Commentary

Jon Bibo, CEO of the Independent College Bookstore Association, shares how this unique category continues to be successful with a broad, local audience. JGA: What’s the typical audience like in the world of college bookstores? Most of us reading this are long past college years, so give us an idea of the target audience and…

JGA recently worked with Icon Modern to craft a 19-foot-long table out of elm wood from the Ford House’s property for their new retail space. They’re helping retailers and companies tell their story while saving the planet one table at a time. Icon Modern’s co-founder, Rocky Levy has always been interested in sustainability. He was…

For years resort retail has been the place you shop when you forget something or need to grab a last minute souvenir to take home. And recently, it has struggled to be relevant. Why would anyone pay top dollar for imported goods they could buy back home? Sandals Resorts is changing that. Michael Williams, Head…

Located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, Ford House embodies the story of one of America’s most iconic families—Edsel & Eleanor Ford—and traces their legacy through critical eras in American History. Designed by renowned Detroit Architect, Albert Khan with landscaping by the celebrated Jens Jensen, the art-filled estate and its grounds invite visitors to engage in…

Janis Healy shares how to get the integration of digital into physical right. After more than a year of hibernation, customers are eagerly returning to live events and physical retail. Sporting events throughout the country are returning to full capacity. Music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Bonnaroo, are scheduled to resume in 2021. And…

John Ballay shares how following your customers’ needs instead of business plans can set you up for success. By now, we have heard the analysis so frequently that it has almost become irrefutable: this pandemic has affected everything, but few industries have been hit worse than retail. There is, obviously, a lot of truth in…

Paco Underhill talks about the importance of in-store research. An old Envirosell/Zen joke is that, “The farthest desk away from the front door is where the person in charge sits.”  We ask both merchants and marketers how well they understand who their customers are and most importantly, who their customer could be. Category Management or…

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…