January 2008
Monthly Archive
Channels31 Jan 2008 05:15 pm
The Channel Paradox; Finding that balance, much like “Riding a Surfboard
The channel paradox is easy to define, and as with all paradoxes, not so easy to solve. Put simply, how do you grow individual channels while creating synergies between them?
On the one hand, each channel needs focus and dedicated resources in order to grow. But if you create an environment of focus within the channel, you will be by definition NOT creating an environment of collaboration across channels.
On the other hand, a large slice of future growth is going to come not from incremental growth to a specific channel, but from the synergies derived by creating a holistic customer experience across channels. In other words, the more you focus your organization on cross-channel collaboration, the more you risk that each channel will “take their eyes off the ball” of their own performance.
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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Retail Climate31 Jan 2008 04:18 pm
Why Online Needs Stores; Odd Story for Many Reasons
The Chicago Tribune reported last week that a 3-store fashion apparel chain in the Chicago area is going to shut down its stores in order to focus on its online operations, citing the high costs and relatively low margin of physical stores vs. the relatively cheap operating costs of a website. Pundits predicted this kind of thing in the early days of eCommerce, when expansive predictions included pure-play online retailers overwhelming stores. There may be other reasons behind this particular retailer’s move, but I object to the reporter’s conclusion that we may see more of this kind of activity if consumer spending slows and retailers have to make tough choices.
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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Technology28 Jan 2008 01:16 pm
6 Month Study by Shop.org Reveals that Solution Integration is a Competitive Advantage
Retailers Should Integrate E-Commerce With Overall Operations.
The failure of many retailers to integrate the e-commerce and physical operations can lead to inefficiencies and customer confusion, Shop.org reports.
By K.C. Jones
InformationWeek
January 16, 2008 11:01 AM
Retailers with independent structure for online marketing, merchandising, and sales have generated significant growth and profits, but lack of integration can eventually lead to inefficiencies and customer confusion, Shop.org reports.Shop.org, the digital division of the
National Retail Federation, released a report “Organizing for Cross-channel Retailing,” on Wednesday after six months of study. The research, conducted by J.C. Williams Group, is based on interviews with retail executives and round table workshops with executives.
The report concludes that integration is most likely to succeed through top-down initiatives, but one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to cross-channel retailing, a new study has found.
“Integrating the operations
of stores and Web sites will undoubtedly lead to greater customer satisfaction, but it is not an easy road,” Jim Okamura, senior partner at J.C. Williams Group, said in a statement. “The first retailers to accomplish this structural change successfully will achieve a competitive advantage and will quickly be followed by other companies looking to duplicate that accomplishment.”
The report comes out as NRF holds its annual convention and expo at the Javits Center in New York City.
Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, said retailers should stop thinking about e-commerce as a separate world and “start thinking about it as part of the overall retail industry because they are serving the same customers.
“It may take another generation of retail leaders, however, before companies are able to best capitalize on the strengths of multiple channels from streamlining their organizational structure,” he said.
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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eCommerce25 Jan 2008 05:53 pm
Ahhh Vino..Increased Web Sales Leaves Sweet taste on the Lips of California Vineyards!
California wineries were early adopters of e-commerce, providing an opportunity to study the adoption, use, and impact of the technology. Moreover, because e-commerce has not spread evenly through all branches of U.S. agriculture, lessons learned from the wine industry may provide useful insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers concerned with accelerating the uptake of e-commerce in the rest of agribusiness.
Link to complete Story in Choices Magazine
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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Uncategorized14 Jan 2008 05:15 pm
Predictions for ‘08 “Interesting”
If only predicting the future were as simple as consulting a Magic 8 Ball.
What’s ahead for the retail industry?
Will mini-skirts make a comeback? Outlook not so good.
Should I open 25 new stores this year? It is decidedly so.
Will consumers buy beverages that promise to make them more beautiful? Don’t count on it.
Link to Stores Article by Susan Reda, Executive Editor
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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Inventory/Suppliers14 Jan 2008 04:42 pm
Overcome Cross-Channel Inventory Challenges
January seems to be “THE” month of the year! The month for reflecting, for looking forward, for changes, for new decisions and for new plans.
So it’s fitting, after the clammor and rush of the Holiday season that it’s at this time of year when retailers take a look at their business, figure out what went wrong, what went right and what areas need their attention the most.
Inventory is always on the top of the list, too much, too little or just all wrong. Here’s some things to think about when making those business evaluations and planning strategies for 2008. Maybe next January you can cross “Looking Back” completely off your list. What’s in your future.. read on..
Link to article by Matt Pillar, Integrated Solutions for Retailers
Contributed by Kim Sapienza http://www.coresense.com
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