Is the Facebook business model in danger of breaking down? Do you see the data challenges facing Facebook as a bigger issue facing the internet’s free-services for personal data model? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: The challenge is how to balance the use of data so that it makes Read more…
What benefits do you see from Home Depot’s $50 million commitment to create trade jobs? Is this type of training aimed at potential customers applicable to other sectors of retailing? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I don’t see any downside to this. Great PR move, but more importantly, it Read more…
Do you see tariffs on steel and aluminum having a negative effect on the retail industry? What sectors of retail, if any, do you think would be most affected? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: While I agree with the comment from Kai that retailers have bigger fish to fry Read more…
Do you agree that retail rents are due for a “permanent” drop in the near future? What do you think retailers are most likely to do with the newfound money that will come with lower rents — remodel stores, open new locations, drop it to the bottom line, etc.? Interactive Read more…
What will Kroger gain from its Culinary Innovation Center? Should food innovation be just as important as tech innovation to Kroger and other grocers? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Yes, food innovation should be just as important if not more important than technological innovation. People care about technology, but Read more…
Can apps and smartphones solve problems that have long plagued the restroom experience at retailers and restaurants? Where do you see the biggest benefit for retailers as well as consumers? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I don’t know about this. Perhaps, when you are traveling by car and have Read more…
How will offering cash back rewards at Whole Foods affect Amazon and the grocery chain? Will added sales, data or something else prove to be the biggest benefit to Amazon and Whole Foods from this offer? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: It will be both sales and data. I Read more…
Do you agree that a significant upgrade in prepared food offerings would pay off for grocers? Has cross-merchandising to other departments been a lost opportunity? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Location, location, location! If there are not many choices near a grocer, then it makes total sense to elevate Read more…
Do you support or oppose the proposed changes to the SNAP program made by the Trump administration? If enacted, how would you see the changes affecting grocery retailers? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Yet another well-run program that the Trump administration is trying to undermine when it does not Read more…
Will Instacart and Shipt be able to hold their own — perhaps even gain ground — against Amazon? Are you more bullish on one company’s prospects versus the other in near- and long-term? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: First, I hope both are able to compete with Amazon as Read more…