Contributing Member of the Consumer Goods & Services Councils

All News Analyses by this Author

Burger King Shuffling The Deck?

October 16, 2009

Analysis of:Burger King's New Restaurant Design | adage.com

Is Burger King playing with a full deck?McDonalds wins this game hands down.Other QSR's such as Carl's, Hardees, Wendys, & Jack In The Box are eager to play, so in my opinion, I would fold this idea right now.

The Competitive Landscape Has Changed For Restaurant Chains

June 25, 2009

Analysis of:Chain Restaurant Discounting: whats going on? | www.nytimes.com

Discounts will drive traffic but what happens when you stop? Economic conditions along with cannibalization have hurt this industry tremendously. What chains are in trouble?

We can only wait and see

March 17, 2009

Analysis of:Starbucks has high hopes for its instant coffee | www.marketwatch.com

Instant coffee represents a huge portion of overall coffee sales and consumers are always looking for new and different products. Will this differentiate Starbucks from its competitors. Why did it take 20 years to develop this product?

The Time Is Ripe For Dollar Stores

February 23, 2009

Analysis of:Discounter Dollar General lifted by downturn in US | www.retail-week.com

Peoples buying habits have changed over the past two years and the Dollar Store Industry is being rewarded for our current economic conditions. You also see a change from Target customers now shopping at these stores along with Walmart.

Only The Smarter Restauranteurs Will Survive

April 29, 2008

Analysis of:Restaurants Feel Sting Of Surging Costs, Debt | online.wsj.com

With the economic conditions the way they are, restaurant companies are scrambling to come up with ways to combat the conditions that are affecting their operations. Commodity costs aren't coming down, so how can they offset higher prices? What strategies should companies be using to survive through 2008 and beyond?

Is The Media To Blame For Starbucks Loss Of Appeal

April 14, 2008

Analysis of:Starbucks New Strategy | topics.nytimes.com

Nearly very time you read an article about Starbucks, the media is always adding their nonfactual view on the overall health of the coffee giant. Just because competition comes to town, doesn't always mean they can survive the coffee giant's brand name. Closing down every coffee house to retrain every barista not only takes guts, but how many companies can afford to do that, and do it for the best interest of the consumer and stock holder.

Is American Living Going To Survive At JC Penneys

April 4, 2008

Analysis of:J.C. Penney Guts First-Quarter Earnings Forecast | community.investopedia.com

What and why would the consumer recognize the eagle label? How does American Living price points incorporate into their concept? Who would be their competitors with this new line of clothing?

Panera Bread Says Wake Up And Smell The Eggs

April 2, 2008

Analysis of:Americans Are Losing Sleep Over A Good Breakfast | money.aol.com

The American consumer is always looking for a great breakfast offering especially something different. Can a company be successful offering "fresh" breakfast sandwich offerings and still maintain a speed of service? How will this impact major competitors like McDonalds and other QSR concepts that rule breakfast offerings?

Incremental Food And Beverage Serving Leaders For 2007

March 24, 2008

Analysis of:Restaurant Food Trends For 2008 | www.quazen.com

As consumer eating habits change, restaurants need to be prepared to change courses very quickly to survive. So called mini-burgers ( sliders ) seem to tell us that snack foods are more popular than ever. One stop shopping has elevated Walmart as the king of retail and I think grocery stores are looking at the opportunities they can attract by adding prepared foods.  This would give them another profit center and help control waste. Drinks of all kinds are gaining popularity and the creativity is unbelievable.

Starbucks Returns To Their Roots

March 20, 2008

Analysis of:Starbucks CEO Says We Are "Returning To Our Roots" | www.bizjournals.com

With Shultz's return to the top, the direction seems to be straight ahead with returning to their roots. "FREEBIES" never hurt anyone and I like the new ideas of the company. New Espresso machines being added to the stores gives the impression of new confidence for this huge investment. Will more aroma regain traffic counts and sales?

Sears Might Soon Be A Name Of The Past

March 17, 2008

Analysis of:Sears launches new effort to boost image, low sales | www.prweekus.com

Stores are not appealing to consumers. Apparel merchandise is boring and lacks a big name brand. Merchandising is lackluster and there are a lot of empty shelves especially in the hardlines section. Joining with KMart has not helped their brand name.

