The retail world is in a constant state of change. Just as soon as you think you’ve got it down, something new pops up. We’re constantly bombarded with predictions and proclamations about how retail is changing. We’re being inundated with (often conflicting) advice about how to do it right. It isn’t easy to see the forest through the trees, but that’s what we’re here for.
Here are a few things we’ve been reading, that we feel will be helpful for you.
Three Technology Predictions for Online Retailers – I like this article, because it’s succinct and valuable. Retail is not just about getting someone into your store. It’s about standing out against your competitors by providing a unique, valuable customer experience. This article dives into three emerging technology ideas that going to transform retail. How are you preparing now for these impending innovations?
Delivery Concerns Drive Earlier Start to Holiday Shopping – Fast and free. That is what American consumers want out of a shipping policy, this holiday season. This article explains why half of Americans plan to shop online earlier this year, so that they don’t get burned by shipping problems. The holidays are the time you can make it or break it for your customers. It only takes one present that isn’t beneath the tree on Christmas to turn away a customer from future purchases. How are you going to make sure you can fulfill and ship all of your holiday orders on time?
Houzz…Opens Million-Item Marketplace – The 182nd most popular website in the United States has just opened a marketplace for home goods. If you’re a seller of home goods (or any of the categories that Houzz accepts), you should consider how their new marketplace can fit into your multichannel strategy. Even if you aren’t a seller of home goods, appreciate this story as example of how quickly your channels evolve. For many vendors, a marketplace that didn’t exist a short time ago may now be a significant new revenue stream. How quickly can you integrate a new channel if a relevant one opens for you?
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