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Kate King

Retail Stores Are Tracking You Like Crazy ⚙ Co.Labs ⚙ code + community - 8 views

www.fastcolabs.com/...es-are-tracking-you-like-crazy

mk473 environment 2 technology ethics privacy

shared by Kate King on 16 Sep 13 - No Cached
Sarah Wesp liked it
  • Lina Goens on 16 Sep 13
     
    I like it! I want to be recognized, greeted, and assisted if I need to be. I can see where some people may feel uncomfortable but employees should be trained when to know when a person wants more help or to be left alone.
  • ...7 more comments...
  • rteufel on 16 Sep 13
     
    To me this seems like the next logical step. What as worked extremely well in online stores (I have worked for one for 5 years and we made a considerably large ratio of our revenues with cross selling on product pages), might also work in actual retail stores. It will, however, take time until customers get used to being "spied on". In my opinion they WILL get used to it, the same way everyone got used to facial recognition in facebook, data collection by Google, and customer profiling by Amazon.
  • Kyle Werner on 17 Sep 13
     
    What technology can do in this age and how retailers are using it effectively to further enhance their business ventures is simply astonishing! A possible next step to this if not in the development process already is if the consumer has the mobile app on their phone, the app will be able to tell what products the consumer is looking at and offer suggestions regarding the product. This could even be taken one step further, for example, if a customer is looking at lunch meat at the deli, the app could even suggest what types of condiments or kinds of sides for the lunch meat, and help assist the consumer in where to find these products in the stores. I agree with Raphael, consumers will have to get used to this business strategy, and look at the silver lining of how these tactics can be beneficial to themselves.
  • jkayjohn on 17 Sep 13
     
    I think the biggest problem with this sort of tracking is many people feel entitled to a sense of privacy. Even though in our day in age this sense of privacy does not truly exist. We are tracked by what we do and what sites we visit online everyday so it makes sense that retail stores deserve the same chance, but people I believe will feel even more violated by this sort of tracking in the physical sense if they are not being told about it. I think the best way for retail stores to go about doing this is by actually making the public aware and playing on the benefits of being able to track their customers and give them the best assistance possible. They need to have a market strategy in place that can do all of that.
  • Carly Foley on 17 Sep 13
     
    I don't know whether to be impressed or creeped out. I feel like I would want to turn my phone off any time I would go to the mall because I don't want to be bothered when I'm shopping or anything. I like to go in and get out. I am not big into shopping so I make it as fast as possible, and the fact of someone knowing what stores I am at or what I am looking at is a little weird for me. I like my privacy.
  • John Cummings on 17 Sep 13
     
    I agree with Lina this can upset some people. They may think their privacy has been invaded. But any business person would understand that this is just another marketing ploy.
  • Kara Blakley on 17 Sep 13
     
    This article is really showcasing specifically how almost no aspect of our lives is private anymore. I did a research report a few years ago on the Psychology of Food/Supermarkets and the technology that are utilizing to get our business. The "tracking" in the stores has been utilized by a few companies that send mobile coupons to your phone when you pass by certain items in the store. Not only that, but the technology keeps a record of your purchases and alerts you when you are around those items again. I even read a story of a father finding out his daughter was pregnant when she received Target baby advertisements/coupons in the mail from the child care department. Based on her previous purchases, Target's customer technology knew she was probably having a baby before her own parents did (or before she decided to tell them). From a business standpoint, I understand trying to utilize any technology means possible to get purchases, but the line is fuzzy between being helpful and being intrusive. Finding a balance between the two is something companies need to figure out!
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 17 Sep 13
     
    I agree with Lina and John. I think it is very impressive that companies can use phone tracking to help out customers. In reality how much privacy do we have these days anyways? From a retailer stand point this technology can be very helpful but from a customer standpoint it can be a little creepy. What technology can do amazes me and it will be interesting to see how it effects the way retailers and consumers interact.
  • Emily Prellwitz on 19 Sep 13
     
    I find this kind of stuff extremely interesting. I honestly like that stores can track me like this because this means that they are more likely to send coupons and deals my way for the things I want to buy. I also think this is a great way for stores to get the perfect layout of their store by seeing where certain demographics walk around.
  • Camille Sampson on 19 Sep 13
     
