2017Issue3_Alabama

OUTSIDE THE BOX

NEW RETAIL PERSPECTIVES

At this point no one doubts the power of e-commerce which

now represents over 7.5 percent of all retail revenue and

rising steadily. But this is spawning an entirely new industry –

subscription boxes. Millions of consumers

now pay a monthly fee

for regular delivery

of everything from

food to cosmetics.

It is emerging

as the ultimate

expression of

convenience.

Lately, everyone wants to be known as the

“Uber” of something – even laundry.

Electrolux, the Swedish appliance

maker, is exploring the idea of having

consumers use their own washing

machines for other people’s clothes.

The company is looking into options

like having people share their unused

laundry time and an automatic oven

that would cook beef until it’s rare

rather than having consumers set the

time and temperature.

It’s an

S-Commerce

UberWorld

Going into smaller

marketing areas doesn’t

necessarily mean

downscaling operations.

Over the past decade,

boutique hotels have

exploded and now they

are going into small

cities like Bethlehem, Pa.,

and Sewanee, Tenn.,

and focusing on attracting younger travelers who

want more personalized, social spaces.

Smaller

Better

When

There’s no doubt that independents are a strong force in retail, but

change can come to anyone. Witness New York City where the number

of family-owned grocers less than 7,000 square feet dropped about 8

percent over the past decade, or about 300 stores, according to a study

by Strategic Resource Group.

GOING, GOING, GONE?

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| ALABAMA GROCER