Effective retailing demands that we enable people to find, believe, and share their own stories. And to do so enthusiastically, without hesitation. They shouldn’t have to face distrust and wait for vetting by a Chief Storyteller.

The biggest surprise is that the economy is still chugging along as strong as it is. You’d think that the consumer would be shutting down with higher and higher prices. You’d think this Christmas would have seen a lot fewer goods. And it didn’t happen. Americans are still shopping until they drop.