    This is significant because it has implications beyond just marketing to consumers. The question is, how far should we trespass into citizens (aka customers) rights in order to improve the customers experience? This isnt JUST another marketing ploy, it's an experiment in eroding consumer privacy... and it's working. Marketers realize how little consumers are informed of their own behavior and by association they realize lengths to which they can go. But as privacy erodes, what do we really gain? Sure, it's great they can send us coupons and build our customer profile, but did companies consult the consumer and get consent to do this? Is this data collection all passively done because companies know the taboo behind privacy issues? What does this type of intrusion open up in the future? I think this is seen as simply "the way things are" because we are all desensitized to businesses (and governments) violating the privacy of information. I would like to point out that historically when masses of people in power simply accept things the way they are that's when really really bad things happen (slavery, child labor, exploitation, etc). Passive accumulation of this information seems to me complicit with those who actively accumulate this information- they're both invasions. We must critically think about how allowing such invasions actually works to shape the physical and mental landscapes of our lives, are we actually prepared to deal with the consequences? So, while it may seem like this is just another marketing ploy, we instead should see this as actually another breach of private information which will continue to shape consumer behavior.
Kate King

Finish Line Launches into Mobile POS | Retail Best Practices | RIS News: Business/Techn... - 6 views

risnews.edgl.com/-Launches-into-Mobile-POS86366

mk473 Finish Line

shared by Kate King on 08 Oct 13 - No Cached
  • Lindsey Wacnik on 10 Oct 13
     
    Finish Line is has jumped on the trend that I think will ultimately be a benefit them, mobile check out. It takes the hassle of lines out of shopping, and like I commented on a different post, the less time you spend in line the more time you spend looking around the store. More time shopping will equal more products purchased.
  • ...6 more comments...
  • Krista Lawson on 10 Oct 13
     
    I think that Finish Line is going to benefit highly from being able to do mobile transactions, especially during the holiday season. This will be able to help them eliminating lines and making for a better overall customer experience. I think it may take some consumers a while to become accustomed to, but overall I feel like that is where technology is bringing us in the retail world and it can only help the customer experience.
  • alipaigeh on 10 Oct 13
     
    It is clear that more retailers are moving towards mobile POS systems, and it is interesting to imagine stores without cash registers. Nonetheless, most consumers can't stand the idea of sitting in line when all they want to do is pay once they've chosen the item or items they want. And not only are there problems with long lines, but there are also problems with not being able to find someone to help you when you need it. I think retailers switching to the mobile POS system is an advantage because they can interact more with the customers, while having the ability of being a portable checkout. The convenience of the mobile POS system allows the sales rep to converse and inform the customer of the product they are looking at, and shortens the decision to buy time since the sales rep can swipe the customers card immediately once the customer decides to buy.
  • jkayjohn on 10 Oct 13
     
    I think this is a genius idea. I hate going into finish line and waiting in line for ages because of how crowded the place always is. Giving the attendance the ability to do mobile transactions with decrease the clutter of people in the stores who can get in and out quickly and make the experience much more enjoyable!
  • Emily Prellwitz on 10 Oct 13
     
    I can see why Finish Line is moving in this direction because a lot of the retail industry is following suit. I think the combination of technology and good customer service is a great thing to have in the retail industry but only if the customer service is solid as well. I am a little skeptical about Finish Line doing this only because when I go into tennis shoe stores which is what Finish Line's main product is, I like to talk to someone with a lot of knowledge on the product. I like getting an expert's opinion on running shoes because they are all made so differently.
  • Brock Naylor on 10 Oct 13
     
    I feel like the next logical step for finish line would be to offer an array of customization options on a mobile application due to the trend in which people like to individualize their shoes. Prior to this, you would have to buy a personalized product directly from the manufacturer based on the options that they allowed, and were often times much costlier than they might have been otherwise. By acting as a third party on behalf of this order, Finish Line not only provides a channel to its consumers for these customization options, but gives manufacturers more exposure to this application than they had prior. Its a win-win.
  • Angelo Csuti on 10 Oct 13
     
    I agree, it is important to be innovative and develop more ways of approaching the customer. However, in the end it is also important to be distinctive in other disciplines like direct customer service or outstanding product quality and design. When I went into a Finish Line store the first time in my life yesterday, I didnt really see much differences in products or design in comparison to European Stores or Foot Locker.
  • Carly Foley on 10 Oct 13
     
