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: 08/23/2019
Will the next recession devastate mall-based retailers?
The last recession had several lasting impacts, including a turn away from designer labels and toward the treasure hunt. The mall that is closest to my home in Florida is only one third full; it's easy to imagine that a significant economic downturn could shutter it. - Posted on: 08/22/2019
Will tech take the place of speaking with pharmacists face-to-face?
Call some big corporation and endure their voicebot jail -- then ask yourself if this is how you'd like to communicate with your pharmacist. Personal trust is important. - Posted on: 08/22/2019
Groupon hopes its rewards program engenders more loyalty
Groupon really should have accepted that $5 billion offer from Google. There's nothing unique about their offering (heck, even my Washington Post offers Groupon-style deals) and asking for $4.99 per month sounds like a stretch. Wish I could be more positive. - Posted on: 08/20/2019
Is technology really making stores more like the web?
While there are retailers who are leveraging inventive technology in stores, it's a serious stretch to imply that retail is a playground of technology. - Posted on: 08/19/2019
Kroger’s trucks roll into food deserts
You're exactly right...predictability would probably be the key to success. This is a great idea; I hope it works. - Posted on: 08/16/2019
Can Jill Soltau rebuild J.C. Penney?
There's a lot of work to be done here, particularly in merchandising. These stores look daunting -- too much product, too much selection, too many SKUs. For Millennials, who are used to seeing five or six items at a time on a computer screen, it's just overwhelming. Wait -- did I just recommend Ron Johnson's approach? - Posted on: 08/15/2019
Will thredUP make Macy’s more thrifty?
This may just be what thredUP needs. I shop there regularly but haven't ever purchased anything because those white mannequins make even designer apparel look dismal. Perhaps in-store merchandising is the answer. - Posted on: 08/14/2019
Can H-E-B win the autonomous delivery vehicle race in Texas?
So many questions! So the customer removes the bags from the truck? What if the customer takes bags that aren't theirs? What if the customer isn't home? Autonomous vehicles could well be the future of home delivery, but there are obvious logistical considerations. - Posted on: 08/08/2019
Whole Foods gets serious about partying
I'm with Paula on this one. Amazon really should have studied what made Whole Foods unique. When you're charging more than the competition, brand ethos is everything. - Posted on: 08/07/2019
Has Christmas arrived too early at Selfridges?
Christmas in August may work for Selfridges, but it would be a huge turnoff almost everywhere else. It's already Halloween at plenty of stores, and it makes me want to turn around and walk right back out. - Posted on: 08/06/2019
Will outsourcing jobs help Lowe’s associates better serve customers in stores?
Thanks, Wendall. - Posted on: 08/06/2019
What are the signs of a dying retail business?
Can I add another to Bob's great list? Unwillingness to change. Making the same mistakes over and over is a recipe for retail sclerosis. - Posted on: 08/05/2019
Will outsourcing jobs help Lowe’s associates better serve customers in stores?
Something is missing from this story. How are laid-off workers going to improve customer service? - Posted on: 08/02/2019
Will its ‘best of’ designer sale trigger a massive run on Target?
Target's scarcity sales generate not only sales, but also interest and publicity, while being true to Target's cheap chic philosophy. Bring it on! - Posted on: 07/31/2019
Are store robots cute, creepy – or nearly useless?
Until these things can perform a useful function (like checking inventory and cleaning the floor) they're only an annoyance. How many more years will we have to see Pepper the robot at NRF?
