MK 473 Fall 2013

Be sure to watch the video in this article on how this AR app is going to work.

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!

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.

I think my favorite part of this article is that they are going to include a strip of packing tape to make it easier to return. That is just funny. I would think they wouldn't want to make it easier to return,, I mean, what company wants to have a customer return an item. I understand they want to make it convenient, I just think it's funny.

JCP failed to convince customers to buy at "everyday prices" so they decided to bring sales back. To do this, they marked up prices then marked them down however people ended up paying more than the "everyday prices" and there is evidence that proves it.

Very interesting article. It seems that JCP has changed their pricing strategy multiple times this year -- I think this strategy could possibly cause JCP to loose more customers. Marking up and down is a good strategy but not when existing customers know what specific items cost -- the worst is that JCP put higher price tags on top of low ones (as a customer I would just be offend and that alone would drive me to shop else where). I think JCP has driven customers to think they are getting ripped off rather than getting good prices and leading them to believe they are getting a bargain. I think it is a very common strategy used by retailers and I am not bothered by it but when I become fully aware of it -- that is a problem.

It makes me sad to think that companies are "tricking" us to get our business. I understand from a "marketing mindset" and psychological perspective that companies get us to think we are getting such a great deal when prices are slashed. Just like the article also mentioned, Kohls may do this too. They always make a conscience effort to circle (in red pen) the amount of money you saved today on our shopping trip. But that number fluctuates so much based on when there is Kohl's cash, 15-20% off mobile coupons, etc. They always make you think you got an amazing deal, when next week it could be even better...or worse.

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.

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.

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.

Be sure you check out the two videos as well -

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.

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.

This article I feel gives a good grasp as to how technology has and will continue to adjust and change the retail industry.

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.

Tesco released a questionable apology ad because they used horse meat in their products which led to some legal and ethical issues.

After reading this article it made me think -- gee more and more companies that sell food need to focus on where their products come from! It is safe to say articles like these are sure to influence customers to be more conscious about where their food comes from.

I remember hearing about the horse meat scandal when I was in Spain, and I would have to agree with their point of how it affected everyones view of packaged meat. I am not even sure if Europe had problems with this, but the uproar from family and friends in the US made me think this was a world wide event. To piggy back off of Chipotle, I think the meat industry needs to look to better ways of improving meat quality and especially make an effort to voice these changes in product quality to consumers so there is trust again.

Really great ad to watch!

I really enjoy watching Chipolte's advertisements. I think it will make consumers more aware of thinking about where their food actually comes from. It brings me back to the article we read about "our generation" -- millennials and Toms, a think a new trend is what companies can do for others and our environment beyond the purchase. Like Sarah said it created an emotional reaction out of me -- which is a great way to connect with consumers.

I really love this ad! I think more and more companies need to focus on where their food comes from as well as what they can do for others and not just the bottom line. This ad created an emotional reaction from me and has strengthened my connection with Chipolte. I think there is something to be said about companies who care about the environment as well as their consumers. I think as a society we are becoming more and more health conscious -- Chipolte is just ahead of the game.

This is really interesting to me that they would let someone go because of wearing a head scarf- I know that American brands like Abercrombie is really popular abroad- especially in Germany and Turkey where it is considered more of a luxury/high end product because of its American qualities. Abercrombie risks this image because many of their customers abroad, especially in those two regions are muslims and losing their support in the international market could harm their bottom line more then a dress code violation could.

This is awful, especially because the firing came from a district manager who should be trained better and just flat out ethical. While I was abroad I noticed how much Europeans loved Abercrombie and thought of it to be a very exclusive brand because to them it is fairly uncommon. I am glad their sales have decreased that much and if they continue to act like this and discriminate then they are going to go no where overseas.

This is just ridiculous and very embarrassing for Abercrombie. Honestly, I'm surprised their sales are not down more than 10%, but I have a feeling that they are going to keep decreasing if they continue to handle these situations the way that they have been.

The newest Chipotle ad. A phenomenal example of Chipotles ability to highlight the unethical practices occurring within factory farming. It challenges the viewer to question the foods they eat and the corporations they support.

This commercial really makes you think as the consumer about the products you consume that are "farm fresh" without even giving it a second thought. It also brings up the idea that by eating at restaurants that use products that are from "factory farms" or by purchasing such products, then you are supporting their efforts in a way. This commercial makes you think twice, and it will have a lot of people thinking of Chipotle the next time they want Mexican on the go!