    I agree with Brock. Nike has their own customization, I think now its time for the store to start doing that. I think this would improve sales because when I got my shoes I went to Nike's site so I could customize the shoes to how I wanted since it was only like $10 more to have them exactly how I wanted them.
  • meganbos on 10 Oct 13
     
    This is really cool what they are doing! I'm curious as to if they had a issue with lines in their stores or if they are working on simply improving customer service.
John Cummings

5 Must-Know Technology Trends That Will Drive Retail Business In 2013: Comments By 14 R... - 6 views

upstreamcommerce.com/...-2013-comments-14-retail-execs

mk473 environment 2 technology

shared by John Cummings on 16 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • John Cummings on 16 Sep 13
     
    This article I feel gives a good grasp as to how technology has and will continue to adjust and change the retail industry.
  • Krista Lawson on 17 Sep 13
     
    I think this article is a good lead into the article posted about wifi usage being tracked. While some customers can feel theirrivacy is invaded, others really like the personalization that can be received as far as customer service. Technology is going to be a major rule in the future of retailing, or the future in general. With the amount of technology we have today, it seems that there will be no limits as to what we can do in the future, only limits on to what people will accept and partake in.
rteufel

Five E-Commerce Must-Haves in 2013 | Retail Trends | RIS News: Business/Technology Insi... - 8 views

risnews.edgl.com/...mmerce-Must-Haves-in-201388520

mk473 ecommerce

shared by rteufel on 06 Oct 13 - No Cached
  • rteufel on 06 Oct 13
     
    The articles summarizes the most recent trends in e-commerce by giving advice to online retailers about what they should be aware of in 2013.
  • ...6 more comments...
  • Kyle Werner on 08 Oct 13
     
    I agree with the author that the #1 must-have for retailers is mobile optimization. Everyone checks the web on their phone, so optimizing an app for mobile interface will be the key for being the top retailer in the very near future.
  • meganbos on 08 Oct 13
     
    I think stores can really benefit from streamlining the checkout process for consumers. Being able to check out anywhere in the store saves time waiting in line and also gets sales staff out on the store. We learned about JCPenny attempting to adapt this model, although it was not sucessful there- in other smaller stores where integration would be easier and quicker and lines are a bigger problem it could really improve the customer experience.
  • Brock Naylor on 08 Oct 13
     
    I personally feel that aesthetics of a mobile app or website play a significant role in inciting a purchase from a consumer - me, specifically. If a page has an unappealing, non user friendly layout it can be very frustrating to navigate as well as find a specific product you're looking for, and often times will cause me to give up my search. I believe in this regard that ecommerce is the most important frontier for retailers currently, and if they are behind in this respect, then they will rapidly fall behind in the marketplace.
  • Paige Laughlin on 08 Oct 13
     
    I completely agree with this article. The point about free shipping as many times as a company can is huge to me. When I am shopping online and see an item that I want, it makes me that much more likely to get it if there is free shipping on the item. I also agree with the point about creating a mobile optimized website or app for mobile users. Sometimes when I'm on a website on my phone that is not optimized for mobile, it's hard to navigate and hard for me to click on things because the links are so small, which is frustrating. I think it's important for companies to make it as easy as possible for consumers to buy things online because I think that is the new trend and, of course, since mobile phones are so hot right now it would only make sense to make the mobile phone experience when buying something as easy as possible. I actually just bought something the other day online on my mobile phone and it was just as easy as if I were to have bought it on my computer, and that gives me as a customer easier access to buy things.
  • Lindsey Wacnik on 08 Oct 13
     
    I agree with Megan the worst part of shopping is the line just to checkout. If a customer is in a time crunch, and the store has the capabilities to allow customers to checkout anywhere it allows them more time to look around, and possibly make more purchases. It also frees up more space for customers to look around the store, this will be crucial for stores that are very small in terms of space.
  • Krista Lawson on 08 Oct 13
     
    I agree with the above as well. I really find that the page layout and functionality have a strong influence in me not only in purchases, but general cases as well. I remember when I was looking at colleges, those who had poorly constructed websites automatically negatively impacted my thoughts towards them even if I hadn't visited. With such tech savvy consumers I think these online aspects gain even more importance and should be given special consideration.
  • John Cummings on 08 Oct 13
     
