News and Analysis
Did the Music Die or Just Take a Beat as Sam Ash Closes Stores?
Music stores used to be wildly popular. Although many still exist and vinyl records have made a comeback, the MULO (multi-location) music store category is struggling. Sam Ash recently announced that it’s closing 18 of its 45 stores throughout the U.S. The first music store opened in the U.S. in 1759. Sam Ash sells instruments […]
BOOM: Shopping Malls are Back!
A new study by Placer.ai confirms that shoppers are returning to malls. That’s great news for legacy MULO (multi-location) brands and new concepts like pickleball, pop-ups, and eatertainment venues, which are filling spaces left vacant by department stores and other big-box retailers. The study reveals five key findings and trends: Visits to malls are getting […]
The MULO Dozen: March Brands in Review
Openings, closings, leadership changes…the MULO (multi-location) beat goes on! Here are some highlights related to the people, technologies, and brands in the MULO ecosystem. Have news? Please e-mail me. And save the date — Street Fight LIVE is coming to Chicago on November 7th! The convenience store (C-store) industry is going through a major transformation and […]
Commentary
Local Platforms Promote Integrity with Consumer Confidence at Risk
Nextdoor is the latest local platform to publish what it calls a Transparency Report, designed to offer information to the public about efforts made to maintain an online community that is free from problematic content. In Nextdoor’s case, the focus is on reducing incidents of hate speech and incivility in order to promote healthy community interaction.
Why and How Businesses Should Embrace Product-Led Growth
For SaaS organizations especially, PLG can open up new revenue channels, giving you a competitive advantage by making it easy for customers to understand the value of your product. PLG becomes an efficient, no-touch way to scale revenue, affording customers the ability to self-serve and self-select without being weighed down by a traditional sales cycle.
Latest Posts
Marketers Embrace Mobile Chat to Expand the Commerce Experience
Online chat has come a long way since the days of AOL Instant Messenger. Despite concerns over security and trust, a growing number of consumers are using mobile chat to interact with their favorite brands in organic, convenient ways. Live chat is also playing a role in what’s become the latest trend in retail marketing — casual commerce.
IAS and Anzu Deliver In-Game Ad Quality Measurement
Integral Ad Science and in-game advertising platform Anzu are partnering up to deliver measurement tools to the mobile gaming sector. IAS will provide advertisers Invalid Traffic (IVT) measurement and reports on viewability through its Signal platform. The company will also help advertisers assess brand safety and suitability.
Why TV Remains the Heartbeat of Local Connection