The New Normal
Posted on Jun 30, 2009
I know Walmart is a bad word to anyone servicing better tiers, but guess what, they’re the ones benefiting from the economy. Moreover, they just might maintain much of that market share post recovery.
Everyone keeps wondering if people will ever return to pre-recession level spending. While I think Americans have extremely short memories and will return to shopping, I don’t think it’ll be with the same abandon as before.
(And that’s a good thing—look where it got us.) Stores like Walmart seem to have the same theory.. .
Local Economy Booster
Posted on Jun 23, 2009
What to do when times are tough? Print your own money, of course. That’s what some cities and towns are doing.
http://tinyurl.com/qkb4wr Apparently it’s legal, and local currency helps encourage residents to spend locally. With stores and restaurants closing with a scary frequency lately, many people have devised ways to help their city economy.
Here in New York, some consumers have opted to pick a few shops they love and patronize them regularly.. .
Hot Foot
Posted on Jun 23, 2009
We’re on the eve of our latest Little Steps footwear magazine collaboration with sister pub Footwear Plus. (Read it at http://tinyurl.com/nemjzz) I think this is our third year.
Initially our mission was to educate retailers on the value of adding (or expanding on their) shoes. Well, whether we can take sole credit for it or not, it seems many stores are definitely on the bandwagon..
A Disservice
Posted on Jun 23, 2009
I always complain. Hey, it’s not my fault.
Growing up, my parents were big letter writers. If they felt they weren’t being treated fairly, they put pen to paper.
These days, my upbringing has combined with my professional curiosity. Everyone always claims to offer great customer service, so I often test it.
My conclusion: I wonder if stores and vendors know what customers really want. For example, recently Revlon discontinued my favorite nail shade, which I wore every day.
I sent them an email begging them to reconsider.. .
Celeb Designer Hype
Posted on Jun 23, 2009
So Stella McCartney is doing a kids’ collection with the Gap (http://tinyurl.com/n4q3wa). Marketing sure makes strange bedfellows.
Though I think her Adidas collection is relatable with broad appeal, I’m not sure those would be the first words I’d use for her main collection. I’ll be interested to see what this line looks like.
It also begs the question of how well some of these other high/low collabs fair at retail (as opposed to in the press). Is a celebrity venture what Gap needs?.
Creativity Gets the Boot
Posted on Jun 23, 2009
Read an article in the New York Times today about the role of department store creative directors and how they’re loosing their jobs—kind of end of an era. As the position is described in the article, the creative directors are responsible for scouting new designers and generally keeping the store fresh and giving it character.
Um, and they’re getting rid of these people? With few exceptions department stores are anything but fresh and charismatic. They all look the same and sell the same brands and products—thus the price wars and one-day sales..