    The page layout definitely has strong influence.. A company's website is becoming most important.. For most this is how a person gets their first impression on the business. The more tech savvy the business becomes the better likelihood for success in my opinion.
  • Emily Prellwitz on 08 Oct 13
     
    The number one must have is definitely mobile optimization. I actually tried buying something off my phone today while I was in the car. This creates for convenience for consumers because smart phones and tablets and other mobile devices are so popular right now. Free shipping is also extremely important especially for goods that weigh a lot or that would normally be a lot of money to ship.
Paige Laughlin

Luxury Brands Must Develop Their Customer Experience To Survive - 4 views

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/...ence-to-survive_n_2165351.html

mk473 customer experience

shared by Paige Laughlin on 24 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Luxury retailers must focus on providing a rounded customer experience, rather than simply flogging goods, if they are to survive the ongoing recession.
  • brands must improve to keep their customers happy.
  • consumers want "intimacy, meaning, story, quality, provenance and a true sense of wonder",
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • New technology will be used to support this with the growth
  • mobile app
  • A personalised experience is the ultimate in luxury. You can get dressed by the styling team and understand how they see the collections being worn together; It’s like peaking behind the curtain.
  • not only a physical business but also a digital one.
  • "Shrines with apps, allowing instant exclusivity and gratification, which can be easily segmented are appealing to different demographics within a category," she said.
  • retailers have wrongly invested in technology – everyone on the shop floor has an iPad – great, but what are you doing for the customer? We believe there is no point in having an iPad when you could be there in person with the customer," she said.
  • Can luxury service really be delivered in a digital world?
  • Paige Laughlin on 24 Sep 13
     
    This article details the struggle that luxury retail stores are having with providing a "personal customer experience." Because the products are so high end, they are expecting that aspect to talk for itself; however, customers are wanting a more personalized experience than what these stores are giving them. What do you guys think about this? And also how do you feel about the technology aspect they talk about in the end?
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Lina Goens on 25 Sep 13
     
    I always expect a personalized customer service in a high end store. The store should make me feel important/special in order to create value. I also think that whether you are a VIP member or someone who stops in occasionally, it is important to treat the customers the same way. Burberry took a neat approach by incorporating the technology into their stores. (Although the store is huge for the amount of clothes actually offered.) It's a great start and I also think that technology that recognizes repeat customers would be highly effective in this environment. However I also agree when the article says "so what" to technology. These stores still heavily rely on the interaction amongst employees and customers so there is no way that technology can completely take over these high end stores.
  • Emily Prellwitz on 26 Sep 13
     
    I believe that if I am going to spend a lot of money on an item, I should get treated with high end customer service.This is a reason why a lot of top brands have personal shoppers, because they know their target customer is willing to spend a lot of money for high quality goods. It is also important for high end retailers to display the value of their goods through the value of their store, even if it means dishing out a lot of money for renovations. Burberry is on the right track with integrating technology into a store that would not normally have this kind of technology. This technology gets the customer more involved in their shopping experience instead of just browsing around the store.
  • John Cummings on 26 Sep 13
     
    These luxury brands will not die. They may not be making the revenue they desire but they will not disappear. My mother for example has more of these items them I care to know. It is people like her that will keep this industry from disappearing. However with the economy it will be difficult to find new customers. But yes making the customer experience more personable will continue to bring the already loyal customers coming back. I do believe those five things they are going to change will help. But it will not necessarily bring in new customers.
Kate King

PayPal points Beacon toward the future of in-store payments | RetailCustomerExperience.com - 2 views

www.retailcustomerexperience.com/...he-future-of-in-store-payments

mk473 environment 2 technology

shared by Kate King on 12 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Kate King on 12 Sep 13
     
    Be sure you check out the two videos as well -
  • ...4 more comments...
  • meganbos on 15 Sep 13
     
    Wow! This is some really cool technology, and it sounds like it would make life convenient- but I can't help but wonder about the security of the system and how easy it would be for someone to hack into your paypal account and risk you losing everything. Also, it wasn't explained very well how stores monitor this, can you just walk out with our product in the grocery store or how does that work? It seems like although this would increase efficiency of the shopping experience there may be some pretty big issues to iron out as well.
  • Sarah Wesp on 15 Sep 13
     
