Retail Research Supplements

Solving The Omni-Channel Puzzle
Retailers have come to realize the channel customers use to make purchases does not matter, because it is impossible to track all of the sale influencers. What really matters is consistency across the brand to capture that sale no matter where the customer is.

There is no denying retail has been forever changed by e-commerce. It is the fastest-growing channel with retail, and it is where retailers see the most potential to gain market share. However, retailers are struggling to integrate e-commerce with their other channels to create a seamless omni-channel experience for the customer. Shoppers are becoming increasingly comfortable shopping across all channels. In PwC’s recent report, “Demystifying The Online Shopper,” global retail and consumer leader John Maxwell notes that online shopping varies by country and region. “In China, for example, 70% of our survey respondents shopped online at least once a week, compared with about 40% in the U.S. and the U.K., and around 20% for the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland,” Maxwell notes.

The Future Of The Retail Supply Chain

The retail supply chain has gone global, and now it is going mobile with new technologies to benefit the supply chain from end-to-end.

Welcome to the 2013 Retail Supply Chain Special Report, where we take a look at significant factors affecting the retail supply chain. This year we are featuring research and commentary from the Retail Value Chain Federation (RVCF, formerly VCF) and Retail Systems Research (RSR), both industry leaders when it comes to the retail supply chain.

Globalization Of Retail
The retail supply chain is becoming worldwide, from sourcing and manufacturing to end user delivery, and everywhere in between. Knowing how to maximize assortment planning across all channels and where to source the merchandise will be key to retailers maximizing margins and controlling costs as they expand worldwide. Nikki Baird, managing partner of RSR Research, will discuss the localization of demand, globalization of supply, and cross-channel opportunities. She will cover the benefits of globalization and how it can open new markets for retailers. Baird will also discuss the various business challenges retailers face regarding the supply chain, especially when it comes to flexibility in demand.

Tech Spending 2013: Mobile Makes Its Mark

From assortment planning to returns management and all points between, mobile devices are fast becoming the retailer's indispensable multi-tool.

Yes, mobile computing is a recurring theme in findings from this year's retail tech spending report. This, however, is not another report about mobility. Rather, it's a report on the technologies and operations solutions in which retailers will invest in 2013, with some retrospective commentary on the 2012 events that are driving these investment decisions. It just so happens that for the first time since we began our annual tech spending preview in 2009, mobile devices and mobile application access are playing a profound and cross-disciplinary role in how retail technology and solution budgets are being shaped. We'll highlight that role as we explore the findings of our annual retail technology spending survey here.

The 2012 Small To Midsize Retail Research Supplement

According to IDC Retail Insights, small to midsize retailers are more responsive to customer-driven change when they embrace social, mobile, cloud, and big data analysis.

The Integrated Solutions For Retailers team spends a great deal of time talking directly to our readers about their triumphs and challenges. In our conversations with you, the SMR, we’ve heard you say that you are focused on procuring and retaining more customers. We’ve heard you say you want to implement a mobile presence. And we’ve heard you say that you want to analyze data in a digestible way that will enable you to better connect with your customers. Some SMRs have already accomplished these goals and are reaping the benefits. Others fear the unknown. Indeed, the biggest challenge SMRs face boils down to one simple question: “Where do we start?”

Find out the answer to this question and more in the 2012 Small To Midsize Retail Research Supplement.

Sustainable Retailing Today: 2012 Green Retailing Report

For today’s retailer, sustainable retailing means encompassing supplier management, brand management, the customer experience — and the bottom line.

Sustainability is an overarching concept that is changing the way business is done. In fact, sustainability is touching all aspects of business including packing, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Until recently, however, sustainable retailing had been restricted to environmental issues and planet stewardship. While environmental impact and planet stewardship are important issues, the lifeblood of retail is profit. The hurdle for many retailers is finding buy-in for something that may give you a warm feeling but may not move the needle as it relates to sales and marketing. However, a growing number of retailers are seeing the opportunities for increased profits and cash flows via sustainable retailing. Today, sustainable retailing goes beyond green packaging and carbon footprint reduction, encompassing supplier management, brand management, and even customer experience. Today’s green retail movement must also move the bottom line.