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
Is
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?
iStock
iStock
iStock
iStock
| NEW JERSEY GROCER
18