Best Buy Is The Dominant Player

March 17, 2008

Analysis of:Best Buy cuts '08 EPS outlook, shares fall | www.retailingtoday.com

I agree totally with Jeff's assessment and it is right on target.  With Circuit City not knowing which direction to go in, it clearly puts Best Buy as the industry leader in consumer electronics. Walmart should gain market share as they fine tune their stores. Wholesalers will compete with one another on price and see who can give the biggest rebates.

Breakfsat At Paneras'

March 14, 2008

Analysis of:Panera Bread To Expand Breakfast Offerings | blogs.roanoke.com

Three new breakfast sandwiches coming soon to Panera Bakery Cafes. Will this make Panera more competitive in this expanding day part by different concepts? Is this the shot in the arm that Panera needs to possibly launch a new coffee expansion?

Dillards Can't Compete

March 10, 2008

Analysis of:Makeover at Dillard's: Store Moving Upscale Adding More Fashion | www.wwd.com

Their stores don't measure up to their competitiors as far as looks or staffing. They don't market their brand very well. They struggle with their brand merchandise both in the store and with most of their advertising.

Back To The Basics

March 10, 2008

Analysis of:Hard Times On The Menu At Restaurants | money.aol.com

Everyone is aware that the economy is not where we want it to be as far as consumer confidence is concerned. Most companies got too comfortable with the economy of the past. Most companies stayed the same while the country was changing around them

Nobody Knows

March 10, 2008

Analysis of:Shares Slump as February Comps Disappoint | www.wwd.com

Nobody knows what the future holds for apparel sales, but considering the conditions at the moment, they don't look very good. Look for special deals from your favorite stores as they have already started with good deals and online specials. Look for the Government checks to arrive in the Spring which should give a shot in the arm and help with overall sales. Gas prices will remain a factor as they generally get higher towards April and may.

How Commodites Rising Cost Are Affecting The Restaurant Business

February 26, 2008

Analysis of:Climate: The food chain's weakest link | www.heatisonline.org

Lets look at some solid facts: Corn, wheat, and soybeans........consider them the building blocks of food costs. Ethanol exports will keep corn prices well supported for the next few years. Globally, the growing affluence of developing countries and a weakening dollar are driving demand for animal feed. 2007-2008 corn exports are projected  to be a record high 2.45 billion bushels.  Corn prices in 2006 were $2.59 a bushel and 2008 future prices are currently $4.81. Beef feedlot placements were are up 12% just since last November. Soybean -oil futures, which were 28 cents in January . closed at a 34 year high of more than 50 cents on Jan. 4, and forward contracts for 2008 are averaging nearly 52 cents.

Franchising May Be The Only Alternative For Survival

February 18, 2008

Analysis of:Climate: The food chain's weakest link | www.heatisonline.org

Economic conditions are putting too much pressure on most companies. Companies are in need of more liquid assests. Companies lack training becasue of rapid growth.

Breakfast At Starbucks

January 31, 2008

Analysis of:Breakfast At Starbucks | www.marketwatch.com

Say Goodbye to Starbuck's breakfast sandwiches.. Say hello to competetive coffee prices

Yes Walmart Is Lowering Their Prices

October 22, 2007

Analysis of:Wal-Mart cuts prices on 15,000 more items to lure holiday traffic | www.marketwatch.com

Walmart continues to lower prices on thousands of items and will continue to do so as traffic is much needed.  I have found over the past 2 weeks many items that are 20-30% higher at Target.  I guess customers will have to choose whether saving money is more important than status or sometimes location.  There has to be that fine line drawn somewhere between who needs to save money and who doesn't.  Higher gas prices, home heating costs this winter, and food prices will determine who and when they cross that line.  Walmart cannot be beat when it comes to pricing, and never will.  If people ever started going to Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Dollar Tree, then Walmart would really be challenged.  Right now they are challenged with cleaning up their stores, hiring people who really care about the customer, and bringing more management personnel from the outside to get away from the cookie cutter approach that has gotten them here.

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