The Future of Small-Box Retail

On Tuesday, September 16th I attended the COPA breakfast seminar on "The Future of Small Box retail" which was held at the Riviera Parque Convention Centre in Vaughan, Ontario.

The speaker was Hannah Donoghue a senior analyst with RetailNet Group (RNG) where she specializes in retail, channel strategy and strategic planning. She leads RNG’s research and advisory work for the Americas region, RNG’s specialty small box practice area and supports RNG’s Executive Education programs at UCLA Anderson School of Management. She is an industry analyst and strategist for leading retailers and manufacturers such as Target, Coca-Cola, Mars, Hewlett-Packard, P&G, and Northgate Gonzalez Markets.

Hannah Donoghue of RetailNet Group

In a word, she knows retail and provided the attending group with a wealth of knowledge regarding the current state of retail in both the USA and Canadian markets - with a look to the future outlook for retail.

In summary, big box retail is being challenged on two fronts:

1. by the burgeoning internet market landscape which is seeing "Tech" replace "Real Estate";
2. by deep discount "Dollar Stores" who will continue to grow that category over the next 5 years;

In order to combat these potential threats, according to RNG, traditional retail have come up with several strategies:

•  they are closing non-performing large stores;
• they are shrinking their formats to smaller more intimate footprints in high density urban areas;
• they are localizing the looks of many of their stores to give a more neighbourhood, community feel for their shopper's experience;
• they are targeting their merchandise assortments to gain more spend from the peak spending age group of ages 45 to 54;
• retailers are offering more services, with a greater focus on providing solutions to bring shoppers into their stores;

It's all about gaining a competitive advantage

 

Why is the Dollar store experience so appealing? It's not just pricing.......

• price and value are obvious keys, especially to a younger, thriftier generation on tighter budgets;
• a younger audience is also more urban with fewer transportation options - so proximity and convenience play a large role in their success;
• simplified shopping with limited assortments, so instead of multiple brands offering basically the same thing - you get only 1 or 2 options;
• the "Treasure Hunt" experience - what will I find today?

There are really only two avenues for future retailers - either move to being a low cost provider or differentiate your business to attract a loyal clientele. Those retailers who are not adapting will find themselves in the "Valley of Death" - the 50% of retail who will not be around in coming years.

However, for big retail there are challenges:

• there is a cost to shrinking their stores - and they lie in decreased profits;
• for every Supercentre store - it takes 15 small format express stores to equal the same productivity of a large store;

In our own industry we have seen stores that were traditionally 18 to 24 thousand sq. feet reducing sizes to 5 to 15 thousand feet.

Retail is always in flux and whenever the latest, greatest idea seems to take hold - there is always a better mouse trap right around the corner.

Why the best salesperson shouldn't always become sales manager?

Today's article focuses on Leadership.

 Article #3 – Solutions for the Human Side of Business - By: Jonathan Creaghan  

 

If performance and length of service were the only criteria for promotion, then it makes complete sense to put your best sales person in a management role. But, from a leadership perspective this may not be the best strategy. You might in-fact be promoting a Partial Leader. 

What is a partial leader?

A partial leader might have the years of service and can perform well in their role (i.e. get the results the company is looking for), but lacks either the behavior and/or mindset needed to drive a team or a department to achieve its goals. We see this happen all the time within small and medium sized companies. Although sometimes it works, many times it doesn’t. The company ends up with a leader who is reactionary, who will try and achieve results without creating buy in from their team, and thereby feeling the need to go it alone. Or worse, creates inefficiency and loss productivity, as their emotions dictate what actions are taken to solve an issue. 

Performance is the outcome, behavior is the action, and your mind is the driver of it all

Leadership is the combination of three aspects working in unison:

• Mind-set - the ability to use the full potential of the mind including wisdom, reason, strategic thinking, and intuition as well as attitude, values, personality, and integrity.
• Behavior - the action. Experience, skill, as well as one’s ability to work with others, mentor and train their staff properly, translate ideas into reality, inspire, and manage their ego and emotions. Keep their word, trust themselves, others, and effectively use the tools and processes of the company.
• Performance - the outcome of the Mind-set and Behavior working effectively together.

What to do if you have partial leaders?

Of course you want to develop your leaders fully, so keep these in mind:

• Is he or she capable of being developed? This question is about potential, training, skill, education, and capability to learn new ideas and translate them into new behaviors
• Are they motivated to grow? This is about mind-set, interest and internal resources to bring about change within themselves through mentoring and coaching.
• Do you know what you are looking for in a leader? This is a question of your own clarity to understand what kind of leader you want for the role. As well as your goals, vision, and culture you are trying to develop and the ability to bring all of this together strategically.
• Do you have the processes within your organization to develop your people? This is about the developmental pathway and steps to follow to actually grow this person.

