Redefining retail via shift in the holy balance between retailer and manufacturer: As manufacturers get closer to customers through social media and CRM, the power hungry retailers loose some of their control. Producing their own knockoff products will only work for commodity categories. Some manufacturers will not survive. Gap between existing ones will widen. Entry for new products will become more difficult unless backed by greedy retailers. Continue reading Redefining retail via manufacturer power shift

Redefining retail via Staff Education: As customer experience becomes more digital so will staff experience. Training videos, product information, work schedule… will all exist in mobile friendly digital format. Staff training will be able to happen anywhere. Continue reading Redefining retail via customer connectivity

Redefining retail via flodding of mobile ecommerce: Imagine a future where ecommerce and mobile shopping is a common aspect or every retailer. Imagine a future where almost every product is a commodity. The only differentiator a retailer can have is their brand, unique product selection, and their in-store experience. Continue reading Redefining retail via mobile ecom

Redefining retail: Customer Connectivity will be instant and native. No need for checkins. You will know your best friend is in Old Navy right now looking at new summer wear. In fact you could help her decide what to purchase from the comfort of your home couch. Product recos can finally be contextual and personal. Continue reading Redefining retail via customer connectivity

Redefining retail: Socialization of the sale via customer’s mobile device or integrated POS will become a promotional vehicle. Imagine a Facebook post “Jane just got the new Avacado Herbal Essences shampoo in Shoppers Drug Mart on Bedford Hwy & Hammonds Plains”. Why would Jane do that? It will all tie to an integrated shopping experience, in-store discounts, and a loyalty program. Continue reading Redefining retail via sale socialization

Redefining retail: Service personalization will radically change the shopping experience. Getting to know customers even on mass scale is now possible. Imagine a clerk knows your name and purchase history as they walk into the store or approach the check out counter. How? It’s all about combining social media marketing, intelligent POS, and integrating customer’s mobile device into the retail experience. Continue reading Redefining retail via service personalization