US retail sales have seen a rise for the seventh consecutive month in April amid economic recovery. Sales picked up 0.4 percent, higher than the 0.2 percent expected by most economists, according to data from the Commerce Department.
A new research study shows retail demand intelligence (RDI) as the most pressing investment issue currently facing retailers and this is agreed by the elite members who form the NGR US committee. According to the new report, retailers are not only implementing advanced demand-forecasting tools, but are using RDI as a foundational retail technology, tightly integrated with retail planning systems, supply chain applications, and customer selling systems.
In today’s economy, consumers are increasingly demanding. They require customized, targeted promotions carrying personalized benefits and incentives, highly automated and easy-to-use multi-channel technology, and rapid response times to their changing preferences. The retailer needs to be apparent, with accessible product information, clear communications, brand-appropriate service levels, and consumer-centric multi-channel support – all without being intrusive.
To properly address these requirements executives which make up the NG Retail US summit (hosted by GDS International) will look at the best way to deliver a truly improved shopping experience, and gain competitive advantage, retailers must fine-tune their business processes to be able to make quick decisions. Demand trends change rapidly, and consumers expect companies to be always up to date and ready to deliver whatever they want in the shortest amount of time.
Representatives from Amazon - Rick Batye, VP Retail Systems, eBay - James Barrese, VP Architecture, Platforms, Systems, Best Buy - Jeff Peterson, VP Store Operations, Lowes - Ron Blahnik, VP IT Engineering and Starbucks - Elizabeth King, VP Global HR Solutions & Services hope to discuss practical steps and approaches for RDI, identifying common failings to ensure success and how to initiate RDI programs.
With the retail sectors future already picking up it is now to invest in securing growth and remembering the customer is always right.
No comments:
Post a Comment