcasing distinctive architectural features.

Greenlist Decarbonizes Online Retail Returns

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 78 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability E-commerce Retail Technology Innovation
  1. Greenlist enables peer-to-peer returns, reducing carbon footprint and connecting customers with out-of-stock inventory.
  2. Retail returns cost over $800 billion annually and contribute to pollution, but Greenlist cuts costs and waste by reducing miles traveled and promoting packaging reuse.
  3. Founder Jess Owens prioritizes sustainability, aiming to make a positive impact on the planet despite challenges in fundraising and market adoption.

Trader Joe's: The Anti-Grocer

SatPost by Trung Phan • 159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
💼 Business Retail Marketing Finance Economy Industry
  1. Trader Joe's built a successful model by paying employees well and making strategic decisions based on that foundation.
  2. Trader Joe's differentiated itself by offering unique products, focusing on customer trust and education, and maintaining a friendly atmosphere in-store.
  3. Trader Joe's small store size, selective product range, and high sales per square foot contribute to its niche success in the grocery market.