    All of the things that continue to evolve with technology just blows my mind! This PayPal Beacon does seem really great, efficient, and very convenient but I do have some of the same concerns that Megan pointed out. So when you go up to confirm, do they check to see what you have to make sure everything is accounted for? I think this does have great potential and would make the check out process much easier, I would just want to know a little bit more about this system.
  • Lina Goens on 16 Sep 13
     
    Megan and Sarah nailed my same concerns. Seems like there are some loose ends that need to be cleared up but interesting concept overall. I like the idea that I could be greeted by my name when I walk into a store. I think this could help marketers learn a lot about their customers and what people buy when they come into a store. For example, it would be great if a sales employee could see when and what were the last items a customer purchased. That way the sales associate can direct the customer to products they like. PayPal Beacon could help out immensely!
  • alipaigeh on 17 Sep 13
     
    WOW, what an invention. How perfect would this be for running errands in the most efficient way possible? There would practically be no line or no waiting. I had the same thoughts going through my mind about making sure products are accounted for, but with a product like this I feel like the experts would cover that. My concern is towards what stores will actually catch on and implement this new device. Will it primarily be retail/clothing stores, or could it be incorporated into Target, or Macy's? The PayPay Beacon seems to offer a lot in terms of convenience and I am interested to see who will catch on.
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 17 Sep 13
     
    Technology never ceases to amaze me - how convenient for people who hate waiting in line. I agree that there is a HUGE security concern for retailers and consumers. I think there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed on all ends. It will be very interesting to see if this idea catches on or if retailers and consumers will continue shopping as they always have.
  • John Cummings on 19 Sep 13
     
    PayPal was a huge success online and I believe it will be a success in the stores too. I hate to wait in lines and if this shortens lines then I am all in. I agree with Sarah the security issue does worry me and needs to be tested and addressed before actual use. Once the security problems are fixed I firmly believe this with great enhance the customer experience and drive revenues in the retail industry.
Sarah Wesp

IKEA's 2014 catalog lets shoppers virtually furnish a room (Video) | RetailCustomerExpe... - 2 views

www.retailcustomerexperience.com/...virtually-furnish-a-room-Video

mk473 customer experience omni-channel retailing technology

shared by Sarah Wesp on 24 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • allows shoppers to actually see how items will look inside their homes before they buy them.
    • Sarah Wesp
      Sarah Wesp on 24 Sep 13
       
      Seeing what the furniture would look like in your home before actually purchasing the item..how cool! What do you guys think?
  • scan the catalog with the AR app on a tablet or smartphone
    • Sarah Wesp
      Sarah Wesp on 24 Sep 13
       
      Creating this AR app is one of the ways IKEA is really integrating the omni-channel retailing.
  • Sarah Wesp on 24 Sep 13
     
    Be sure to watch the video in this article on how this AR app is going to work.
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Kyle Werner on 24 Sep 13
     
    IKEA is evil. Do they really have to make EVERYTHING they do fun? Consumers travel on buses to visit IKEA stores across the country, visiting one of their brick-and-mortar stores is an adventure! But now IKEA is making it fun to decorate your own room....from the comfort of your own room! This is an excellent step into the future of electronics and retailing. What a fantastic read.
  • jkayjohn on 24 Sep 13
     
    I think this is an amazing concept! Now not only have they made online shopping more fun and interactive but it is also a much more efficient way of shopping for the right piece of furniture. You no longer have to worry about taking measurements or samples to make sure the furniture matches up with the room. Instead, you can virtually place the chosen piece right in the room with accurate measurements and design and see how it looks before even buying it!
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 24 Sep 13
     
    This app seems super exciting. I love rearranging and decorating my own room and this app allows for people to physically see an idea on a screen that was originally just a vision. It is great to see how more and more companies are integrating omni-channel retailing to improve the customer experience whether it be online, in store, and mobile.
Kate King

