What company in the tabletop industry has invested in a tech company? I don't know of one. I believe our industry should be doing what UPS does and investing in tech--and I'll explain why.
As today's WSJ shares, UPS has a venture capital arm and it has this because smart businesses know that most businesses are becoming more like: software businesses. Therefore, businesses have to ‘buy’ that know-how by investing in a tech company. UPS knows that it doesn't have the internal tech know-how to...
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June 26, 2019
June 26, 2019
I’m just back from the Dallas show. I met with some wonderful people from the mart and they’re ready to go digital.
In general, I’m seeing that more market buildings are finally taking digital seriously. Why are they finally doing so? Because Amazon is nipping at their retailers heels? Because Zola is stealing the indie store’s registry business? No. Sadly, the main thing that brought the markets up to speed on the weather outside is: their own livelihood. Faire, a startup tech company ...
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June 20, 2019
June 20, 2019
New P.J. Salvage Stars & Skulls At Cheeks!
Cheeks just got a shipment of the new Stars & Skulls pattern from P.J. Salvage. Pictured are the Incredibly soft marled grey long sleeve, a perfect shirt for layering, and the comfy marled grey jersey short. A super soft banded grey pant and a black knit tank with mini-stud detailed skull are also available. Stop at Cheeks and find your size!
Rachel Cordaro started off with just a few cards in our MacKenzie-Childs Department. Our customers loved them! We quickly expanded her selection and her art pieces have developed quite the following! Rachel’s brand is now one of our top 50 vendors!! Out of the 1,000s of brands we carry her art and vision is really speaking to our guests! We love supporting local artists and are thrilled by Rachel’s success. Our MacKenzie-Childs manager asked her some behind the easel questions to find out about ...
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June 16, 2019
June 16, 2019
Business lunch: how retail is changing :)
Old retail is 80% analog. This consists of: the physical store, staff, customer service training, etc. What you’d expect walking into a Saks or Macy's. And it's about 20% tech: computers, cash registers (POS systems), mobile shopping, Google ranking, apps, hiring social influencers, Instagram, etc.
Today, the retailers that are well positioned, growing, and 'hot' carry the opposite equation: they're 20% analog and 80% tech.
Enchant your guests with a new type of bloom on your table. Studio Moser and head designer Lukáš Jabůrek were inspired by a rose to create the Rouge Bowl. Swirls of color offset by layers of white create a stunning depth to this masterpiece. Available in three colors.
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June 7, 2019
June 7, 2019
Smaller margins are here for many businesses in many industries—not just tableware. Recently, a sales rep balked when I suggested its stores take a haircut on margins. Yet, I believe big money tech players are forcing these cuts and upending traditional profits—leaving stores with little other option. From media (see today’s AT&T article) to advertising (Facebook, goggle) to transportation (Uber, Lyft, Tesla) to gift registries (Amazon, MyRegistry, Zola), big money-backed tech companies are the...
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June 4, 2019
June 4, 2019
The Jay Strongwater Diana rose box has been cast in pewter, finished in 14kt gold with layers of hand-painted, translucent jade enamels complemented by a vibrant red ladybug. Swarovski crystals line the petal edges The hinged box features the Jay Strongwater signature jeweled closure and is lined in coral enamel. A perfect gift!
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March 30, 2019
March 30, 2019
Celebrating the weekend... our secret to setting a simple yet stylish spring table… lots of layers! . #shoplocal #skyrosdesigns #skyrosbride
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February 27, 2019
February 27, 2019
Walmart continues to immitate Amazon by seeking to grow its advertising platform, shares today’s WSJ.
I think I read that Amazon currently accounts for 10% or ad dollars spent and is expected to become a top 3 player soon, along with Google and Facebook.
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February 23, 2019
February 23, 2019
“Wayfair reports it spent $196 each on its 3.6 million new customers this year. Customer acquisition costs have an adverse effect on the company's bottom line.” ~ CNBC
I looked up the above information after reading in today’s WSJ that Wayfair reported an increase in active users to 15 million—but it’s still spending amost $200 to acquire each new customer. Wayfair, which has negative cash flow (debt?) of $137m, appears to be open to exiting its predicament by selling itself to a larger retail ...
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February 7, 2019
February 7, 2019
Wanna see the future of retail? First, look back. Look back at the newspaper industry and its hard, swift fall over the last 15 years. Facebook (and other tech platforms) replaced newspapers across the country as the world’s information and advertising platforms. General lesson: platforms replace individual players. Next up: Amazon’s platform is going to substitute national brand (and retail) names with its private label business. Don’t like it? Amazon doesn’t care. It owns the world’s largest ...
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January 29, 2019
January 29, 2019
Toffee To Go's mouth-watering toffee is layered with roasted almonds & coated with a thin layer of pure milk chocolate. This gourmet treat is then sprinkled with chopped walnuts. Once you open a box of Toffee To Go, be prepared to share.
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November 30, 2018
November 30, 2018
The art of layering 4 different collections for one setting.
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November 19, 2018
November 19, 2018
+ Online holiday sales are projected to grow 15% this season. + Macy’s reports shoppers buy 25% more when picking items up in-store. + Stores are increasingly offering in-store pickup for online purchases. More stores are offeirng checkout via mobile handheld scanners. + Target and Amazon are offering free shipping on many items. Walmart is offering free expediated shipping on orders over $35. Aka: order a new set of dinner plates and fast shipping is free. That’s a compelling offer to counter ...
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This video shows some of the beautiful golden pearls by Jewelmer. They just won the KJNA environmentally sustainable award for 2018. Click Here for Video
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? It’s all about the presentation… Layer basic elements to achieve an extraordinary effect!! Set your autumn table with Skyros... Simply Exquisite! #skyrosdesigns
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