A SAMPLING of my recent commentary on RetailWire.com:

• Amazon bans chronic returners

  

  I'm with Amazon on this one, and here's why: Any business has right and reason to curb abuse of return privileges, if for no other reason than to protect the majority of shoppers from the cost impact of abusers. Amazon's sophisticated AI is certainly capable of flagging bad actors based on infor...

• Walmart drops Scan & Go tech – again

  

  You're not alone in this opinion, Paula. I suspect that for many shoppers, the extra effort required to scan items is a minor bummer. As a retailer, I'd prefer my shoppers have their heads up exploring merchandise options as much as possible, versus heads down trying to manipulate the app....

• Ocado to automate Kroger warehouses in exclusive U.S. deal

  

  Kroger's decision to invest in automated fulfillment centers for online grocery will be massively influential. I suspect today's announcement sends chills down the spines of supermarket executives who have committed to click-and-carry strategies with in-store order fulfillment. For Kroger, how...

• Should Starbucks acquire Blue Apron?

  

  Both Starbucks and Blue Apron need to evolve their business models for different reasons. Starbucks has a large footprint and loyal customer base and seeks to grow revenue by further diversifying its offerings to encompass more food choices. Blue Apron delivers a high-quality product, but its sub...

• Why is Amazon partnering with Sears again?

  

  The problem with buying automobile tires online is arranging for installation. Amazon has great prices but the logistics are complex for the consumer. The announced deal with Sears Auto Centers is an attempt at a partial fix for this problem. It's only 400 locations nationwide, so it still leaves...

• Walmart associates check out customers on the floor in pilot program

  

  Sharp observation, Ben. I'm sure the choice of visuals in the short video was no accident. It makes sense to consider the value of on-the-floor checkout for specific types of shopping missions. Could be awkward for a basket piled high with groceries -- the rubber belt and POS scanner is still ...

• When Harry’s met Target and then Walmart

  

  So digital-first Harry's is pursuing mass distribution in physical stores. Perhaps the brand caretakers have discovered the scale limitations of the online subscription model? Perhaps there's some envy of last year's acquisition of rival Dollar Shave Club by Unilever? It's clear that there is ...