Despite $3M E-Com Stumble, Finish Line Keeps Pace in Omnichannel Race | Retail Trends |... - 3 views

risnews.edgl.com/-Pace-in-Omnichannel-Race85587

mk473 Finish Line

shared by Kate King on 08 Oct 13 - No Cached
  • Paige Laughlin on 10 Oct 13
     
    I like how Finish Line addressed the issue when being asked about it. They did not put down the omni-channeling idea after their first attempt failed, but rather expressed the importance of it and the importance of doing it right. I think it made them seem very professional and very customer-focused. I think the employees using iPads is a great idea for Finish Line. It would be very helpful for customers to know right away whether they had their size in the back rather than having to wait for the employee to check and then return and find the customer. While the hiccup with the system may have cost them, I think the general idea is a great one, as long as it is executed properly.
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 10 Oct 13
     
    I 100% agree with Paige -- this article shows the importance of e-commerce and omni-channel retailing has for companies. Although Finish Line lost $3M at thier first attempt of the use of e-commerece they did not let that get them down and are continuing their efforts. I think that use of iPads in the store will improve customer service as well as operations as a whole. The idea of employees being able to tell me weather if they what I want in stock right away puts them at an advantage the worst is when you wait minutes just to find out the store does is currently out of that size of style. I think the use of iPads will also increase sales -- especially if you can order it and have it shipped for free right there and then. As long as the new system has no hiccups it will be great for Finish Line and will greatly benefit them on multiple stand points.
  • Thomas Holmes on 10 Oct 13
     
    I have to agree with Sarah and Paige, failure isn't about falling it's about staying down. It is easy to see that Finish Line won't stay down and are eager to try again. For a shoe company which doesn't have a lot to separate itself from its competition, the desire to do better and offer new services is an important aspect to keep them as a top competitor in the market.
  • Sarah Wesp on 10 Oct 13
     
    Agreeing with Sarah and Paige, I think Finish Line was very professional in the way they handled the "hiccup." It is clear that not everything can work smoothly 100% of the time, but I think they are doing a great job bouncing back from that. Also, going along with what they have already stated, I think the iPads really are going to improve the customer service because I know when I'm shopping for tennis shoes and they have to go back and look and then they get stopped by someone else and other people ask questions on their way to look, it can take a while so I think costumers will really appreciate the employees being able to let them know if they have what they want right at that moment. I think this will be very beneficial for the company!
Kate King

Five steps toward developing 'programmable retail' | RetailCustomerExperience.com - 0 views

www.retailcustomerexperience.com/...developing-programmable-retail

Mk473 CRM customer service technology

shared by Kate King on 22 Nov 13 - No Cached
  • Kate King on 22 Nov 13
     
    Here is the article I referred to today about integrating technology into customer service - enjoy!
Kate King

Finish Line overhauls customer experience with new tech | RetailCustomerExperience.com - 6 views

www.retailcustomerexperience.com/...tomer-experience-with-new-tech

mk473 Finish Line customer experience retail technology

shared by Kate King on 08 Oct 13 - No Cached
  • Kara Blakley on 10 Oct 13
     
    I feel this new technology integration is a great aspect for Finish Line to incorporate into their stores. The mobile kiosks they explained will really benefit customers since it's hard for a shoe/apparel store to have every color, in every size, and every style needed - especially when there are so many different variations available. Shoes are almost more critical than clothing when a customer wants the "touch, feel, try-on" aspect. Every shoe looks, feels, and fits differently. So if customers are able to see the style and try on a similar size to know what they specifically need, I think mobile devices and kiosks will greatly benefit customers and add value to the overall Finish Line shopping experience so they can get exactly the shoe they want and not have to settle for what's in-stock. I was also excited to read in the "Keeping Pace in Omnichannel Race" article, about the Finish Line "sections" coming to Macy's stores. When I go to Macy's, I usually shop for dressy shoes or everyday styles and steer away from running/tennis shoes because I feel I need a little more guidance for a shoe that will support my foot in such physical exercise. So now that Macy's will have a section under the Finish Line name that supports active shoe purchases is something I'm very anxious to take a look at when the integration is complete! It's great to have such established and successful companies such as Eli Lilly and Finish Line headquartered in Indianapolis!
Kara Blakley

How to Beat Your Competition by Innovating in Ways They Can't Copy - Forbes - 13 views

www.forbes.com/...ovating-in-ways-they-cant-copy

mk473 environment 1 competitive factors urbanoutfitters

shared by Kara Blakley on 10 Sep 13 - No Cached
Krista Lawson liked it
    • Kara Blakley
      Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
       
