More Retailing Tidbits – August 2007
by Veronica Stone on August 7th, 2007
Social Retailing
Here’s a new term that retailers will soon learn! Bloomingdale’s is trying to reach out to teens and young adults, so in its flagship store in New York City, it offered an interactive sales-floor mirror that let shoppers view themselves in outfits as well as comments – and images of alternate garments – sent to the mirror by their online friends!
If the shopper liked the look of the dress suggested by a friend, she can touch the mirror to make the image of the dress appear life-size, and then stand in front of it which will allow her to "try it on" in virtual reality. This is now social retailing…web-based social networking in a traditional retail environment.
The product is called the "Magic Mirror" produced by IconNicholson and is expected to be rolled out to several retail stores later this year.
Web and Traditionals Not Connecting
A recent study of 100 of the fast-growing publicly held retailers in the United States shows that less than 25% consider seamless web-integration as a top priority. Of the retailers that were operating websites, over 40% didn’t have any integration between store and website and only two-thirds gave customers the ability to purchase a product on the site.
Many retailers have made some multi-channel progress including integrated return policies, gift card policies, pricing and promotions. It does appear that many of the retailers efforts to use internet marketing is disjointed from their brick and mortar stores.
This recent survey explains that in order to meet customer expectations, your channels and your brand must all work together seamlessly to afford the customers a rewarding shopping experience. This is something that is not being accomplished by most major retailers.
Retailing Tidbits
PERSONALLY I never liked Starbucks coffee, but I was surprised, considering their popularity, that blue ribbon for best coffee went to McDonald’s (which was also the cheapest). Perhaps this is why Starbucks has started selling CD’s and other merchandise.
…WAL-MART’s campaign to sell energy efficient light bulbs is to be applauded. However, typical of the giant, they formed a power company called Texas Retail Energy to supply electric to their stores. Perhaps they’ll start retailing it also – kilowatts in aisle seven!
…SMALL retailers take note: Skateboarding is STILL big! Kohl’s is planning a line of
clothing and JC Penney is teaming with Tony Hawk for a footwear line that they say will be the biggest brand launch ever. Follow the leaders!
…QVC officially shipped its 1 billionth package in the United States. They ship 12,000 packages an hour and 3.4 packages every second in the U.S.! Wow!!
