Blog

NRF Big Show 2024

I just returned from the NRF Big Show in New York City, my fortieth NRF. The show was first held at the New Sheraton Hotel, then the New York Convention Center at Columbus circle and now the Javits Center since...

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Aspirational vs. Operational

The first step in every consulting project I've been involved with starts with is defining the needs and the goals of the project. The needs are typically the business objectives the client hope to achieve. For my clients who are...

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Lessons from the Southwest Airline debacle!!!

The Southwest travel fiasco that effected thousands of travelers and cost the airline over $800 million in compensation claims has been well documented. On a micro level the issue that caused their problem is a mindset that is "if it...

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Christmas 2022 are you ready?

Running a retail business during Covid proved to be extremely challenging even for those retailers with sophisticated technology. BOPIS with all its variables pressed retailers to come up solutions on the fly. The question is what challenges will retailers face...

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Is Great the enemy of Good?

Retail is now in a phase of transition. On line shopping is flattening and in-store sales are growing. Retailers are struggling to upgrade their store systems to meet high consumer expectations. The questions are: Do I rip and replace with...

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Looking back, planning forward!

If you're a retailer that has faced the challenges of Covid and remained in business you're a survivor. Now that you have weathered the critical part of the retail calendar which for many independent stores determines their annual profit it's...

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Supply Chain effect on the independent retailer

[caption id="attachment_920" align="alignnone" width="450"] 49125610 - red christmas gift card with wine ribbon and gold snowflakes[/caption] The world wide supply chain issue reportedly will affect all retail segments but will be particularly hard on the smaller retailer. Wal-Mart, Target and...

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Calculating the TCO- Total Cost of Ownership

[caption id="attachment_1202" align="alignnone" width="450"] You decided as a retailer you need to replace your current store systems to compete in today's Omni-channel, digital retail environment. The first step in the process is to document features and requirements the new system...

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