Retail Drive 11 predictions for 2016

In a recent article Retail Drive published a list from industry experts listing 11 predictions for 2016. One in particular from Steve Barr caught attention:

 Forget about the transaction, it’s about the interaction! 

Steve Barr, Retail and Consumer sector leader, PwC: Creating a unique customer experience will continue go a long way toward building loyalty in 2016. Shoppers, especially millennials, are craving experiences from brands. For retailers, it will no longer be about having large amounts of inventory on hand. The store will evolve from a hub of products into a distinctive experience that helps the consumer be more connected to the brand and its values.

About two weeks ago Jordan’s Furniture opened a new store in New Haven Connecticut. To characterize this as a retail furniture store would be a gross understand statement. They have taken the concept of creating a unique customer experience to new level. Inside the store is a sixty foot high adventure ropes course, a pizza shop where you can customize your pizza with 180 choices of toppings and an ice cream shop. They’ve created a retail environment where mom, dad and the kids can go for a “shopping experience”. While mom shops for furniture the rest of the family can try the rope adventure. When their done they can all enjoy their custom pizza and ice cream. The obvious goal is to attract the whole family, create a destination experience and increase the amount of time each potential spends in the store. There is a direct correlation between the time spent in a store and increased spending.

There have been many articles written recently about the demise of the traditional department stores. All retailers need to step back and see how they can create a unique shopping experience in their stores. It’s certainly worth the effort to explore how you can meet the expectations of the millennials. Have a meeting with your key employees to discuss any and all suggestions on creating events that engage customers. I plan to visit Jordan’s in the next few weeks to get a first hand perspective.

This is an example of an simple event to engage customers that utilizes both in store and on line marketing.

Announcing the 2016 H&T Peak Pics Contest!!!

Hickory & Tweed is taking our storied “Wall of Fame” online this season! Just like the countless photos of loyal Tweeder’s lining our shop’s walls – we want to feature the best shots from the H&T community in our online “Peak Pics” series!

Send us your best photo from the slopes this season – and we’ll share it on our Facebook page. Whether it’s a family shot from the lift, or a summit selfie – we want to see the best ya got!

The weekly pic with the most “likes” at the end of the season will win a H&T Threads Prize Pack!!!