Small Is the Next Big Story in Retail

Macy's just announced it will be closing 35-40 stores in 2016. This will likely mark the slow, steady progression toward death for the malls to which those stores are attached. But maybe the closure of these Macy's stores is a symptom of a deeper problem in the mall shopping experience, not the cause of the malls' failure.

Today, shopping malls are becoming twenty-first century ghost towns. Since 2010, more than two dozen enclosed shopping malls have closed, and an additional 60 are on the brink. By 2025, an estimated 15 percent or more malls will be closed or repurposed, according to projections by Green Street Advisors. 

Topics: Retail Industry Insights

NRF Downgraded Projections for Retail Sales in 2015

You’ve probably heard that the National Retail Federation (NRF) has downgraded their retail sales forecast from 2015, from 4.1% increase to only 3.5% over 2014.  As a trade association for the retail industry, I don’t put too much stock into what they say, knowing that they want to, have to, put a positive spin on whatever they report, as Mark Twain said, “There are lies, damn lies and statistics.”  So the news of a downward adjustment of a forecast from the NRF is particularly notable, since the reality is probably much worse that they are likely to report.

Topics: Retail Demographics

4th of July: A Weekend of Numbers

Food, fireworks, flags, and fun. For many families across the United States, the 4th of July weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, grill out and eat good food, and play with fireworks. So much time and thought is put into planning a fun holiday get together that the costs of hosting picnics, traveling, and even buying fireworks isn’t even considered. But, for many companies, the 4th of July weekend is that perfect mid-summer event to boost sales.
Topics: Retail Holiday

Sensor Technology, Smart Apparel See Bright Future

The development of sensor technology has launched many different technology devices in the past decade. From FitBits to iWatches, the technology we see in these small devices is, simply put, incredible. As the technology becomes more accessible, we are seeing more and more industries getting involved with not just smart wearable devices, but smart apparel.

Topics: Retail Apparel Consumer Electronics Telecommunications & Wireless

Millennials' New Expectations: Top Trends Shaping the Luxury Consumer Market in 2015

Unity Marketing's look at the five most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer in 2015

2015 is shaping up to be a challenging year for luxury marketers, following last year, which wasn't particularly bright for luxury brands worldwide. Newly-affluent Chinese consumers cut back on luxury indulgences, and affluents in many Euro countries were impacted by a downturn in macroeconomic forces. Japan, the world's number two market for luxury, remains caught up in a long-standing recession, which only deepened at the end of 2014. And, while the U.S. economy looks stronger on paper, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the government agency that calculates the GDP, just reported that consumer spending declined by .3% in December, despite reported growth in personal income and disposable income. That means one thing: consumers are saving their gains, rather than spending them.

Topics: Retail Demographics Marketing

Affluents' Shopping Habits: 5 Top Trends Shaping the Luxury Market

Unity Marketing's look at the most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer

In recent blog posts, we’ve explored the top trends shaping the luxury market in 2015. The overriding trend that will impact all marketers at the high-end is that affluents have settled into a mood of austerity. One way that affluents' austere mood is expressed is in a new style of shopping which trends toward mass rather than 'class,' and preference for premium, rather than heritage luxury brands.

Topics: Retail Demographics Marketing

How to Use Market Research to Determine & Implement Loyalty Programs

Customer loyalty programs are one of the fastest growing marketing techniques among various different industries. American Airlines was one of the first companies to launch a successful loyalty program in 1981, and since then, loyalty programs have only increased in popularity and diversity. Because such programs are so common, not to mention the number of types of loyalty programs to choose from, it is important that you use market research to help you understand which program works best for your organization.

Topics: Market Research Strategy Retail Marketing How To's

Luxury's Brand New Style: Top Trends Shaping the Luxury Consumer Market in 2015

Unity Marketing's look at the five most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer in 2015

The American affluent shoppers – those with the money that affords them the opportunity to buy luxury goods – are caught under a dark cloud of austerity. In my last blog post, Affluent Austerity: Top Trends Shaping the Luxury Consumer Market in 2015, the trend toward affluent austerity was explored. It is this trend that is giving rise to the second most important luxury trend for 2015:  Affluent consumers are expressing luxury in a brand new style.

Topics: Retail Demographics Marketing

Projected 2015 Trends in the Consumer Goods & Retail Industry

New technologies and trends are projected to make big changes in the retail and consumer goods industry for 2015. Trends are going to change the customer experience both in store and from home. Some of the biggest trends include: product customization, increased self-serve options, industry crossover, and increased mobile app usage.

Topics: Retail Marketing

The 2014 Holiday Season Expects Increased Consumer Shopping

Even with all the different traditions and customs, one thing remains consistent during the holiday season: consumers shop. For almost all retailers, the end of the year holiday shopping brings in the biggest profits all year long. Presents, decorations, food, and many more items are purchased in abundance to prep for days spent with families and gifts for loved ones.

Topics: Retail Marketing Holiday