PROFILE
Cathy Hotka
Principal, Cathy Hotka & AssociatesCathy Hotka has personal relationships with most of North America’s most influential retail technology leaders. Cathy Hotka & Associates is a different kind of retail IT marketing firm, leveraging close relationships with CIOs to assist technology companies, and working with retail CIOs to create thought leadership materials. The company was founded in 2002 and enjoys working relationships with many Tier 1 retailers and vendors.
Prior to creating the firm, Hotka created the CIO Council for the National Retail Federation, and staffed the American Petroleum Institute’s IT Council. She has worked on Capitol Hill and the White House, and has been recognized by Computerworld, CIO, Executive Technology, and the Wharton School of Business.
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- Posted on: 09/16/2021
Will Walmart’s latest test ‘pave the way for autonomous delivery’?
The key point here is "defined areas." Let's see how this trial works out there first; I have doubts about widespread adoption. - Posted on: 09/16/2021
Should Banana Republic revisit its safari past?
Safari wear for Banana Republic? What's next: sailor wear for Old Navy? - Posted on: 09/15/2021
Rite Aid is going remote-first with its corporate workforce
Completely agree. Rite Aid is run by very smart people. This approach will help them retain valued staff and compete successfully in a very competitive segment. - Posted on: 09/14/2021
Walmart says crypto press release is a fake
Question: is there a compelling reason for retailers to accept cryptocurrency? - Posted on: 09/13/2021
Is the government’s vaccination mandate plan good for retail?
I'll never understand it. - Posted on: 09/13/2021
Is the government’s vaccination mandate plan good for retail?
Our society cannot get back to normal until vaccination is the norm. Once that is the case, consumers can return to stores as normal and we can all start living again. I'd love to enter a store without a mask -- maybe someday I can! - Posted on: 09/08/2021
Will Gen Z ditch Brandy Melville for wanting only pretty, thin, young, white workers?
Yikes. Today's younger consumers are color-blind and welcome diversity. Brandy Melville would do well to get ahead of this immediately before its customer mutiny. - Posted on: 09/01/2021
Should retail robots go humanoid?
Robots are definitely going to be the big retail story of 2030. Until then, not so much. - Posted on: 08/26/2021
American Eagle acquires logistics startup to help transform its supply chain
Walmart was the first retailer to acquire its own transportation company and it turned out brilliantly for them. I applaud American Eagle's foresight. - Posted on: 08/25/2021
Email marketing drives sales results and sometimes drives customers away
Please. Don't. Email. Me. Every. Day. - Posted on: 08/24/2021
Home Depot turns off thieves’ power to use or sell stolen tools
Genius idea, and real customers will be supportive because the technology saves them money. - Posted on: 08/20/2021
Americans have learned to shop with the virus
Month-to-month reporting is another reason why the myth of the "retail apocalypse" continues. Americans have money in their pockets and they're spending it. - Posted on: 08/19/2021
Has Target ‘only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible’ for its business?
Target excels in every area, but I'll give merchandising the edge. Think of the possibilities -- expanded furniture lines, additional apparel options, a fully fleshed-out home line. How will Target prioritize? - Posted on: 08/18/2021
Should grocery stores retire the ethnic aisle?
I don't care where in the store those items are, but I want them, and so do millions of other Americans. We're not eating just meatloaf and mashed potatoes any longer. Bring on the gochujang! - Posted on: 08/17/2021
Parachute plans to become America’s go-to for home goods and it might just work
You have to admire ambition.
