Retail Watchers

I'm surprised that they're closing Spout Run. It received a major remodel not that long ago and has been quite busy the few times I've been there. It's in a well-off part of Arlington and has no nearby competition. Getting from there to Virginia Square (the nearest store) isn't exactly a pleasure. ...

I have traveled fairly extensively in North Jersey and NYC visiting relatives. The Stop and Shop stores I visited in these areas just seemed very blah and not very busy as you noted on the stores you visited. Many of the stores seem to be stuck on the yellow walls and purple letters decor package. F...

Does Raley's clearly explain in their ads that you the sale item is digital only and you have to activate the offer in the app? I don't know what it is like out west but the Safeway and Giant-MD ads here in the east make it clear that on offer is digital only and you have to activate on the app or t...

Dollar Tree will accept manufacturer coupons also... if the item qualifies. I've never seen anyone redeem a coupon there. Right, the issue is that the coupons for CVS etc. are digital, thus only good at that store(s). There have been very few paper ones as of late, and the ones that I saw for Colga...

I've noticed several sizes (batches) of Suavitel softener at Dollar Tree...some look like they were the laaaast "sold for $1" shrunken size, others are bigger (that are more in keeping with the $1.25 price). I think Colgate-Palmolive is especially skilled at doing this (also the pump size...

It all sounds nice, but the last 5 years (not just since the pandemic) Wall Street has been especially hostile to retailers who aren't on their agenda. They want omnichannel shoved down the customer throat even if it is unprofitable, claiming that it is how to compete with Amazon which of course fi...

The problem is Target having one checkstand open with 5 customers in line and all self checkouts closed is making customers wait in line who previously didn't have to wait in line... This is a problem. They probably need to impose a rule of 2 checkouts open at all times from like an hour after open...

The newest Sheetz prototype has a large seating area immediately as you enter the main doors. There is a bank of ordering kiosks to the right with the kitchen area visible as you enter. I didn't think about it until buckguy mentioned it, but the layout of the store strongly encourages interacting wi...

At least where I am in the DC area, if the CVS location has historically been a high performing store it will be staffed well and pharmacy operations will be average to above average. If the store is one of the more recent "infill" type stores that CVS opened that ends up being low volume ...

Sheetz seems to be in maximum expansion mode right now. As storewanderer said, they are a top tier operator but they are not alone anymore as they expand further from their Western PA base. They are also experiencing increased competition in their home areas as Wawa moves into areas that were previo...