Ron Johnson, retail semi-legend, just gave an open palm slap to Big Data

The American business culture is often very “What have you done for me lately?” In that sense, you can argue Ron Johnson is a flop. He had big successes in the retail space, most notably with helping Target get into… Continue Reading

Black Friday: Like all great things in America, we have Philadelphia and the service academies to thank

Here’s a typical look at Black Friday, via the Twitter Machine: Long lines @BestBuy. Let the madness begin #BlackFriday pic.twitter.com/dJ6samtFoT — Annalyn Kurtz (@AnnalynKurtz) November 28, 2013 In reality, Black Friday isn’t even a thing anymore — the stuff can start a… Continue Reading

This hasn’t been the best run-up to a holiday season for Toys R’ Us

“I don’t wanna grow up … I’m a Toys R’ Us kid…” A seminal jingle from the 80s, no doubt. The reality as 2013 turns to 2014, holiday-season-style, is a little bit less good. First off, the economics are not… Continue Reading