Author: Gordon Hecht

Our shoppers have very simple requirements. Since the time humans first walked on the moon, the buying decision has been based, in order, on an incredible price or promotion on the right product, in a convenient location, with the expectation of delivery on demand.

The movie version of The Wizard of Oz premiered 82 years ago. Even though it didn’t have to compete against anything as well-crafted as Howard the Duck or Madea’s Family Reunion, it was not a commercial success. People said the movie wasn’t as good as the book.

On a recent auto journey, my ever-lovin’ bride and I streamed “My Favorite Things” performed by The Supremes, Kelly Clarkson, John Coltrane and Mary J. Blige, along with the more familiar version by Ms. Andrews. With many miles of generic American highway ahead, I got to thinking about some of my favorite things in our retail world.

Even if you’re not a fan of slasher movies, you probably have heard about the main character in the movie series “Halloween.”

It is said that “free” is the most powerful word in advertising.

It’s not a day off from work (yet) but Valentine’s Day is that undeclared holiday that ranks in the top five in cultural importance.

Whether your organization has two layers or 22, messages and information can get diluted, changed and revised as it filters down or bubbles up.

It should come as no surprise that The White Glove Inspector is heading to your store. After all, you invited her! She doesn’t work for your landlord or suppliers, but her opinion of your store’s appearance is vital to your success.

It doesn’t matter if your business is B2B, B2C, DTC, HR, NFL or XYZ. At some point you’re sure to encounter someone that is unhappy with your product, service, policies or the thickness of the TP in the washroom.

Last week we shut the door on 2020. While some of us had triumphs and victories, I haven’t talked to many who aren’t looking forward to turning the page to 2021, with the hope of a return to good times for our businesses.

Those of us born way back when there were only 48 united states probably remember the hot Summer of ’69.

By the end of today or maybe tomorrow morning you’ll be tearing November off your wall calendar. That leaves only December, with the magical red Day No. 25 in the lower right corner.

In 1913 Eleanor H. Porter wrote an endearing and enduring novel centering on the title character, Pollyanna Whittier, an 11-year-old orphan with unwavering optimism.

You ask for a product, some help, or complete a purchase, and even though you are the customer, you say “Thank you” to the clerk or server. They casually look back at you and respond, “No problem.”

Business owners that make a large investment in payroll need to make a small investment in time to explain how wages work.