connected retail

Over 40,000 of the best and brightest in retail came together this week in NYC, New York to recount the latest innovations in the industry, build ideas and gain inspiration. NRF 2020, named “Retails Big Show,” gathered the movers and shakers of the industry to kick-off in what is the lar…

Retailers worldwide are in a race to transform their business to meet consumer expectations. It is a competition with digitally native brands and channels, where manufacturers can meet the customer directly. We all know that the end goal is to connect the entire retail experience and not rely on one…

The key to retail today is customer understanding —where each customer stands on his or her personal shopping journey, whether in-store or out. Retailers must “know” each shopper as never before. And they must offer the kinds of contextual, personally relevant experiences that will optimize their m…

Today, mobile devices are everywhere — and vying for the attention of just about everyone. On a train, in a café, or in the park, people are gaming, connecting with far-away friends, and watching TV shows. Increasingly, they are also researching, browsing, and buying products. Such tech-savvy mobile…

The Internet of Everything (IoE) is driving remarkable change and opportunities across nearly all industries. But few are as visible — and rapid — as the upheavals affecting retail. Today, retailers aren’t just competing with the store across the parking lot. Industry leaders face an expanding unive…

Today’s retailers face a hard truth: their customers have embraced digital technologies faster than they have. But I believe that retailers have an opportunity to elevate the shopping experience in exciting new ways. By integrating the digital and the physical — in effect, merging clicks with bricks…

Retailers once had a pretty clear idea of who shopped where and how they did it. After all, there were not that many options available for shoppers. Consumers would see an ad or peruse a catalog, and then visit the physical store with the hope that their preferred item was in stock. These days, reta…

As Cisco’s chief marketing officer, an important part of my role is to build and maintain the trust of Cisco’s customers.In fact, “brand promise” ultimately relies upon the trust consumers have placed in a brand. Customers who are loyal to a brand will trust that the next product or service introduc…

“Mike” may be an avid golfer who enjoys meandering through the sporting goods section of his local retailer. But he would be a very different shopper the morning his plumbing fails and threatens to flood his basement. In such a context, efficiency rules, and it is critical for the retailer to speed…