What concepts being tested by Blockbuster do you think are most promising? What do you think of Jim Keyes’ approach to keeping Blockbuster relevant? Are there other concepts that you think the chain should be pursuing?

You have to admire the efforts. Here’s the important quote:”I’m a big believer of the physical relevance of a store. People like to shop, whether it’s in a Neiman Marcus or a Blockbuster,” Mr. Keyes said. “But we need to change our stores to become a destination for entertainment.”

It’s true everything is moving online, but a combination of online and in-store is necessary to optimize opportunities. However, here’s the other important quote:

Arvind Bhatia, an analyst at Sterne Agee & Leach in Dallas, has been through the test stores. Although he found them promising, he said it’s too early to tell whether the investments will generate a return.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12917

Assuming it were to happen, what would a Dell acquisition of RadioShack mean for the two companies? What is your assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by each of the companies without a deal taking place?

I like the idea; looks like a win/win to me. I am convinced the future of retail is multi-channel integration, giving consumers maximum choice and convenience. And the technology/computer/innovation market is still set for decades of growth, as more and more areas of life (and consumption) move among and between channels or platforms (I’m thinking entertainment, education, information, financial, health, etc.). What a great market position to be in. (Further analysis later.) http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12915 

Filed Under Business Strategies

Is now a good time for retailers to be looking to build new stores? Do economic slumps, particularly those that have hit the real estate market, represent an opportunity for retailers? Does the process for site selection change during economic slumps?

The US population recently surpassed 300 million. It will grow to 376 million by 2030, on its way to 400 million soon afterward. This will fuel a huge demand for residential, office, industrial and commercial properties. Nearly half the buildings Americans will live, work and shop in by 2030 haven’t been built yet.Yes, I would say it’s a good time to invest in real estate.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12899

Filed Under Business Strategies

Are marketers and retailers taking advantage of parents’ tendency to over-buy? Do you expect a backlash from frivolous baby products and services? How can retailers capitalize on this opportunity responsibly?

Are marketers and retailers taking advantage of parents’ tendency to over-buy? Of course; that’s their job.Do I expect a backlash? No, this has been going on for decades. I remember writing about the phenomena over 20 years ago in FutureScan (now Growth Strategies), except the unfathomable figure for raising a child then was $100,000 (as opposed to today’s $1 million).

Frivolous baby products and services? What you buy is frivolous; what I and my spouse buy are small indulgences.

How can retailers capitalize on this opportunity responsibly? The way they always have: give people what they want at a profitable price point. This is a retailing industry web site, right? And oh, by the way, integrate your sales channels.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12892

Filed Under Consumer Behavior