Doug Stephens’ The Retail Revival highlights the fundamental challenges that today’s executives and entrepreneurs must manage to not only succeed but to continue to exist as “the fat and lazy era in consumerism is giving way to a lean, creative and inspired age” (Stephens 228). As large companies, digital giants, and e-commerce businesses become larger and larger, one may come to think that the day and age for retail is over. However, Stephens strongly disagrees with this notion and instead holds the belief that retail is entering an even more exciting and honest era. In the fifth chapter: “The New Law of Average”, Stephens polarizes the competitive playfield into two distinct categories: High Fidelity and High Convenience where the focus is on exclusivity and ubiquity, respectively (Stephens 95). Stephens emphasizes the importance of choosing one of these categories for striving for both is what he refers to as a “fidelity mirage” (Stephens 99) which leads a company into a downward spiral. A particularly impressive observation by Stephens is his stance on “customer experience [being] a result, not a competency” (Stephens 111). This perspective highlights the importance of treating the business processes, stores, and customer service as the fundamentals of a customer experience rather than just throwing around the term as to impress board members. The most valuable lesson from this chapter is simple, “there’s no room for cowards. The new law of average dictates that any
The retail division has accepted an awesome part all through the world in extending productivity of customer items and endeavors. It is similarly the second greatest industry in US to the extent amounts of agents and establishments. There is no denying the way that most of the made economies are particularly relying upon their retail territory as a prepare of advancement. The India Retail Industry is the greatest among each one of the organizations, speaking to more than 10 percent of the countries GDP and around 8 for every penny of the work. The Retail Industry in India has drawn nearer as a champion among the most dynamic and snappy paced organizations with a couple of players entering the market. Regardless, every one of them have not yet tasted accomplishment in perspective of the generous beginning hypotheses that are required to measure up to the underlying speculation with various
The industry we have chosen is the department store-retail industry. Within this industry, we have chosen the department stores of JCPenney and Macy’s. We find this industry, as well as these two companies, interesting from a strategic perspective. JCPenney has recently undergone a massive strategic restructuring in regards to its pricing, brand offerings, and store layout, pushing it away from the typical department store strategy of discounts and coupons. Its new strategy has become much closer to Wal-Mart’s strategy of every day low prices. Macy’s, on the other hand, has restructured with a push from the economic
Macy's is one of the premier retailer franchises within the United States. To begin, Macy's Inc. is one of the nation's largest and well known department store chains. Started over 150 years ago, Macy's has continually generated excellent returns for its shareholders and employees. Currently, in the midst of a global recession, Macy's has generated huge profits with same store sales increasing 5.3% year to date. In 2012 same store sales increased 4.6% in the month of February alone (Macy's Inc., 2012). In fact, throughout the duration of 2012, Macy's is projecting even larger profits for its underlying business operations. Even though Macy's has experienced success with both its assortments and brand, its competitors haven't faired so well. Sears, due in part to part to a lackluster holiday season, has been forced to close nearly 120 locations to generate excess liquidity in an effort to shore up its balance sheet (Isadora, 2011).Other competitors who cater specifically to the middle class consumer have also lost significant amounts of market share as consumers trade down due to the economy. Macy's, with its ride array of assortments and products continues to grow as it attempts to capture market share from failing competitors. Macy's is also unique as it operates in a unique market
ABSTRACT: The question of ethics relates to the good and its contrary, evil. What ethics does with its object is to seek to understand it, that is, not to produce either the concept of the good or the actions that fall under that concept. Thus, the question that follows is: What is the good?, or strictly speaking, what is the definition of the good? But the definition asked for, as any other definition, is necessarily related to the science of language. But language itself is a social phenomenon. Consequently, the definition of any concept implies the quest of the social roots of this concept. In this sense, the quest of the roots is prior to the quest of what is. Examples are taken from Plato’s Republic,
The Australia retail sector is under huge pressures from many different forces. In the recent Lander & Rogers Briefing, Myer CEO Bernie Brooks referred to the current environment as ‘the third big revolution of the past 100 years’ for retail. This analysis will look at recent opinions and commentary on the Australian retail sector, with a focus on the potential consequences for the economic future for Myer. These commentaries will assist in highlighting the forces that are in play within the sector
Chicago is known for it 's innovative spirit. The Chicago History Museum has an exhibit titled Second to None that highlights some of Chicago 's inventions and innovations. Modern Retail is an exhibit within Second to None that focuses on Chicago 's retail history. The information provided by the CHM on Modern Retail is a little disappointing. The CHM has the resources to tell a wonderful story on the history of modern day retail, but instead chooses to keep the exhibit simple. Modern Retail has about fifteen plaques to read and a few dull artifacts. The exhibit takes about five minutes to read and enjoy. Sadly, it seems the CHM 's definition of retail is narrow. Retail in
In a society that has seen historical economic fluctuations and shifts in one’s long-term employment, consumers are searching for the best bargains they can find. Consumers across the United States are looking for ways to save money; thus, searching for stores that will provide them with everything they need at a lower cost. Companies around the United States are fighting to stay competitive and are seeking ways to restructure their company, and still provide for consumers the best prices. It is within this economic backdrop that people will study a leader in low cost, high
The retail trade industry is a vast network of businesses that needs workers in hundreds of different occupations. Over the last 40 yrs. the changes we have seen to our high streets and local shops have been as drastic as any in technology. When I was young most of the shopping was done in traditional shops including the local Butchers, Bakers, Grocers and Newsagents.
