As my following of readers knows, I love to shop and I  firmly believe that everything I know, I learned while shopping! With this in mind, you no doubt are convinced that I am well qualified to talk to you about Retail! Did I also mention that I have an opinion, about EVERYTHING! Let me pontificate....

With the introduction of the WalMart factor and the 'find anything at the best price on the internet' factor, cost has been removed from the equation and brand distinction has become everything.  The problem is, our latest information about consumers is saying that they still don't see the differentiation. Now we know some retailers are doing a great job of this and really always have. Let's look at Trader Joe's (can't wait to see them in Atlanta) and Whole Foods (or whole paycheck re: Brian Kilcourse). These are great examples of 'what TO do'. Unfortunately not everybody gets it and we have to ask the question 'WHY'? 

As one with an answer, oops I mean opinion, about everything, let me share some thoughts.  

FACT: As mentioned in a previous Blog, retail leaders with a strong sense of technology are emerging on top
FACT: Technology is needed to help the 'buying' process (that would be the customer) more so than the 'selling'
FACT: Thus getting to IT decisions faster, is a powerful trend
FACT: Or retailers will lose market share in their own markets. (When Coach thinks The Apple Store is their biggest competition, what does that bring to mind about 'buy side' technology???)
FACT: Innovative solutions are harder to find since Oracle and SAP are trying to eliminate the competition

So what do we do about this? Yes, i say 'WE' because without you retailers, I can't shop!  

First off, retailers need access to technology.  They need to be able to research alternatives, build business cases, understand impact and the total cost of ownership long before a new project can be approved.  To do this they need to know who is out there with what offerings, they need to talk to other retailers without the risk of divulging their company secrets, and they need to have access to vendors without the threat of additional sales calls, before the sales cycle has even begun.  This is called 'gaining confidence' and retailers need this to build their strategies.  

OK, and what about the vendor?  The vendors are concerned about the playing field right now and what the activities of Oracle and SAP might mean to them. They are having more and more difficulty reaching retailers to get their messages in front of them at a time that the retailer is ready to listen.  They are not sure what retailers are buying, how and from whom.  

With all that in mind, let me introduce you to a new concept..TheRetailTradeCenter.  As an advocate to the retail industry (remember I can't shop if the retailers don't exist), I believe it is in my best interest to help them resolve this pain and gain the brand differentiation our 'bored' consumers are complaining about. Hence, TheRetailTradeCenter, a brain child of a true retail-minded diva (sorry Cathy, it just seemed to fit!).  The kind that dreams up ways to keep shopping front and center of her life! Bring the mountain to Mohammad, so to speak. 

All kidding aside, we are happy to announce this first of it's kind, Retail Technology Social Exchange and to let you know that it is coming soon. Like, later this month. If you would like to read a little more about it, visit the 'Place Holder' web site at www.TheRetailTradeCenter.com.  It's going to be as easy as 'My Space' to use and purports to be the place that will bring technology to retailers.   

How's that for a ME Factor point scorer!   

Sincerely:

The Shopper Next Store