Description: In the latest episode of eMarketer’s “Behind the Numbers” podcast, lead forecaster Martin Utreras discusses Apple’s newly announced suite of products, including the revamped Apple Watch. Which of the product launches have the most potential for disrupting consumer habits and attitudes? Source: eMarketer.com Date: Sep 13, 2017 Link: https://www.emarketer.com/Article/Listen-In-How-Might-Apples-Newest-Products-Shift-Consumer-Behavior/1016468 Questions for discussion: Summarize the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Planning
Amazon wants a second North American HQ and Toronto is applying for it
Description: The company is asking local and state governments, including ones in Canada, to submit proposals for a development that will likely cost more than US$5 billion over the next 15 to 17 years and give the winning city or town an enormous economic boost. Source: NationalPost.com Date: Sep 07, 2017 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/technology/amazon-wants-a-second-north-american-hq-and-canadian-cities-can-apply-for-it Questions for discussion:… Read more »
200 Gap and Banana Republic stores closing
Description: It’s going to be a little harder to find a Gap or Banana Republic store — but expect to see more Old Navy and Athleta locations pop up. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Sep 06, 2017 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/06/news/companies/gap-banana-republic-stores-closing/index.html Questions for discussion: How is Gap’s management changing operations? What sort of future do you… Read more »
How Rosalind Brewer, Starbucks’ First Woman COO, Got the Job
Description: Rosalind Brewer’s first step toward the COO job at Starbucks(SBUX, -1.55%) happened completely by chance. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Sep 07, 2017 Link: http://fortune.com/2017/09/07/rosalind-brewer-starbucks-coo/ Questions for discussion: Why is Rosalind Brewer a good choice for this job? What does the article say about corporate cultures for executive development?
Apple Is Losing Its Cool Factor And That’s A Problem If They Want To Break Into TV.
Description: Apple spent much of the 00s riding high on a wave of cool. Whether it was MP3 players, smartphones, tablets or laptops, Apple was the brand that everyone wanted and anything else seemed like the “sensible” (read: uncool) pair of sneakers your parents forced you wear in sixth grade. (Growing up in New York… Read more »
Amazon Is Planning a Second Headquarters With 50,000 Jobs
Description: Amazon said on Thursday that it was searching for a second headquarters in North America, a huge new development that would cost as much as $5 billion to build and run, and would house as many as 50,000 employees. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Sep 07, 2017 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/technology/amazon-headquarters-north-america.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news Questions for discussion: What criteria has Amazon… Read more »
Meet The Former Investment Banker Who Is Trying To Step Up Men’s Shoe Game
Description: Evan Fript is the co-founder and CEO of Paul Evans, a luxury men’s footwear company. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 05, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/2h3rIwH Questions for Discussions: Describe the business model and why you think it has succeeded? Is this entrepreneur typical, in comparison to others?
Amazon Moves to Cut Checkout Line, Promoting a Grab-and-Go Experience
Description: SEATTLE — There is almost no aspect of retail that Amazon has not upended with online shopping. Now, the company is trying to computerize the experience of buying sandwiches and soda from the corner convenience store. Source: NYTimes.com – video report Date: Dec 05, 2016 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/technology/amazon-moves-to-cut-checkout-line-promoting-a-grab-and-go-experience.html?ref=business Questions for Discussions: Describe the operation and… Read more »
McDonald’s Revamps Its $4 Billion McCafe Brand
Description: McDonald’s Corp., losing ground in its battle for the nation’s coffee drinkers, is planning to shake up its McCafe brand — part of a bid to challenge Starbucks Corp. and Dunkin’ Donuts. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 05, 2016 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-05/mcdonald-s-revamps-4-billion-mccafe-brand-as-it-lags-starbucks Questions for Discussions: What is McDonald’s plan? Do you think it will work?
Is Cyber Monday Losing Its Sizzle?
Description: Other shopping days are winning more and more online sales Source: eMarketer.com Date: Dec 01, 2016 Link: https://www.emarketer.com/Article/Cyber-Monday-Losing-Its-Sizzle/1014783?ecid=NL1009#sthash.tM8KJFPR.dpuf Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the changes taking place in retail customer behavior? How should managers respond?
