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As you have recognized, our commentary is usually inspired by current events. And that means that our intentions of what we discuss can change any day.
For instance, we were expecting to talk about 3 or 4 examples of folks "seizing the moment" that we had seen earlier this week. Great reminder for retailers.
Then, just this morning, we saw an article about a nationwide Gallup study of what constitutes a "quality job - such as providing fair pay, having predictable schedules, and offering opportunities to grow and advance."
"Traditional labor statistics track how many people are employed and what they earn—but they don't capture the aspects of work that drive employee and business success."
The Gallup American Job Quality Study* surveyed more than 18,000 workers across industries, geographies, and job types.
"This study shows what truly defines a good job and why job quality, not just job quantity, is essential to a thriving workforce. Workers in quality jobs aren't just more satisfied, they're also healthier, more engaged, and more productive."
We believe that independent retailers in particular are well positioned to offer quality jobs that attract quality employees.
Which brings us back to "seize the moment." As reported by Alex Halvorsen in the Seattle Times, there is a retailer in Seattle that sells licensed sports apparel "and the not-so-occasional cheeky T-shirt, with a knack for the quick turnaround."
According to the store owner, "We watch every game and scan social media, looking for those big moments. Once something like that happens, there are probably hundreds of texts flying around to coordinate getting it out to our customers."
A recent example: "We had it designed and ready for sale in 54 minutes. The company then gets to work shipping those orders, trying its best to keep everything local."
"While we sell licensed gear, what we're most proud of are the T-shirts and sweatshirts with inside jokes and memories that core fans embrace."
That's more than "just a knack" for a quick turnaround. (The pros make it look easy, don’t they?)
They have a motivated and involved staff
Their staff has a voice in what the company sells and what customers they serve.
They take great pride in their ability to seize the moment.
And, they are keeping retailing fun! Which may be the most important quality of all. ---
*Landmark Gallup Study Shows Less Than Half of U.S. Workers Have A Quality Job. PR Newswire, October 16, 2025
📌 Members of The ROI can find out more about these concepts. See the article "How To Manage Your Most Valuable Asset" and/or the webinar "When Your Employees Want To Know WHY?"
The season of ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night is upon us. While Halloween comes and goes, there may be another very unhappy monster haunting retailers this Holiday season. And it is spooky! What is this monster? It is an unintended consequence of the good faith efforts of many retailers to provide "excellent customer service." Customer expectations have been raised to heights that may not be fulfilled this year. A grim reality is setting in.
Retailing is so great. Every retailer is an optimist, a people-person, and a bold risk taker. (We know; been there, done that.) Every retailer wants to get their stores re-opened, and their staff people re-employed. Granted, there are many arguments, pro and con, about "Re-Opening the Economy." And in a number of communities in the U.S. and elsewhere, some re-opening of stores and restaurants is occurring.
As Amazon Prime Day approaches – it is June 21 and 22 this year, the earliest ever for this 48-hour promotional event – retailers from all segments are wondering (or being asked): "So, how do you compete with Amazon?" Our response? You don't, at least not directly. Yet independent retailers do have many strategic advantages over Amazon. But you must recognize them, and enhance them at every opportunity. Here are some ideas that you may want to consider.
Have you noticed? That persisting Plague of Uncertainty that keeps hanging around?
And amidst all this relentless uncertainty, you still have a business to run, employees to motivate, customers to satisfy, vendors to deal with, creditors to pay, etc, etc. Here are some ideas on how to approach that.
As Amazon's second two-day Prime Day of the year approaches – this one is October 8 and 9 – retailers from all segments are wondering (or being asked): "So, how do you compete with Amazon?"
Our response? You don't, at least not directly. Not on their turf.
Look, independent retailers do have many strategic advantages over Amazon. Your challenge – and opportunity – is to recognize them, and enhance them at every opportunity. Here are some ideas that you may want to consider to allow you to compete on your terms.
No more attempts to be all things to all people. Instead, focus on the portion of your market – and the customers – that are most profitable for your operation. (Go here for more about that.)
Remember that life stages (presence and ages of children in the household) drive buying decisions. Shoppers from which lifestage are most profitable for your stores?
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