Category: Leadership

Get Ready. A New, Upbeat Era is Coming!

8/29/2022

As the final third of the year approaches, there's a "new era" afoot. There is optimism in the air.

Optimism? Really?

Yes! And it could catch a lot of folks by surprise.

Consider these "early warning signs" of approaching good news:

Those surveys of "consumer attitudes" indicate that folks do reflect the news headlines regarding the economy – that is, respondents are pessimistic about "the economy." But when asked about their own financial situation, the responses were very positive; people feel good about their personal financial situation.

Be Ready – New Kind of 4th of July Is Coming

6/13/2022

We think this may be a very different 4th of July Holiday weekend.

It will not be just about red, white & blue window displays, or flag waving, or fireworks displays. Instead, there is a new mood, a new attitude that is emerging.

First, we believe that all shoppers are reeling from being swamped by some major and concurrent attention-grabbing events and trends affecting all of us. Seemingly with no end in sight.

It's Not Just the Clocks That Changed...

3/28/2022

"Retail is a mirror of society."

Yes, Daylight Savings began a couple weeks ago. But it's not just the time on the clocks that changed; the times themselves have substantially changed.

Followers of The ROI has heard us assert many times that "Retail is a mirror of society." As we reflect on the first quarter of 2022, we are struck by how much has changed in just those three months. And retailers must adapt – yes, again! – to this rapidly changing environment.

Think about it. Consider the assumptions you made just a few months ago, in late December and early January about 2022.

Time for New Answers to Old Questions

1/10/2022

See the forest, not just the trees
Now that we've put a wrap on 2021, and before we really dive into 2022, it's time to catch your breath and reflect on where we are after 2021.

Perhaps like us you believe that fundamental and enduring changes have occurred; no one can operate on "auto-pilot" anymore. All of us have to learn new processes, and form new habits. What's it called? Oh yes; "embracing change." Lots of it.

That's why it is a very opportune time, particularly for owners, to have a very active Q&A session with themselves.

Find the Reasons to Celebrate

12/27/2021

As we get ready for the New Year, and the post-Holiday season slowdown settles in, here's a positive way for retailers to re-energize and re-focus their entire organization, whether one store or even a hundred.

We learned this from one of our clients with nearly 50 stores widely scattered over 6 states. Each day, without fail, they would take time for what they called the "Corporate Cheer."

You will see how it can be a fun addition to any retail business, no matter the size.

What? Many Happy Returns?

12/6/2021

In most years, this is the week that is typically a bit of a lull. The first wave of shoppers – Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday, Cyber Monday – has crested; the final wave doesn't begin in earnest until this coming weekend.

But this year IS different. Shoppers began shopping in earnest much earlier. And they use the internet to do their browsing, and then have an array of choices for receiving their purchases, from delivery to curbside pickup to in-store pickup.

So, what better time than this to revisit your returns policy?!

Yes, returns (and exchanges.) That longtime bugaboo of retailers is a potential competitive edge.

"Bifurcation" – Maybe Your Strategy?

10/25/2021

For retailers there are two very strong trends happening now through the Holiday Season. And they are remarkably divergent.

One that is getting a lot of publicity is how Target, WalMart, etc. arepromoting their “Black Friday “ specials four weeks before Thanksgiving.

Sounds desperate to us, but it is a sign of the times.

<<Previous

Forward>>