Toys"R"Us’ Post

The Power of Play in Product Design, demonstrated by Gymshark 🦈 In the dynamic world of design, integrating play into the design thinking process is a game-changer. Here's why: 🌟 Boosts Creativity Play breaks down mental barriers, sparking unique ideas and innovative solutions. 🤝 Enhances Collaboration A playful environment encourages open communication and teamwork, essential for successful projects. 🔍 Improves Problem-Solving Experimentation through play allows designers to refine ideas without fear of failure. Embrace play in your design process to unlock creativity and drive innovation. Let's make design fun and impactful!

Seeing the Macy's news and other major retailers IKEA Barnes & Noble, Inc. Kohl's Nordstrom reducing store sizes (among other changes) as they try to compete with on line shopping makes me realize why indie toy stores survive and grow (if we continue to adapt ahead of the “big guys”). We have been adapting faster because we have to! Why? 1. Store sizes are usually between 1500 - 5000 sq ft. ( Retailers signed leases averaging 3,200 square feet during the first three quarters of 2023 The Wall Street Journal ) Rent costs are reasonable and affordable. 2. Product mix curated tightly to reflect local communities. Smaller size stores force better buying decisions. 3. Less team members needed but higher quality to run a successful store. Usually 3-5 key players. 4. Social Media allows the local smaller retailer to still have a BIG voice in the marketplace. 5. Experiential retail has been carried out for years but needs upgrading to “Engagement Retailing”. (More on this at ToyFest ) Finally the indie traits most valuable are speed and agility to act, implement and change. Then repeat. #toys #toynews #toyindustry #gamesindustry #indietoystores #retail #retailindustry #brickandmortar

Had the chance to visit the historic Macy's in Philadelphia, home to the world's largest playing pipe organ—a true marvel that brings the store to life with two shows daily. 🎶 In today's retail landscape, where consumers have endless options, a differentiated customer experience is crucial for standing out. While price remains an important factor, it's the overall experience that truly sets a retailer apart. Especially within brick-and-mortar stores, where most retail commerce still takes place, consumers need a compelling reason to choose one store over another. Kudos to Macy's for recognizing this and leaning into a unique value proposition that goes beyond the transaction. Retailers, take note: Creating memorable experiences is the key to winning and retaining customers. You may not have the world's largest playing pipe organ, but if you can't articulate your differentiated value prop (and make it come to life) then you've got bigger problems 👏 #RetailExperience #CustomerExperience

I’m not a corporation type homie by any means (make em’ all PAY their fair share) but there are two major retail corps that exude mind boggling persistence: 1. JcPenney 2. Macys Like, if you wanna talk about overcoming adversity by any means in this economy its gotta be those two. How they are managing to stay relevant within this digital age of consumerism is beyond me. It’s admirable in essence, but they are still corporations so I really don’t care. 😂 One could also say that Target belongs in this list but Target is “Tarjay” it’s always had this “cool” factor that I think helps it to remain relevant so their ability to maintain its presence doesn’t surprise me. I clearly don’t know much about this stuff but I just had a random thought about it and wanted to share. If you have insights or opinions on this feel free to share in the comments below…or don’t. 🤗 Ok. I’m done internetin’ and rantin’ for now. Byeee 🖖🏾 #retail #business #bigboxretail #macys #jcpenney #economy

I’m obsessed with thinking about what’s happening with Macy’s. Maybe it’s because it was the iconic presence of my childhood, always going for special occasions, seeing the Christmas windows, etc. It occurs to me as they hurtle into a case study similar to Kodak (who thought they sold film vs. helping creating memories), that Macys and the like are in the business of creating IRL experiences, not just selling things. And in a world starving for IRL connection and physical experiences, Macy’s has the space to be incredibly significant in the current world beyond selling stuff. Driving people to locations where purchases can occur. Obviously their current business model won’t support this. Here’s hoping they can innovate beyond and into new business models that keep them relevant. Come at me. #businessstrategy

I went to the Walmart museum a couple of years ago and one of the things that stuck out was Sam Walton’s truck. He was known for never really “upgrading” when he obviously could have driven the nicest or fanciest vehicle out there. Having nice things isn’t a bad thing, but staying grounded is important too. At some point, you might consider if you are driven more by things or by impact. Will I get more cool things? Money, cars, clothes? Or Will I impact more lives, families, organizations. I want to focus on that impact. What kind of #impact are you having on the world? #checkcover3 #recruiting #transportationindustry

Exciting Industry Updates: 2024 Trends and Turnarounds! In the face of a challenging global economic environment, Burberry is experiencing the impacts of inflation and changing consumer behaviors on the luxury market. The brand is making strategic adjustments to navigate these challenges while striving to uphold its iconic reputation. Despite the difficulties, Burberry's heritage of luxury and innovation is expected to endure. LVMH is observing a change in consumer engagement, with a pivot from celebratory spending to more essential purchases. Nevertheless, the brand's enduring charm and flexibility indicate it will discover novel ways to embody luxury and festivity in these changing times. The Walt Disney Company is responding to a trend of increased consumer frugality with innovative strategies to preserve the magic while being mindful of budgets. Disney's resilience and creativity are set to deliver memorable experiences, even in a climate of financial caution. Watch for how they will continue to captivate audiences around the globe! Nike is garnering notable attention in 2024 for its potential to orchestrate an impressive revival. The brand's inventive spirit and strategic nimbleness may pave the way for a significant resurgence, positioning it as a prominent contender in this year's retail landscape. Ralph Lauren is demonstrating its exceptional capacity to prosper in a tough retail environment. The company's recent outcomes underscore its skillful navigation of market fluctuations, underpinned by strategic direction and brand potency. Ralph Lauren is consistently proving its durability and progressive mindset. Thanks Brian Sozzi for the insightful interview with Ralph Lauren’s CEO, Patrice Louvet! The perspectives on the company’s strategic direction are crucial as we traverse these thrilling times. Keep an eye out for further updates and analyses on how these renowned brands are influencing the #retail industry's future! #Luxury #Innovation #Strategy

Once again a (very) delayed celebratory post! In 2023 we launched on Nordstrom and it was truly one of the best moments of founding and running BONBONWHIMS. ❤️ 2024 will be full of ups & downs, highs & lows -- and let's be real, tons of humbling challenges ahead as we've all been seeing in retail across the board. But I've personally learned that in times of crisis, there's almost always a corner to turn. As usual, would love to connect with any fellow founders out there. My inbox is open! #entrepreneurship #startup #nycbusiness

As the ghosts and goblins make their return this fall, welcome Spirit Halloween, the retail industry's all-time biggest pop-up operation, and 𝗧𝗥𝗥'𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸. Always ahead of time, it started opening more than 1,500 locations (a record) this week with some 50,000 employees. They will operate for about 90 days, and then get all packed up overnight until next year, same time... often in the same place at roadside and empty storefront locations. It's a remarkable achievement for privately held parent company, Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc., which operates over 600 year-round, namesake gift specialty stores in the U.S. and Canada offering hot-topic novelty gifts. In an era when most retailers struggle to open a few dozen stores a year, Spencer makes it look easy. It's a genius logistics trick...and a profitable treat for Spencer. #RetailNews #RetailMarketing #RetailInsight