JCPenney's customer was a woman, 35-65, married, family shopping. The Ron Johnson era took the coupons, the brands, and the store layout away from her — and the brand lost her durably. What every retail brand should learn.
Trader Joe's is the canonical case in securing sustained positive press coverage without traditional advertising. 575+ stores, $16B+ revenue, the Fearless Flyer newsletter, dozens of new product launches quarterly, strategic media silence. The brand operation that produces the press demand.
Stanley grew from under $100M to $750M+ on limited drops. Pop Mart doubled revenue on Labubu blind boxes. Hermès Birkin still runs the canonical access-scarcity playbook. The mechanic, the three flavors, the four live cases, and where it breaks.
Costco, Walmart, Amazon, Target, Aldi, Trader Joe's, TJX, Whole Foods, Kroger, Best Buy. The 2026 retail value proposition environment — pricing, selection, experience, convenience, trust.
