This episode dissects the critical 2019 holiday shopping season, offering ecommerce operators a look into retail forecasts, evolving store experiences, and significant industry news. It highlights the competitive landscape for online and brick-and-mortar retailers, analyzes consumer behavior trends, and evaluates new technology and platform features relevant to holiday sales strategies.
Key takeaways
Analyze profit margins and logistics for holiday promotions, as Amazon continues to lead on price, making direct competition challenging for many.
Investigate new retail formats and experiential stores (like Showfields or Nordstrom NYC Flagship) for inspiration on how to blend online and offline customer journeys.
Evaluate the long-term impact of major retail shifts, such as significant store closures and brand liquidations, to understand consumer migration and market opportunities.
Consider adopting new platform features, like Shopify’s email ESP, to streamline marketing efforts and improve customer communication during peak seasons.
Exercise caution when interpreting consumer sentiment studies, especially those with questionable methodologies, and prioritize data-driven insights tailored to your specific audience.
EP198 - Holiday Forecasts A weekly podcast with the latest e-commerce news and events. Episode 198 covers the 2019 holiday forecasts, store visits, and news. Reviews Jason & Scot both received the new Apple AirPods Pro and the Amazon Echo Buds. Both liked the Apple product better. Echo buds had better noise cancelation, but an inferior fit/design, poor microphone, and a case that's too big for a pocket. Trip Reports Nordstrom NYC Flagship Amazon Bookstore remodels and FourStar Showfields Macy's new Story display Starbucks Pickup Only location News Gap CEO, Art Peck steps down Sears Closing 96 more stores, leaving 182 Sears and Kmart stores Barneys Liquidation Assets – Great American Group and Tiger Capital Group IP – Authentic Brands, will be licensed to Saks Fifth Ave Profitero Price Study (Amazon is price leader) Shopify – Adds an Email ESP First Insight Study "Amazon Past it's Prime" – Pretty silly methodology (stated preferences of 1000 people), don't put too much stock in it. Holiday Forecasts NRF Nov-Dec excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurant <
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Analyze profit margins and logistics for holiday promotions, as Amazon continues to lead on price, making direct competition challenging for many.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Investigate new retail formats and experiential stores (like Showfields or Nordstrom NYC Flagship) for inspiration on how to blend online and offline customer journeys.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Evaluate the long-term impact of major retail shifts, such as significant store closures and brand liquidations, to understand consumer migration and market opportunities.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Consider adopting new platform features, like Shopify’s email ESP, to streamline marketing efforts and improve customer communication during peak seasons.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Exercise caution when interpreting consumer sentiment studies, especially those with questionable methodologies, and prioritize data-driven insights tailored to your specific audience.
