Results Count ... everything else is conversation.

Brazil – Retail lessons from the land of beef

Rapid sales growth can cover retail “sins” of omission

While in much of the world economies and retail are still in recovery mode, Brazil is a bull of an economy.  Brazil is bold, brazen and the land of where “beef is truly what’s for dinner”.  Brazil has the highest GDP for Latin America, and now ranks in the top economies globally.  So, what does retail look like in a booming economy?  The Retail U Professor returns with insights, retail snapshots and glowing stories of "picanha"!    

Ukraine: A case study for emerging markets

It’s not just the west, retail is changing everywhere 

I’m always excited about the opportunity to take IMS retail workshops on the road to other countries.  Last week I had opportunity to not only visit the Ukraine, but to meet with the senior management from top retailers in this emerging market.  There are always some unique local challenges. However, there are more similarities than differences across retailers today.  At the end of the day, results count … no matter where your retail stores are located.

5,280 … Miles (Not Feet) From Home

IMS Retail University Heads to the Ukraine

In retail we usually talk about feet, that is, square foot metrics of a retailer.  And, you could say we have walked miles touring retail store fronts and sales floors worldwide.  But not this week, the IMS Retail U “professor” found himself 5, 280 miles from his homeland.  IMS Retail University had the opportunity and pleasure to facilitate several different workshops in Kiev, Ukraine.

“Emerging” retail markets are exploding …

Growth of the “small screen” moves retailing online

I always relish the opportunity to take Retail University courses abroad.  Inevitably, I find that the Professor learns as much as the students.  While much of US and western European retail has been homogenized by the large big box chains, Asia is truly a land of diversity in retailing. There is nothing like first-hand experience of visiting retail stores in Asia.  But, the biggest retail trend is not about stores … it’s happening online!  Read on to discover a new resource to watch the trends unfold in Asia.

Find balance by asking: What should I not do?

Filtering choices is the key to balancing business & life

The full description of this blog site is:  “Methods, insights and conversations that focus on results in business … and life.”  The vast majority of our posts are focused on achieving results that count in business.  It’s definitely time to shift gears and focus on the “business of life”.  Is it possible to achieve work/life balance in today’s hectic world?  Deciding what not to do might be just your most important decision.

Out of Africa … Unplugged

5 lessons learned by staying unplugged on safari

On my Africa safari, I found that internet service for my computer was poor at best, and mainly non-existent.  On the other hand, there seems to be cell towers everywhere, and I could have easily “plugged” back in to email and the business world.  By managing to stay disconnected for two weeks, I was able to capture 8,000 plus photos, with memories to last a lifetime, and learn 5 valuable lessons along the way.

Only 5,000 iPhones sold in China … Why?

Even the best product will fail without localization

As I prepare for our next Retail U International course, I’m looking for case studies which illustrate how even the best will fail if they don’t localize to fit the market.  What better case study than the utter failure of Apple to launch iPhones in China!  The early sales suggest that Apple totally missed the critical success factors for international retail.

 

Over the Road Gadget Overload …

Do you have any fingers left to drive your vehicle?

Technology can be a marvelous thing. You can be “live” from virtually anywhere anytime, including your car.  As gadgets go on the road in your car, the technology can be overwhelming … not to mention making a mess of your car.  If you are a live road warrior, it may be safer to fly!

Case studies of international retail … and beer

There is no substitute for first-hand experience

In preparing for a new Retail University course on international retailing, I have been “Binging” and “Googling” as many sources as possible.  Photos are still worth a thousand words, and we are continuing to post new photos from recent shops of Asian and Australian retailers (see photo galleries left side).  But, in the words of Paul Harvey, “the rest of the story” lies in the context of experience on the retail floor, online … and in the bar.

Learning is Reciprocal…

Nothing like an adventure abroad to broaden horizons

My standard close in US Retail U classes is that you’ve got to get out of your corporate hometown in order to understand retail.  That punch line is even truer today, as retail continues to rapidly evolve.  But, “getting out of town” is even more crucial in understanding international retailing … as I learned again on my last Asian tour.

You don't see many Retail U class photos like this one from

Hanoi, Vietnam