Christopher P. Ramey

This strategy is about inventory management. Nothing else. It is the result of comparing lost sales due to lack of inventory against mark-downs of the same SKUs.

Customers don't care from where the product is shipped. But, they care a lot if the product is out of stock.

Retailers must manage every detail; regardless of whether it is online or in the store.

All employees are responsible for what they say publicly and privately. The CFO should know this better than anyone.

The restaurant industry and their 'Farm to Table' initiatives have been successful for years. Buying product that is sourced locally is an integral part of sustainable living/green initiatives.

My panels on marketing to Millennials always include some mention from the panel or audience that this generation desires to buy...

As written, JCP cut the number of floor supervisors and now they're eliminating commission for the salespeople. The former allows them to miss the issues associated with the second.

This isn't a strategy that I generally recommend to my clients.

The suggestions to remain calm, withhold blaming the customer, apologizing, focusing on resolution and bringing in another person are fine; albeit a bit simplistic. Every situation is different. A good salesperson identifies the core issue, empathizes to resolve, and removes the customer from where the customer might embarrass themselves. ...

All marketing evolves. What was effective last year won't be effective next year.

My experience is that those with expertise or a bias for one channel tend to summarily dismiss other media as if their product were automatically superior. It's not that easy.

The novelty of email has worn-off. ...

Jackson dead is safer than Jackson alive. His weird past is evaporating and the music remains. It's a natural evolution.

If the Jackson brand is marketable, then let Pepsi leverage it. And the Jackson family ought to profit from it. That's entertainment....

Isn't the real question 'Should retailers be more innovative and/or take risks?' The answer is a resounding yes. Shopping for mom is very difficult. Flowers are safe. Clothing often bombs.

As with any gift period, provide ideas and shoppers will respond in kind.

It's part passion, love, empowerment, creativity and the right DNA. Finding and managing the balance is the tricky part.

Mr. Larsson has a global perspective that will ensure they won't hit the same bumps as Gap. His expertise and understanding of fast-fashion will change and successfully expand Old Navy.