This week our speaker Ruby R. Dholakia, is from the University. She is a professor in the college of business. Understanding the evolving shopping experience from the past to now was the focal point of her lecture. The overall shopping experience is evolving globally due to what we have on hand. She brought to our attention many different industries that are evolving with the consumer changes. It’s all about adapting to the current consumer trends and expanding shopping areas to make it easier to buy. Companies are currently customizing to consumer needs, which she exampled using fashion and non-fashion related examples.
In the United States, department stores have existed as a very large segment of the retailing world. The industry is rolling towards change and challenge as external influences drive demand setting. Department Store sales have been steadily dropping and are projected to continue to decline at about 17% from the year 2011 to 2021. Mintel Academic predicts that sales in this industry are going to drop in 2017 to $54.3 billion, 8% less than the year 2016 (Mintel Academic). This industry is in the declining stage of its life cycle, with revenue steadily declining at a rate of 4% over the past five years until 2017.
Sheer foot traffic is one of the most important aspects of any retail business (Brown, 2004), especially in Americas larger cities where walkability is key and many customers will arrive to a store through public transportation or simple foot travel (Leinberger & Lynch, 2015). The American retail market has seen a declining amount of foot traffic over the past few years, even though retail sales have increased (Dixon, 2014; Team, 2014). This loss in foot traffic first occurred through a transition to shopping malls and is now a symptom of the rise of e-commerce (Banjo & Fitzgerald, 2014; Scharoun, 2012). Also of consequence to many retailers in the suburbs is the rise of downtown revitalization, pulling many potential customers to the many boutiques, restaurants, and pedestrian malls that are prevalent in these efforts to save the American downtown (Robertson, 1997).
India has stepped in the exuberant age of retail. It ranks second after Russia as the most alluring destination for retailers among 30 emerging markets, according to the Global Retail Development Index developed by AT Kearney, a consultancy. The 10-12% increase in the economy’s disposable income can be seen clearly by the way goods and services are being brought and sold. Retail Trade contributes 10-11% of India’s GDP.
The product life style of the department store is in the mature or declining phase of its product life style, because of the declining sales. Furthermore, according to estimates, market share has eroded away to 7 per cent, as of 2010, and is far below the desirable rate 15 per cent (Johnson, 2011, p. 3). Also, the brand image is being heavily relied upon and the bottom line is not showing significant increase in the years presented in the journal article. Macy’s is afloat due to a strong management team and the aggressiveness to deal with problems as they arise. For example, continuing to adjust its portfolio of stores, focusing on fashion, and developing private labels in bedding, outerwear, ‘tween’ clothing, increase national advertising and using celebrities. Additionally, Macy’s advertising is combining the national department store image with July 4 and the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which appeals to the American citizen. Solution
The recent recession has hurt the entire retail market and regaining profits will be a constant challenge for the entire industry. In order to remain competitive, Ann Krill states,” value and versatility have become very important. She needs an incentive to shop.” (Hymowitz, 2012) Ms. Krill goes on to say,” I think in uncertain economic times, value becomes more important...” (Hymowitz, 2012)
Downsizing, bankruptcy, and closure are words plaguing the retail industry. Large retail chains are being forced out of business because of the newfound popularity of online shopping. Jack Snyder has a first-hand relationship with these words. As an electronics sales manager for Sears in a small-town mall, Jack was forced out of his job when his store closed. After many successful years with the company, it came as a shock to him to not only lose his store and job but to not be offered something else within the company. Although he isn’t a real person, Jack’s situation has become increasingly prevalent across the world in the last several years to actual retail workers. Due to their popularity, online shopping giants will lead to the demise of traditional retail stores and ultimately cause an economic disaster.