Commentary

Ben Rodier shares how virtual selling tools can build stronger customer loyalty. Pre-pandemic, retailer-hosted events were an effective way to bring consumers together to show off the latest products. It was a way for a brand to immerse people in their “brand story” and build a loyal following. Plus, the impulse buys from people in-store…

Melissa Baird encourages companies to re-imagine the retail experience in the wake of the COVID and climate crises. The retail sector is not alone in the decimation of its profits and purpose during 2020. Prior to the pandemic happy shoppers flocked to retail outlets and maximized shopping experiences through desire and intention to find great…

NOTE: Chanda visited Amsterdam at the beginning of this year. All stores referenced in this article are still open. By Chanda Kumar Walking through the charming cobbled streets, with hidden gems around every corner, I was surprised with the fresh, simple yet unassuming ways that brands and stores in Amsterdam are engaging with people in…

Parrish Hanna talks about the demand for more viable retail channels. Ownership is overrated. Or so the “younger generation” thinks – as they want to own less and experience more. They are okay experiencing it alone, but life is much better if experienced with others and then shared with the world on social media. They…

Retail around the globe have been struggling since stay-at-home orders were put in place in countries on almost every continent earlier this year . Clothing, electronics and furniture stores have been affected the most. Thankfully, May brought a promising rebound with apparel stores seeing the biggest bounce back — 188 percent over April for U.S.…

Nikunj Jain talks about building teams to challenge the norm. “Brainstorming call today.” Emails with such subject lines are doomsday in the making. Come one, come all is very rarely the path to creative innovation. As I personally noticed while conducting innovation sessions, there is a direct correlation between an increased number of participants to…

The list of brands pivoting to help during these tumultuous times just keeps growing. We’ve been featuring clients, partners, and colleagues using this time as an opportunity to do something good. In case you missed our first story, read it here. And another one here. People might wonder what could an artificial Christmas tree retailer…

There are many stories of retailers stepping up to the plate to donate money or supplies to hospitals, charities, first responders or other front line workers. We applaud them and makes us proud to be part of this industry. We’ve been featuring clients, partners, and colleagues using this time as an opportunity to do something…

There are a lot of great companies doing great things to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We think it’s both incredible and admirable. This is a rough time for many retailers right now, especially those in the fashion vertical. But this is also a chance for companies to put their resources to…

Everybody loves a good comeback story and we’re all hoping to hear a lot of them in the future. Coldwater Creek is a perfect example of a company that had lost its way, but a brand people had never given up on. Today, they’ve redefined their brand and primed to resonate with women who want…