Tonite, I CAN’T SLEEP! I can hardly contain my excitement as I prepare for tomorrow's #blackfriday! The anticipation is building, and I hope I can get a few winks as I plan to be at Kohl's when doors open at 5am and next will be heading to Target, Tractor Supply Company, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Dollar Tree Stores and Walmart for the 6am openings (probably in that order). And, will be in stores till about 4pm to catch the specialty retailers who open later. We will witness firsthand if our Coresight Research predictions turn into reality.
As I stand amidst the hustle and bustle, I'll be keeping a close eye on the energy, the sales, talking to store managers, checking the number of cars in the parking lot, taking extensive notes on what’s in people’s carts, the impact of technology investments, and the excitement in the air. Our team has poured their hearts into bringing this information to life, and it's a true testament to their dedication and passion. Together, we've carefully built an approach to marry the quantitative and qualitative.
I am immensely grateful for our team around the world and want to give a special shoutout to Anand Kumar, CFA and Swarooprani Muralidhar for pulling what will most likely be an all-nighter to help us get this over the finish line and I know they are excited at the opportunity to be part of this incredible journey. Since we are all awake right now, we are already formulating some unexpected insights like the significant increase in Black Friday participation in #India with brands like Tata CLiQ Luxury, H&M, Marks and Spencer, #malls, and many local brands.
The Black Friday experience is not just about the sales; it's about 1) understanding the entire supply chain from beginning to end, 2) the impact of new technologies like #GenAI, 3) the challenges due to the growth of #organizedretailcrime, 4) the benefits from #retailmedianetworks, data monetization and IP monetization and the investments retailers are making as a result, and 5) THE REAL OPPORTUNITY:what did we learn that can still impact this holiday season?
The TRUE test lies in the moment the doors swing open and the shopper’s journey from that point forward. Increasingly the consumer thinks “is the effort to come out worth it?” If there is too much friction and not enough excitement, consumers will continue to shift more spending online which drives higher returns, less brand loyalty and lower #CLTV.
So, if you're up early tomorrow, follow our comments from the stores! Let's witness together the magic of Black Friday and cull the insights. I guarantee YOU….they never are what you think they are going to be.
This photo below is from an amazing event last weekend with my dearest friend and fellow disruptor Liz Bacelar at her daughter’s quinceanara. Love-learn-laugh is what I took away from that experience and that is the mindset I am heading out with tomorrow.
#BlackFridayExcitement #teamworkmakesdreamwork
#lovelearnlaugh
Major Retired at Sears Stores
6moI gave 25 years of my life to Sears. They were great times. Unfortunately I saw the writing on the wall so I retired 5 years before I planned on . Carmen I give you credit