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Retail Paradox Weekly
Retail News Analysis by RSR Research
January 15, 2008
A Retail Paradox: Cooperation vs. Coercion
By Brian Kilcourse, Managing Partner
1/15/2008
Are retailers and their partners ready to really work together?
When RSR advises technology providers about working with retailers, we always point out that above all, retailers are great buyers. Although the line between the "art" and "science" of buying is constantly debated, the competency bar has been set so high by such companies such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Home Depot, that many retailers are seeking to merely even the playing field on the buy-side of their businesses... More
Merchandising 2008: Art? Science? Without Smarter Systems, Bargain Hunting May Trump All
By Steve Rowen, Partner
1/15/2008
It’s not difficult to find discussion of the "R" word these days. On NPR, impending "recession" comes up in conversations on all but sports recaps.
To that end, The Wall Street Journal revealed some very interesting news last week regarding retailers' December sales figures. Target reported a five percent loss in comparable store sales. Macy's (down 7.9%), JC Penney, American Eagle Outfitters and Kohl's (down 11%) also felt the wrath of customers keeping their wallets closed... More
Starbucks Seeks an Escape from the Clutches of Growth
By Paula Rosenblum, Managing Partner
1/15/2008
In apparent recognition that endless growth is as much a myth as the bottomless cup of coffee, Starbucks bowed to the inevitable and brought founder Howard Schultz back into the role of CEO. As reported in Advertising Age, the company's shareholders removed Mr. Schultz's successor Jim Donald in the hopes of improving comparable store sales and re-invigorating the customer experience. Mr. Schultz has lots of ideas we like - changing store layouts, closing under-performing stores, slowing store growth in North America and developing new products by tapping data from the company's loyalty cards. But the challenge is a big one... More
2008: The Year of User-Generated Content
By Nikki Baird, Managing Partner, in Cooperation with RetailWire
1/15/2008
I was at CES last week (not something that I recommend the week before NRF, by the way), and if I had to put my finger on any one single consumer trend that will have an impact on retail this year, I would say that it will be UGC, or user-generated content (think everyday people loading stuff on YouTube). UGC doesn’t have to be as fancy as video or animation – it can be as simple as a product review... More
Copyright © 2008 RSR Research LLC. RSR is a tradename of Retail Systems Research LLC. All Rights Reserved
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