Category: Retail Projections

Come Labor Day, How Might Things Look?

6/15/2020

We believe there are not one, but three(!) pandemics occurring simultaneously right now. Of course, the COVID-19 virus elevated the word "pandemic" to a status that identifies even a generation of babies.

But the other two pandemics are equally paralyzing: the nationwide (even worldwide) protests of racial injustice, and the severe unemployment from the economic collapse.

Indeed, three concurrent, worldwide sinkholes. We call it the "pandemic trifecta of 2020."

So, what's an intelligent retailer to think now?!

Here's one idea that we believe can help you have more confidence in your immediate decisions. Think beyond this week and this month.

Which Shoppers Will Emerge First?

4/27/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly gained the respect of the general public. Surveys continue to show that, while folks are eager to be able to resume moving about, they do not expect to resume their pre-pandemic discretionary shopping and dining activities anytime soon. They are awaiting effective treatments or, even better, a vaccine.

Main Street restauranteurs and retailers understand that, according to survey results reported April 27.* In fact, these owners anticipate it could take another eight months – that is, most of the year – for consumer demand to reach the so-called "New Normal."

Dealing with Your Landlord: This Is Better Than Begging!

4/20/2020

Let's assume your stores have been closed for weeks now. We recognize how conscientious you are. So, after paying what you can to your employees (and yourself), the next most-worrisome dilemma is your rent.

How best to get some immediate relief from each month's lease payment?
And you wonder, what would be the best way to negotiate with your landlord?

As you likely have discovered, a common choice for many landlords is to offer to defer your payments. But that means taking on more debt, as those payments are only being postponed to a later point in time.

You need a better solution than that.

The Dynamics of Merchandise MIX and Amount

4/13/2020

The Retail Owners Institute® has developed a retail strategy for "Inventory Management Going Forward."

As we often do, it was recapped as an unassuming chart (see below) identifying the Five Stages of Merchandise Mix Management, from "Before COVID-19" to the "New Normal?"

The Opportunities of This Crisis: Don't Miss 'Em!

4/6/2020

Each of us, our households, businesses and communities are in different stages of shutdown due to the coronavirus.

While we cannot speak to when this will end, we do have some ideas for dealing with the fog of uncertainty that hangs over us all

This is Disruption with a capital D!

3/30/2020

Remember thinking that Amazon was the most disruptive force to happen to retailing? (Well, at least since Walmart was the most disruptive....)

However, the coronavirus pandemic eclipses them all. No matter where you live or do business, it is not whether, just when, COVID-19 will impact your life. Disruption with a capital D!

Lead Time: Use It or Lose It!

3/23/2020

There's little that any of us can do to address the public health crisis of the pandemic. Its impact on people and businesses is a widespread and major jolt, akin to the shocks of 9/11 and the 2008-09 economic meltdown.

Even as painful and disruptive as the pandemic is at this moment, we must remind ourselves that it will subside. It's not whether it will subside, just when.

But all of us are going to have to deal with the ensuing economic situation, and its effects on our sales, our customers, our employees.

These are difficult times for us all. Retailing in particular is under enormous stress. Many feel like there are no good choices.

But, there are good decisions. And The ROI is dedicated to helping you be able to make those good decisions for yourself.

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