African Sun
My consulting practice takes me all over the world. Through my travels, I have the unique opportunity to be a student of human nature and behavior – especially when it comes to the retail marketplace. Recently I visited South Africa. […]
Why Are Handbags So Important?
Functional, Personal Statement, Self Expression, Fashion Accessory, Status Symbol? The correct answer I believe is: “All of the above.” I’m not a handbag person, per se, although I own several. I don’t think of status so much when I buy
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What Your Intern is Really Thinking
I’m here to set the record straight about the Millennial work ethic, by giving you a little insight into the world of internships. They have become the popular alternative to entry-level positions, and businesses have convinced my generation that this
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How Trader Joe’s Lures Shoppers With Quirky Products and Brands
Trader Joe’s is undoubtedly the nation’s most successful limited-assortment grocery chain; lines actually go around the block in New York City’s two outposts during the holidays. So what’s really going on here? Trader Joe’s uses product and pricing strategies that
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Bribery, Felony or Line Item?
Are we all felons bribing our way though international commerce or victims of corruption, forced to pay the price of admission? Let’s face it. Bribery is a cottage industry in many countries—part of their cultural DNA. The sad truth is
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Hogwash
And if You Believe It, I “Have a Bridge to Sell You.” Hogwash is a great word, as I was reminded by my colleague, Judy Russell, CEO of consultancy Markethink. First used in the 15th Century, it referred to swill,
Walmart’s Hire-a-Vet Program: Patriotic Gesture? Or Good for Walmart?
American veterans returning from war have had a history of finding employment at Fortune 10 companies. After the Korean War they got engineering and sales jobs at IBM and Texaco. After Vietnam they became production technicians and manufacturing coordinators at
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JCP, Argo, the Golden Fleece, Odysseus, and the Sirens
There is some irony to JCP’s heavy sponsorship of the Oscars relative to Argo winning “best picture.” The fact that the mythical Greek ship Argo and its crew were searching for the elusive Golden Fleece while being protected by the
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“Paycheck Shock” Reins in January Sales
More to Come From The Beltway? It’s President’s week, so instead of staying in Washington to work out a compromise that would avoid huge mandatory budget cuts, Congress has left town for recess. Little wonder, then, that consumers have been
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Nordstrom: Legend of Vince Lombardi Plays Out at Nordstrom
With Some 65,000 Quarterbacks I wrote an article in 2004 in which I compared Nordstrom with the Green Bay Packers at their peak between 1958 and 1968 under coach Vince Lombardi. Guess what? Lombardi’s spirit lives on within the Nordstrom
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