Roger Saunders

Social Media is here to stay for a good, long run. There will likely be a number of different networks that will continue to spring up to capture the eyeballs, and thus influence consumers' purchasing decisions.

Traditional, digital, and added "new" media forms will both evolve and morph toward...

It's fair game for retailers to see a role of being a brand manager in their strategy. Having a hit, that can shift into a "franchise," is a platform that should be on the table. E-commerce to brick & mortar, and brick & mortar to e-commerce provides the opportunity...

Patience will mitigate risk, increase learnings, and conserve time in addressing hiccup-issues to the press, stakeholders, and associates down the road.

Better that Walmart take this initiative a step at a time, than to go through several iterations of new management like the Fresh & Easy chain. Just because...

Performance-based bonuses, properly designed, align associates with company, store level, and personal performance expectations. They place associates in a position to have skin in the game, and assure that all are focused on similar objectives.

The best incentive plans will have characteristics like these:
1. Objectives are consistent...

America has always been a melting pot. Retailers will want to pay attention to the shifting demographics, but it will become equally important to see the complete consumer -- know the Lifestage, Lifestyle, understand their Attitudes as well as Behaviors.

The tools are there to keep the consumer in mind,...

What's the objective in terms of the customer base? Throw out the old, and bring in the new?

The BIGinsight Monthly Consumer Survey consistently points out that the JC Penney base customer has had strong loyalty and strong proponents of shopping in Penney stores. For example, women who buy dresses...

Spontaneous shopping adventures have to meet the "location, quality, price" criteria of Consumers. Fashion Trucks can meet these needs.

"Selection" has to be targeted here, as a result of space shortages. May fit the bill in larger cities and around college campuses. That selection would have to have merchandise flexibility...

Asking the customer, or offering them help, provides added service, an opportunity for customer interaction, and an opportunity to smile, and let consumers know you appreciate their visit.

This also serves to cut down on shrink in a variety of ways. It's tougher to "steal" from someone who has...

Should a CMO send out an e-mail, tweet, memo, etc., saying that the company's CIO is an idiot? Of course not. Should associates within an organization expect their executives to communicate in an effective and ethical manner? Absolutely.

This isn't about "free speech," this is a case of poor judgement...

Bed, Bath, & Beyond would do well to learn lessons from TJX which has done a masterful job in blending TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Home Goods.

The system can work, as long as BBB doesn't attempt to centralize too much of the decision-making. They are picking up a bargain...