Build a strategic approach to leadership and succession

When company leaders focus on building a culture around behavior, mindset, and performance certain things begin to happen:

• A more complete understanding of the entire person is presented
• People become more strategically responsive rather than reactionary.
• Decisions are clearer and communicated more effectively
• Day to day challenges are handled with greater wisdom
• Trust builds within the company
• Suppliers, customers, clients, and others experience the improvements
• Bottom line is positively affected

 

Paper Knowledge

Today we are going to discuss paper - check out this article from George Buttigieg of Ariva.

As Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are A-Changin’”.  In recent years, the number of media available has increased exponentially, but paper remains a key component for marketing and communications.  And although paper usage has declined, and by all predictions will continue to decline, paper is still a utilized and valuable resource whether it be to write a personal letter, to    launch a teaser direct mail campaign, or to keep someone informed through a daily newspaper. 

Two Sides North America is a great resource to learn more about paper myths, facts, events and more.  Myths such as ‘making paper destroys forests’ are debunked.  And they address how paper and print remain a viable and successful medium for communication (or an integral part of a multi-media campaign).

 

Once paper myths are dispelled, and an organization determines paper and print is critical to their marketing program, the question often becomes recycled or virgin paper.

This is a complicated question and one that deserves a little background explanation first.

The simple answer is that recycled paper is important, but it isn’t the only way to create sustainable, environmentally friendly products.

There are two types of paper sources that are part of a sustainable supply chain:

• Recycled sources (used paper that’s been collected, sorted, de-inked and dried back into pulp form and sent out to paper mills)
•          Virgin sources (sawmill residuals and trees)

What so many people don’t realize is that paper fibres can only be recycled 5-7 times! And this means that the input of virgin sources into the paper stream is essential to produce good quality printing and writing paper.

Now you might be thinking, which is better? But in fact, this question brings us to somewhat of a moot point because both recycled fibre and virgin fibre are part of the exact same paper cycle.

For Ariva, it’s about balancing our customers’ supply needs with the responsibility we have to minimize our impact on natural resources. And that's why we provide products that include virgin fibre from responsibly managed sources AND recycled content. Virgin fibre that is harvested using recognized third-party-certified sustainable forestry practices is as environmentally sound as recycled fibre.

Here’s some valuable information to consider as you try to figure out what’s better: recycled or virgin paper.

•  They’re both from the same paper cycle
•  They’re both part of a sustainable supply chain

•  Paper fibres can only be recycled 5-7 times

•        To get good quality printing and writing paper, you need both recycled and virgin fibres

•     Virgin fibre that’s harvested using third-party-certified sustainable forestry practices is as environmentally sound as recycled fibre

•     Consider the complete life cycle and understand the “cradle to gate” full carbon footprint – recycled paper may not always have a lower carbon footprint than virgin paper

     So as much as “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, there are still some constants.  Paper remains a part of our everyday life and a key medium for marketing.

Introducing the Uber

New from Vision Global Media: "The Uber"

 

 

 

What is the Uber?

 

It is a safe case for your iPad - especially designed for kids. A high impact foam case that protects your expensive iPad from most drops and bangs.

Available for iPad 2, 3, 4 and Mini



 

iPads are becoming the computer of choice for schools because of their portability and ease of use. School Boards are outfitting grade school level students with iPads and because of the sensitive nature of these items, naturally they want to see that the kids don't break this expensive piece of equipment. Of course a 10 year old isn't interested in a black leather corporate iPad case. They want something that is a little more "eye appealing" - this is where the Uber comes in:

• 4 exciting colours:  Pink, Green, Blue, Black
• Textured surface to prevent slipping
• Handle rotates to act as a 2 position stand for typing
• Easy to install with access to all ports and controls
• No slip, grip handle - perfect for little hands
• Raised beveled edge fits around the glass to protect even when placed face down
• Non-toxic, odourless and eco-friendly

Are you working with School Boards now? If yes, you need to tell them about the "Uber" - it's specially designed for kids and Vision Global Media has already outfitted several school boards with this innovative product.

Zen and the Art of Skipping a Stone

Something to ponder - Stone Skipping

Jonathan Creaghan has provided me with a series of articles on leadership, sales and time management. I will be running these articles periodically - so check in for updates.

Today Jonathan has provided us something to ponder, as the end of summer is in sight - Stone Skipping. When I was a young boy of about 10, my Dad took us camping in Michigan and I remember entering a stone skipping contest. He took me down to the beach for it. I came in 3rd. My Dad passed away last January at 83. This article made me think of him and that quiet moment of innocence.

 

Article #2 – Solutions for the Human Side of Business - By: Jonathan Creaghan

There is great satisfaction when a stone skips on forever across the water. One, two, three… ten, eleven…. until all the skips come together, and the stones slides to a stop and sinks.  

From where I stand on the beach the water today is placid and perfect for one of my favorite childhood past times:  Stone Skipping!

