Analyst Defines Next Generation of Retail Winners

Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kohl’s, J.C. Penney, Starbucks and Lowe’s are expected to succeed in 2002, says Fred Crawford, executive VP at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGEY). Companies that treat customers with respect and connect on a personal level are positioning themselves for success, according to an analyst presentation organized by CGEY.

Moderator Comment: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

We’re in agreement with Mr. Crawford’s picks with the exception of J.C. Penney. The retailer is too much of a me-too for our tastes. (Check out The Myth of Excellence: Why Great Companies Never Try to Be the Best at Everything by Fred Crawford and Ryan Mathews — a great read!)

What other retailers have earned your R-E-S-P-E-C-T for connecting with consumers? [George Anderson – Moderator]