I read the December retail sales results today and they were not pretty...not even for Wal-Mart.
So, what's it gonna take to bring leadership into the retail world.
Perhaps a person or company that has real compassion for the average consumer. One who understands the needs of the individual and business that struggles everyday to make ends meet.
Needs...not so much wants.
The company that shows leadership in that area will ultimately thrive.
Think about all the "stuff" that we're sold and how much of it is based on want, rather than need.
After reading the facts from the December report I recognized that folks have cut back spending on just about everything.
Once people have their needs met then, and maybe only then, will the vast majority of them starts spending on wants.
The company and/or entreprenuer that can create a culture that shows people they truly care and can devise a pricing structure for the consumers needs, based on a fair mark-up along with high quality will ultimately show leadership in helping to start the retail world up again.
I know it sounds simple, but take my word for it...as many of you know, I've been there (and it was during tough times as well), and it's not as easy (because of our culture) as it seems.
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Dan, great points.
ReplyDeleteCulture does seem to be a big factor in this. It is not glamorous to sell to needs but it does seem to be the pathway to sustainable growth.
I have no problem with selling indulgences but you have to be willing to deal with down sides of the curve as much as you like being on the up side of the curve.
I guess you can call me the tortoise not the hare. If my memory is correct, he won the race (at least in the Bugs Bunny version that I am familiar with).
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I agree with both Peter and Dan on this one. We live in a culture of glorified, instant gratification. We are a society of now now now, and me me me. If people in general would fall back to the "old school" leadership style of serving and building a strong foundation before building a profit margin, we'd have a much stronger system to work in. But let's face it, we are Americans--most would agree maybe the most gluttonous country on the planet--we will always be tempted by shiny things not in our budgets. But this is how many have carved their path, we live under free-enterprise, and people may create their fortunes as they please. However, meeting people's wants instead of needs may leave you with a shallow root structure. But you're right Dan, the "business owners who understand the needs of the individual" will be the ones to survive.
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