Earlier this week, I attended the National Retail Federation show in NYC. This was a very exciting event, focused on the latest, greatest trends in retailing and what that means to the independent retailer.
As I walked the floor, two things became immediately apparent. One is that there is clearly, despite the effects of the recession, still plenty of business to be had. Investment and innovation in retailing has NOT dropped off, despite what the nay-sayers have been crying for a while now.
The second trend is the steadily increasing role technology is playing in connecting the independent retailer with their customer base. The buzz-word at the show was m-commerce, for mobile commerce: marketing initiatives delivered via cell phone. We’re seeing the advent of downloadable coupons and special offers in text messages. (more…)