Books-A-Million's EVP of Merchandising, Kathy Gagliano, unveils the strategies powering their brick-and-mortar resurgence. This episode delves into how a century-old brand thrives by focusing on in-store experience, expert product curation, and deep customer understanding, offering a blueprint for physical retailers navigating the digital age.
Key takeaways
Books-A-Million leverages its deep history and trusted brand to create a unique in-store identity that online retailers cannot replicate.
Success in brick-and-mortar retail today hinges on creating an engaging customer experience through intentional store design and product presentation.
Strategic merchandising, including curated product mixes beyond just books, drives customer loyalty and differentiated value.
Books-A-Million maintains relevance by continuously adapting strategies to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to its core value proposition.
Physical stores act as vital community hubs, fostering discovery and engagement through events and a welcoming atmosphere.
In episode 506 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kathy Gagliano, executive vice president of merchandising at Books-A-Million, the second largest bookstore retailer operating more than 220 stores in the United States. The discussion begins with the history of the company, dating all the way back to 1917 (0:55). According to Gagliano, the…
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Books-A-Million leverages its deep history and trusted brand to create a unique in-store identity that online retailers cannot replicate.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Success in brick-and-mortar retail today hinges on creating an engaging customer experience through intentional store design and product presentation.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Strategic merchandising, including curated product mixes beyond just books, drives customer loyalty and differentiated value.
What does this episode say about customer retention?
Books-A-Million maintains relevance by continuously adapting strategies to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to its core value proposition.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Physical stores act as vital community hubs, fostering discovery and engagement through events and a welcoming atmosphere.
