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: 03/04/2021
Is Texas messing with retailers?
COVID-19 has posed a national IQ test: are you smart enough to avoid getting sick? The fantasists who want to tell you that the pandemic is over are delusional and shouldn't negate the good work being done by cautious retailers. - Posted on: 03/03/2021
Target CEO says record-setting 2020 was no ‘fluke’
Exactly. - Posted on: 03/03/2021
Target CEO says record-setting 2020 was no ‘fluke’
Mr. Cornell has it exactly right. Target's investments in infrastructure and technology perfectly positioned the company for pandemic response. Retail companies that are leery of investment should follow this story carefully. (Question for Target merchants, though -- what's with the oddly-colored women's apparel?) - Posted on: 03/02/2021
Macy’s leadership changes focus on digital ops and supply chain
This is a company that lost a billions last year. Let's hope that these changes are just the beginning. - Posted on: 03/02/2021
Is off-mall where it’s at?
The Sarasota Square Mall will be repurposed into residential units later this year. Both of the malls within walking distance of my home in DC are effectively empty. It's hard to imagine what could possibly bring malls back from the dead. - Posted on: 03/01/2021
Will the post-pandemic era be America’s next Roaring ‘20s?
The asceticism of 2020 and 2021 means that 2022 is going to be one huge party. - Posted on: 03/01/2021
Do rivals need to follow Costco’s minimum wage lead right now?
Paying store associates the minimum wage might have made sense when all they had to do was bag groceries or fold clothing, but today's associate is being asked to do much more. Engaged and well-trained associates remain in place longer and create more value. Costco knows that raising their minimum to $16 is a smart move, not a publicity stunt. - Posted on: 02/26/2021
Is it the right time to reopen food bars?
YIKES!!! - Posted on: 02/26/2021
Is it the right time to reopen food bars?
Now I want to know what you've seen... - Posted on: 02/26/2021
Target wants a bigger slice of Apple’s pie
Genius. (Sorry.) Apple's demographic is Target's demographic, and with long lines to get into Apple stores, Apple customers would certainly approve. What an exciting partnership! - Posted on: 02/25/2021
Are Americans ready to do some good old-fashioned ‘revenge shopping’?
While most of the retailers in my neighborhood are shuttered, our TJMaxx and Marshalls are always crowded. Budget-friendly prices and a fresh assortment every week tempt shoppers with a desire to get out of the house. When it's safe to go out again, shoppers are going to spend, people are going to flock to restaurants, and we're all going to party like it's 2022. - Posted on: 02/22/2021
Amazon is using crowdsourcing to create new products
You have to think that Amazon not only tested the concept of asking consumers' opinions, but also the resulting purchase. It's a smart idea and a marketing tool as well. - Posted on: 02/19/2021
Will 7-Eleven’s beer and wine on tap be a c-store game changer?
You're on!! - Posted on: 02/19/2021
Will 7-Eleven’s beer and wine on tap be a c-store game changer?
I'm clearly missing something here. Customers can already go into 7-Eleven and pick up a single can of beer (Duane Reade, too). Why have beer on tap? - Posted on: 02/17/2021
Has text messaging become retail’s go-to communication tool?
If messages are personal and relevant, that's one thing -- if texting mimics those every-day-no-matter-what blanket emails, that's a real problem. How will customers opt out?
