Neil Saunders

ICYMI ... here are all the main retail posts and discussions we have made over on LinkedIn this week: 🛋️ IKEA always does a good job of trying to explain product features in a way that’s easy to understand and visualize. Link: https://t.co/bWf3JOCJL5 🛁 The Bed Bath & Beyond takeover of The Container Store continues – and the approach, in, some stores, is haphazard. Link: https://t.co/XFnwJGxQZr 👟 After almost 20 years as an S&P 100 constituent, Nike has lost its place in the prestigious index: it symbolizes the decline.  Link: https://t.co/aZjzCjrOyH 🏬 Another solid set of numbers from Macy's shows that the Bold New Chapter is delivering for the department store. Link: https://t.co/JDWEffVrB9 🥩 There are a lot of pressures on traditional supermarkets; that now includes specialist players like Omaha Steaks. Link: https://t.co/N9SaRwAOW9 🧘 Lululemon is not a terrible brand. But its once superior position has been eroded over time, and that’s an issue. Link: https://t.co/Z6lXJbKBNw 🎃 Over the past few years, Target has done an exceptional job on private label seasonal treats - including holiday lines from Favorite Day. Link: https://t.co/VCErEjQicI 🌻 Accoutrements are decorative props that add a sense of atmosphere and theater. Anthropologie is a master of them. Link: https://t.co/oNTn6g8qOB 📊 Q2 trading remains solid, but consumers are punishing retailers that deliver a mediocre product or experience. Link: https://t.co/scNtNxFdjJ

🇺🇸 Lululemon shares tumble after guidance cut https://t.co/mtefGEOoPx

🇺🇸 Lululemon to launch first store in India https://t.co/I7zCh1mItm

While Lululemon is struggling to get its North American business back on track, other athleisure players are on the move! Vuori is focusing on global growth and Alo might be gearing up for some kind of financial transaction… https://t.co/jE0wYG7YmM

Lululemon has long used pop-ups to test new markets or take advantage of seasonal spikes. Unfortunately, many are now miserable. They lack impact, carry the dullest of lines, and feel more like a clearance corner than a showcase for the brand… https://t.co/su76QGGYJN

🇬🇷 Lululemon launches first stores in Greece https://t.co/VJOEyNQwBd

🇬🇷 Lululemon to open first stores in Greece https://t.co/YYN920qaNV

🇬🇧 Lululemon accelerates European expansion https://t.co/F6VMWlnXuH

🇬🇧 Lululemon founder casts doubt on new chief as proxy fight escalates https://t.co/SBkQB3YepF

ICYMI ... here are all the main retail posts and discussions we have made on LinkedIn this week: 🛍️ Affluent households could have absorbed price increases. Many chose not to – and not just for financial reasons. Link: https://t.co/HniQA6TMkc 🍽️ Elegance is sometimes found in simplicity. But simplicity is not easy. It needs to be executed with care. Link: https://t.co/VH7k73avKx 🏬 Are department stores relevant because the sum of their parts is more valuable than the individual parts? Link: https://t.co/R4xR6UKxzS 👩🏻‍💼 There have been many CEO changes recently. And they come with a lot of baggage to unpack. Link: https://t.co/BNVDoODBnJ 🚫 Could over 40,000 stores close over the next five years? It’s unlikely, and the forecast is very misleading. Link: https://t.co/aZjDi6YHFZ 🛒 March was a robust month for retail, underpinned by tax refunds. That shot in the arm has boosted spending. Link: https://t.co/1aBoyDPj90 🚚 The battle for fast delivery continues apace, with another front opening up - this time from Sam's Club. Link: https://t.co/D31OxZm2T8 🤖 But a big dose of realism is needed when it comes to the claim that AI can replace store managers. Link: https://t.co/CcENpCSkLa 🧘🏽‍♂️ Lululemon has found its next leader. She comes in the shape of Heidi O’Neill, who will take the helm in September. Link: https://t.co/rarT5C28EB 📺 There's a changing of the guard at Best Buy as Corie Barry steps down to make way for Jason Bonfig. Link: https://t.co/P2KFbls72r 🛋️ In sales terms, the US is one of IKEA’s biggest markets. But on a per capita basis, it drops  down the rankings. Link: https://t.co/qhTuN7WO2Z