The holiday shopping season may be over, but Wal-Mart is not done innovating. The superstore is headed into 2018 with big technology goals including personal shopping via text message and cashier-less stores. Ted Rubin gives his take on these big retail moves.
Rubin argues Wal-Mart's move to offer personalized shopping via text message is misguided. The store is looking to capture the top 1%'s shopping habits, and he does not think that is possible. Instead, Rubin argues that Walmart should be focusing on their existing footprint and leveraging that to scale up delivery and shopping options.
Rubin also believes that Wal-Mart's acquisition of Jet.com was a multi-million dollar mistake. He argues the superstore should have built out their delivery options.
Crab fishermen in Alaska have been scrambling to stay afloat after two years of the Bering Sea fishery being closed or severely curtailed due to plummeting crab numbers. And they're concerned that more of the same awaits this October when officials decide on catch limits for the upcoming season.
Most major car brands admit they may be selling your personal data — though they are vague on the buyers, and half say they would share it with the government or law enforcement without a court order.
Tourism-related businesses have always been at the mercy of the weather. But with heat waves, fires and storms becoming more frequent and intense, small businesses increasingly see extreme weather as their next long-term challenge.