      Each company uses different jargon, and I found it interesting they hire "artists." Some business people can have artistic and creative sides to them in order to manage stores. Do you agree?
    • Kara Blakley
      Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
       
      Have you ever noticed unusal pieces in Urban Outfitters that you haven't seen in other UO stores? This creative freedom is an intersting aspect to UO's strategy!
    • Kara Blakley
      Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
       
      Do you like having continuity when you go into a store or are you intrigued by the differences Urban Outfitters showcases?
  • ...2 more annotations...
    • Kara Blakley
      Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
       
      I believe Steve Jobs did just this - we couldn't begin to imagine what we wanted in technological products that he was instrumental in creating. But he had the vision and made it a reality - and what would we do without all our amazing Apple gadgets?
    • Kara Blakley
      Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
       
      I don't agree with this statement - why do they need to replace all their managers? Why can't we just begin to think in a different way in order to evolve for the better?
  • Lina Goens on 10 Sep 13
     
    Exciting to know that college students began the company and have stuck to their values ever since. It is interesting to hear that they prefer art students over business students (us). Makes me think that we should become more well-rounded so that we are not stereotyped as only "analytical" which the article mentions at least twice. We can be creative too!
  • ...3 more comments...
  • Krista Lawson on 10 Sep 13
     
    I thought this was a really interesting read and like how they emphasize catering all aspects of their store to their target market. While I can't say I have made many purchases at Urban Outfitters, I feel like it is also a destination store. The atmosphere is inviting and draws people in because it is so different. That alone helps create a buzz and draw others in. There is an Urban Outfitters at the Keystone Fashion Mall which got me thinking to some of the other stores there. I feel like there are many store there that share this fun, atmospheric experience which really adds value. The atmosphere can really help or hinder a consumer's experience and I feel like that the Keystone Fashion Mall has done a great job of creating a unique experience for all of its visitors - Urban Outfitters being included as a part of it.
  • Kara Blakley on 11 Sep 13
     
    This is an article relevant to us - college students! We have only had a few classes and already Urban Outfitters has come up as a retailer that has drawn our attention. The article gives a great example of how Urban Outfitters is trying to attract their target market to their stores, not just through their merchandise but by keeping us there longer with a unique layout. Lina gave a great point how today we all need to be well-rounded in many different areas which can bring value to a company. And Krista, I agree with you about the Keystone Mall - the layout of the stores and lots of open space keep shoppers happy and in the mall longer. This is an aspect many other shopping centers could/should pick up on...how the "atmosphere" and store selection makes us feel.
  • Lindsey Wacnik on 12 Sep 13
     
    Similar to what Lina mentioned in her post, using artists to influence the layout of a store is a very interesting approach. There may be some advantage to that, although we may not think we are analytic, being business students, at Butler we are very well versed in all the disciplines of business. This makes us think not only about our vision for something, but also the outcomes of it financially and economically. So maybe Urban Outfitters is onto something with their thoughts moving from being focused on the business perspective to the artistic perspective. If they can incorporate new pieces into their displays that they find on their drive into work without consulting others, that is an awesome way to keep your store forever changing and to continue its appeal. I am very interested to see how many stores will begin to follow in their footsteps, and incorporate more artists into their decision making.
  • Sarah Wesp on 12 Sep 13
     
    Thank you for this article Kara! Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite places to shop and I had no idea that it was started and run by college students--I think this is one of the great ways that they are attracting their target market. This was my favorite sentence from the article, "If a manager sees an old wooden crate on his way to work and thinks it would look good in the men's section, he can bring it to work and put it on display." This is wonderful, just wonderful! Going back to what a lot of you have already mentioned, their unique layout and atmosphere is what brings people in and creates that overall "experience" for the customers.
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 12 Sep 13
     
    Great article Kara! I agree with Lina and find it very interesting that they prefer to hire art students versus business students. Although I am not a very artist person this article makes me wonder if students should take more classes in the arts along with our core curriculum. I have never actually entered or bought anything from urban outfitters so I cant say I truly understand what the stores look like from a layout stand point, but it is very interesting that employees are allowed a sense of freedom when it comes to creating an ascetically pleasing store. I think it will be interesting to see if more businesses learn toward hiring more artistic individual.
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