Not only is this a great way to reach a greater target market but also bring to light the culture of hispanics to those who aren't familiar with it. I wonder how many more will be built and if there could be "too much of a good thing", but it seems to be doing well for now. It seems to be implying and mostly Mexican traditions so it would be interesting to go and see what other cultures are incorporated.

I lived in Mexico for an extended period of time when I was in high school and the hispanic culture thrives around the "plaza culture". In Mexico, being together and out of the house is part of their culture- walking at night, dancing, or just hanging out in the plaza is where most of their social life occurs. Cities and towns are build around their plazas. In the United States we do not maintain this aspect, our plaza would be comparable to sitting on our couch watching TV after work- where instead they go out into the community. Altering the setup and store hours encourages and brings the Hispanics back to their roots but also can provide the neighbor hood with some education in diversity and really great foods and products that they may not have been aware of before.

Not only is it a great way for the Hispanic population to connect and revisit their roots like others had said, but what a great way for people from different backgrounds/cultures to have the opportunity to shop at a Hispanic market without having to travel out of the country. I think this is wonderful!

Tech Writing Handbook. I found this while reading an article about effective writing in business. I thought it might be a useful tool for everyone!

Here's the article! http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/07/your-company-is-only-as-good-a/

Really interesting article about how our favorite fast food restaurant really responds well to the socio-cultural environment and adapts there products and presentation to win over the population- including famous chefs in this case.

What stood out in my head was the woman who was offended by the breading. Rather than taking this new food item as an insult, I think that the she should realize the efforts McDonald's makes to accommodate peoples' needs. Yes, it is not the same as homemade or some bakeries, but it is up to the French people to know the difference. McDonald's is only trying to create a low priced food that appeals to people considering the hard times that they have had.

Fantastic article. One important thing to remember for their new campaign however, is to remember the relevance of those commenting on their products. It's awesome that they were able to have the acceptance of a world-famous baker, but it would be even more influential if they could analyze cultural trends within France to see who really has an impact on the people. Is it this world known baker? Or, the friendly baker down the street. If they could grab a combination of positive expressions about their baguettes and other products, McDonald's could produce a positive message that would be received throughout various demographics of their target markets.

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!

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.

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.

Interesting guide for retailers during economic downturns. Written in 2008 but still applicabel. If you are too lazy to read 6 pages, read at least the tips for retailers on p.6 ;-)

I think this article is a great example of how important it is for companies to be continually evolving and strengthening their brands. I currently work for Kairos Zero, which is an online marketing consulting company, and their main objective in helping their clients is specifically defining the target market. Once the target market is clearly defined for any company, they can use analytics to better analyze their main customers, how they behave, and what they are looking to experience with your product or service. In the case of this article, JC Penny was unable to evolve and develop new strategies for existing or new customers because their target market was not clearly defined, and JC Jenny's overall focus was not based on what the customer truly wanted. This directly affected their bottom line over the course of two years. Unfortunate for JC Penny, but demonstrates how important it is to cater to the customer and provide that "experience" that they are looking for.

As everyone has stated, JC Penney is in hot water because they have lost sight of what the main focus should be: the customer. Without focusing on the customer, how do they expect to keep them coming back? The main aspect of customer loyalty is keeping customers satisfied in order to make them want to be a continuous customer. Because JC Penney is making decisions based on what they think customers want without doing any market research to back up these decisions, it is apparent that their customer loyalty, which in turn, affects their sales is dwindling rapidly. One aspect of the article that I could relate to was when the author talked about using test brands to see customer's responses to the brand. While working at my part time job at Express clothing, we would always be sent one or two items that we didn't have and would use them as "test items" to see if customers would be interested in buying the item. If the items were purchased, we let the manufacturer know and they would determine whether they would send us the item to sell. If not, we would not sell the items in our store. I think using a test brand is a great idea for JC Penney to try. By using a select few items from different brands, they can see what is successful and what is not and plan accordingly.

When I saw the changes JCPenney made in person, I thought it made their company look a little bit cheaper. While it was nice to see low prices, I still liked the more "department store" feeling with cash registers in every department rather than just in the front of the store. I agree with Kara about how Apple is its own "breed" because Apple is constantly innovating their products to be more user friendly to their customers and they are constantly listening to their customers, not to mention their top of the line customer service. It is also a lot easier to listen to your consumers when you have one specialized product such as Apple with electronics. JCP sells a wider variety of things from clothing, to luggage, to home goods, to shoes. With that being said, I believe it is a lot more important for them to listen to your customers because they have a wider variety of target customers.