Retail Evolution

According to Graham Ruddick of The Telegraph today (08/01/13) 300 retailers went into administration during 2012. These figures would beg the question why are so many companies getting it so wrong?

Clearly an easy answer would be its the economy but if that were the case then how are companies like John Lewis not just surviving but thriving.

Obviously there are no easy answers and there will be numerous factors at play in pushing well know brands such as JJB Sports, Comet and United Carpets into the hands of the administrators.

But is there a more fundamental problem facing retailers

Considering that the single organising principle and reason for being that lays at the heart of every retail business is to return shareholder value. But here is the problem I have never met one single consumer who gets out of bed in the morning with the intention of helping any retailer make more money for its owners.

Instead consumers are more focused on enriching their lives, living their dreams and making themselves happy. Clearly a straight forward disconnect. But are these objectives mutually exclusive?

No, all that is required is a realignment and a sharing of objectives, the consumers objective. Retailers simply need to embrace the notion that making profit and returning shareholder value is a byproduct of creating happy consumers.

Perhaps the old retail adage that the product is king is not quite the whole story, more a case of the consumer is King and my products should make him smile otherwise he will bestow his patronage else where.

Vertical Montanas

Working in the marketing communications industry I get to see lots of creative ideas and work. And just occasionally I come across a piece of work that warms the heart.

Vertical Montanas By Cinco is a beautifully executed piece of work that captivated me with its child like simplicity. Story telling that is unencumbered by language, gender, race or religion.

Content that engages is the must have of the moment for brands but how do we define engagement. Clearly Cinco believe in a light hearted and emotionally warm approach that is as remarkable for its impact as it is for gentleness.

If you have the time enjoy  http://www.nosotroscinco.com/index.php?main_category=All&category=Print&workId=59&workName=Vertical_Montanas

Inspiration

Whilst reading Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective people on holiday this year I was gazing deeply into my own navel contemplating my values and principles when a very surprising thing happened.

After pushing thoughts of Chicken Punjabi to one side, which I highly value and as a matter of principle consume on a weekly basis, long enough to consider something other than my stomach. I realised how important inspiration was to me on an emotive and rational level.

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes whether it be other peoples life stories or their actions and adventures. A simple idea or design, an act of brutality or total compassion can become a catalyst that moves another human being to action.

The interesting thing about inspiration is that its totally personnel, what inspires me could be sycophantic clap trap to you and vice a versa.

But the one thing I believe we all have in common is how being inspired makes us feel.
Absolutely fantastic, warm, fuzzy, excited, child like you know what I am talking about.
Any way with that in mind I will be collecting and sharing some little bits of this and that and trying to explain why they make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Why?

I am not sure really, maybe to pander to my own ego, possibly because I like the sound of my own voice (you know what I mean) or maybe I am conceited enough to believe people will actually care what I think.

But if at some point along the way I can share something that actually makes some one else feel good and gives them a little lift then thats not such a bad thing.

Is it?