davidiangray's blog

The following is an interesting podcast from Terry O'Reilly's new show Under The Influence on branding and consumers (on CBC Radio).  Entitled, Men Are From Sears, Women are from Bloomingdales, the premise is that genders follow archetypical patterns when shopping. Specifically, it suggests some reasons for the 'truthy' observation that men hate shopping.

Give it a listen (after the short 'ad' for another show).

The past two years has seen an upsurge in Canadian coverage of the iconic post Thanksgiving US shopping experience known as Black Friday.  While it sounds ominous, this is named for the (hoped for) selling day that puts American retailers into the "black", or makes them profitable on the year.  It is the US version of Boxing Day.

Please click here to see our new workshop demo reel.  Contact us if you want to learn more.

Click: DIG360 Workshop Demonstration Video

Thanks to RJ Sauer and his team at Brudder Productions.

David joined other noted experts On WorldTalkRadio’s “Green with Envy” radio program hosted by Peter ter Weene, on July 28.  David's interview is the last one (around the 45 minute mark).  He spoke about the current state of sustainable activities in retail and  some of the challenges facing this sector in becoming greener.

Click here to listen: Podcast

Please Mum was certainly a Canadian retail success.  No question.  However, the current predicament (68 closed stores, layoffs, creditor protection) should be no surprise.  Ultimately, retailers can believe themselves successful when looking at sales performance during booms.  However, underlying flaws in the business quickly become fatal when the tide turns. 

The following are some images captured on a recent tour of the SOHO shopping district of New York City, a creative flagship mecca.  

On February 1st and 4th, Mark and I presented our thoughts to executives around the strategic implications of social networks and social media on retail and retail-minded organizations. We were guest experts at PwC's Business Leaders Breakfasts in the Lower Mainland.  Thanks very much to Chrisina Houghton, Calle Johnson and the PwC team.

Click here to download:

DIG360 Social Media Retail PwC Presentation

By Mark Smiciklas

Originally posted on Social Media Explorer

Retail organizations can differ greatly from traditional B2C businesses – with their dynamics presenting a series of unique opportunities and challenges around the development of social media strategy and tactical implementation.

In our opinion, Lululemon is so much more than riding the yoga wave. It makes great product. It breeds a culture of innovation and very tight sense of brand and purpose. And it is one of the most empowering employers in retail.  When seeking reasons for success of companies like Lululemon and Target and Apple... look beneath the obvious. It often comes down to some fundamental precursors which enable on-brand innovation to be regularly achieved.

I am hearing from a savvy luxury brand store manager that Chinese New Year becomes a busy selling period for them in markets with a strong ex-pat Chinese population.  This year it is on February 3rd, and marks the Year Of The Rabbit.

The celebration traditionally brings gifts of money. There are those who purchase in advance of the (hoped-for) gift; and those who run out with cash in hand.  How many retailers are culturally aware of this? Who position themselves respectfully and sensitively as a good place to buy something special?