Reconnecting with Youthful Joys

I haven’t skipped a stone in a few years, this is a pity. I hope I never truly let go of childhood joys. In my youth the goal of skipping stones was the number of skips per stone, the more skips the better. I of course cannot remember my greatest number. Over 12 maybe, my childhood self would say close to 20 skips, and I believed at the time that strength and speed of the throw along with the proper weight and thickness of the stone were the key.  

Now I am not sure if strength and speed are that important a part of the equation.  The first few stones I skip this morning are based on the muscle memory of childhood. Throw hard and watch the stone fly. But I notice the tension in my arm and let it go. My body relaxes, and I shift my focus onto something different than the goal of the number of skips.  If thrown well, the stone will not hit the water immediately, but soar through the air for a while, until landing gracefully for its first touch. The angle of this touch will dictate how the stone proceeds. Too sharp and the stone will sink too quickly.   

Finding the Perfect Stone

As I continue my walk down the beach, I find what I can only call, stone skippers heaven, hundreds of potential moments of joy. I reach down and grab a stone from the pile, and feel an instant connection with it. It is almost like it has been waiting for this moment. It is mostly smooth with only a few pockmarks, and about as round as it will ever be, the perfect specimen. I bounce it in my hands, letting it settle between my fingers. This stone feels right. 

The One Moment

 

I step down to the waters edge, the waves lapping the beach softly. There is no breeze. The smell of the salt air from the ocean is fresh.

My arm and body swing in one continuous motion, the stone is released from my fingers and finds flight one, two, three….  I stop counting and just watch its progress. Its bounce is steady and fluid, even when it begins its slide, it stays on the surface going and going.  For me the perfect throw. 

 I have no idea how many skips it made, that doesn’t matter any more. The totality of the experience is what counts. The discovery of the perfect stone, the angle of the throw, the beauty that surrounds me, the way the stone softly hits the water, the correct amount of tension in my arm, this is what I have thrown all those stones for this morning….... To find that single moment.
 

How to Skip a Stone.

1.       Choose a smooth flat stone of medium weight. Not too light that it’s at the wishes of the water. Not too heavy that it’s hard to get momentum.

2.       Place the stone between the thumb and index finger.  It should fit comfortably in the curve created between these two fingers. Ensure the angle of the stone is slightly raised at the front.

3.       Stay relaxed and throw the stone in a side arm pitch, letting your body curve down with the angle and swing of your arm.

4.       Step into the throw, and let it go allowing the stone to spin out of your fingers.

5.       One smooth fluid motion with a clear head.  

 

 

Jonathan Creaghan helps clients transform themselves and their workplaces.  He believes that businesses ultimately succeed or fail because of the human factor.  He teaches people to think differently, to see reality with fresh eyes when solving issues that impede them, whether personal or business.  Jonathan provides “Solutions for the Human Side of Business”.  www.jonathancreaghan.com
 

 

Jonathan is the author of several books including Duxter’s Leap! and the Thinking Differently® Leadership series  which includes Thinking Differently® about… Getting More Done.  His books are published around the globe in several languages.

For more information  on  Jonathan Creaghan:

-        www.Jonathancreaghan.com

-        Jonathan@jonathancreaghan.com

-        519.472.2562

Tombow Mono Drawing Pencils - the Artists Pencil of Choice

 

Today let's talk about Pencils - specifically Tombow Mono Drawing Pencils - the "Artists" pencil of choice.

 

 

The Tombow MONO Drawing Pencil is a favorite among many artists and illustrators because of its range of degrees, high point strength and superior extra-refined, high-density graphite.

High Quality is the standard for Tombow MONO Drawing Pencils. This is what makes them the preferred pencil for drawing and drafting. The first thing that you will notice about these pencils is the black lacquer finish and gold Tombow imprint. This signifies superiority among all wooden pencils. But everyone knows looks are not everything and that is why Tombow offers a wide range of lead grades.

The different grades of lead are directly related to the hardness. A harder lead will make a lighter mark and a softer lead will create a darker mark, Tombow lead grades come in a wide degree of ranges including: 4H, 3H, 2H, H, HB, F, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B and 6B.
 

 

Having options for lead grades is great but what about the quality? That is one of the most important factors to focus on whenever choosing a drawing pencil. The quality of lead in Tombow’s MONO drawing pencils is on an elite level. They have a high point strength which means the graphite holds a nice sharp point longer. This is perfect for hatching or crosshatching strokes. Not only are these pencils easy to sharpen; they produce smear proof lines that help create crisp, clean drawings. This is also an important feature for left-handed artist and illustrators. These drawing pencils also have the added value of slow wear for smooth, dense writing.

 

According to Tombow’s Signature Designer, Marie Browning, “The high quality graphite found in Tombow’s MONO Drawing Pencils is finely ground which making applying it super smooth.” This makes it easy to get beautiful gradations in your shading.

 

 

The Tombow Mono Drawing pencils are available in retail open stock displays, blister cards and 12 pack sets.