DMM Retail Industry e-News Issue #168
PBS Details Three Advantages Real-world Stores Have Over E-Commerce
Your humble e-newsletter editor grew up on Sesame Street (not literally, watching the kids’ educational TV show). As an older kid, I developed a fondness for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. So, when PBS has some positive news to say about retailing, it gets yours truly’s attention. The recent announcement from Forever 21 notwithstanding, PBS notes there are three, distinct advantages real-world retailers have over those that only sell via e-commerce. “Even with the promise of same-day delivery, e-tailers like Amazon will never be able to deliver fast enough or satisfy many consumer needs. Need a battery for your child’s new toy? A shot of caffeine? Convenience stores always seem to be either around the corner from home or along the interstate. Look no further than the strategy of 7-Eleven, which has been expanding and opening new stores, particularly in urban areas where there is more foot traffic and on-the-go consumers,” writes Anthony Dukes of The Conversation.
The World’s Major Cities Love Shoppers, and Vice-Versa
The largest cities in the world (even the smaller ones) always attract shoppers. Invariably someone will ask, in the case of a small town, if there is a Starbucks or a Whole Foods. “The largest ball of twine? That’s great, but I need a place to find one-of-a-kind clothing that represents this area and culture.” People say that all the time. CNN Travel came out with a list of the top large cities around the world where people love to shop. One was in the United States (guess which one). Maybe soon East Rutherford, NJ, will be on the list?
2020 Retail Crystal Ball: the Top 7 Customer En·Gage·Ment Trends
Engagement (en·gage·ment: emotional involvement or commitment). That’s one of the ways Merriam-Webster defines “engagement.” For retail, that’s pretty accurate, but let’s expand upon that a little. The Atlanta Small Business Network defines it as “connecting with prospective customers and clients in a meaningful way–and typically in a way that ultimately drives sales and improves the bottom line.” They’ve got the seven top customer engagement trends for 2020, including “Location-Based Mobile Interactions” and “Permeable Gamification,” or “interactive games and quizzes…today’s brands can use…to push advertising and increased engagement.”
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DMM e-News - Issue #168
