Inspired Customers

Threat of terrorism taken seriously around the globe

2010-10-13T07:14:00.001-05:00

As you may have seen on the news and or heard from local and federal authorities, there are significant threat warnings being issued in Europe. Some specifics of the European threat have been made public in the media prompting the U.S. State Department to issue a travel advisory last week.

For several years, NRF has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to heighten the awareness of the private sector. Information on two specific DHS programs, the Suspicious Activity Awareness Program and Active Shooter Program, are available for you to distribute widely within your organization. Watch the video below for more info on the Suspicious Activity Awareness program, or download a booklet or pocket guide on the Active Shooter program.

Retailers prepare stores, the corporate office and distribution centers for any number of potential incidents each year. They happen, and we are a resilient industry, however the threat of harm to our employees, customers and service providers is real and must be addressed.

As the training video above states, you can make a difference! If you see something suspicious, say something immediately. Please take time to view the DHS website for additional training information for your company.

http://feeds.nrf.com/~r/RetailsBigBlog/~3/BWFyKZczlDs/

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Ciri Fenzel

BREATHE Retail Marketing Solutions

336-324-1190

www.breathesolutions.com

2009-06-26T11:22:00.001-05:00

Meijer to test a smaller format store that will allow them greater flexibility in where they can locate a store. New format gets them into Chicago. http://ping.fm/kM99w

2009-06-26T11:12:00.001-05:00

Really helpful article for CPG manufacturers re: retailers cutting back on the variety of products offered on shelf. http://ping.fm/uAyO2

2009-06-25T13:44:00.001-05:00

If you are a marketer and you haven't had the opportunity to visit a LUSH store, you are missing out on great branding. http://ping.fm/RT6lO

2009-06-24T05:30:00.001-05:00

Survey: Shoppers splurge on their homes http://ping.fm/XqBeM

2009-06-23T13:23:00.001-05:00

Just launched a business page on Facebook. Take a look! http://ping.fm/415TP

2009-06-23T08:26:00.001-05:00

It will be interesting to follow KMart on this new venture http://ping.fm/QlRdF

2009-06-22T19:28:00.001-05:00

Professor believes brand campaigns targeting "influencers" would do just as well targeting a random group of consumers. http://ping.fm/nmd8P

2009-06-22T05:25:00.001-05:00

Liz Claiborne uses twitter to tap into consumers and mold their marketing efforts at retail. http://ping.fm/8tGOT

2009-06-22T04:56:00.001-05:00

An old but still relevant post about Apple's in-store strategy; from concepting store design to customer service -- good quotes. http://ping.fm/ASG7Y

2009-06-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

Whole Foods is providing its entire recipe collection as a free iphone app. Great method for a retailer to stay in front of the consumer. http://ping.fm/jk79E

2009-06-19T12:53:00.001-05:00

Survey from Miller Zeller: more shoppers (32%) rated in-store signage as "very effective" than they did out-of-store advertising, including television ads, billboards and other media (27%). http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/direct/e3i71cdc4be5311379d5b8c51176003c6bb

2009-06-18T14:35:00.001-05:00

Connecting with review pubs and press for the launch of The Lazarus Covenant, an international suspense fiction novel in stores 10/1.

2009-06-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

Another retailer adding a lower priced collection...Pottery Barn Kids to Add Value Line http://vmsd.com/content/pottery-barn-kids-add-value-line?utm_source=VMSD's%20Retail%20Pulse%20|%20Macy's%20Expands%20in%20California&utm_medium=listrocket&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=VMSD's%20Retail%20Pulse%20|%20Macy's%20Expands%20in%20California&utm_term=Pottery%20Barn%20Kids%20to%20Add%20Value%20Line

2009-06-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

Neiman Marcus to Add Lower-Price Items http://vmsd.com/content/neiman-marcus-add-lower-price-items?utm_source=VMSD's%20Retail%20Pulse%20|%20Macy's%20Expands%20in%20California&utm_medium=listrocket&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=VMSD's%20Retail%20Pulse%20|%20Macy's%20Expands%20in%20California&utm_term=Neiman%20Marcus%20to%20Add%20Lower-Price%20Items

2009-06-18T12:32:00.001-05:00

A retaildesigndiva.com blogger seems frustrated with the partnership between Wal-Mart and Miley Cyrus. I think it is a win-win for Miley, Wal-Mart and young female consumers. See my comments. http://ping.fm/M4Z4M

2009-06-18T04:40:00.001-05:00

"The reason merchants need to stake their social media claim: because people buy from other people, not from corporations." Tim Parry, The Big Fat Marketing Blog.

2009-06-18T04:36:00.001-05:00

Check out the blog for retaildesigndiva.com if you are in branding and retail. Numerous guest bloggers on current and unusual ideas. http://ping.fm/Hqqwy

Simplifying

2008-11-23T07:15:00.009-05:00

"We don't find happiness in owning or possessing things. We find happiness in being a part of things" -DJ Chris Stevens.

What a great thought as we move into the Holiday season. I jumped on Twitter this morning and saw this quote. Soon after seeing it I saw a tweet from a friend who said she was cleaning out her play room and getting rid of old toys; she said she was simplifying this year for Christmas. Funny, I am simplifying this year too; and so is everyone else that I am talking to! There is definitely a trend happening here. For obvious reasons I think that the "simplifying" is starting with a cut back in gift buying; but it isn't stopping there. Here are just a few of my plans for staying focused on the "joy" of the Holidays instead of the "stuff".

We are getting rid of old toys before we buy new toys. There are so many things my kids play with only once or twice ... every few weeks! These things are in great, if not brand new shape. Time to pass these items on to another child and bring about even more happiness.

My husband I have decided that each of the kids will get only three new toys, each for Christmas. We hope that involving them more in the spirit and giving of Christmas will take their focus off of what all they are going to "get".

I am also reusing my decorations from past years and not buying anything new. Yes, it is tempting to shop for new holiday decor, but the items I have are great and will certainly bring about just as much cheer as new things.

For the parties I will be hosting throughout December, I plan to borrow from my friends. Any extra dishes, utensils, tables or server ware that I need can easily be lent from neighbors, whom I can in turn return the favor.

Gifts that we provide to our party guest will be hand painted ornaments created by a local artist. An inexpensive but genuine "thank you" gift to our friends, plus a great way to help drive business to those that are self employed in the area.

These are just a sample of ways to simplify the Holidays this year. The list is really endless. What are your thoughts? Is your family planning for an easier approach to the Holiday?

What is Attracting You To Retail Right Now?

2008-11-22T10:23:00.007-05:00

Last night my husband and I took a rare trip to the mall in order to visit the Apple store for an appointment with a "genius". As we walked through Macy's and into the main mall area I couldn't help but wonder what everyone was shopping for (or not shopping for) in these tough economic times.

The mall was fairly busy, yet few folks were actually carrying shopping bags. So were they shopping or just enjoying the ambiance of retail? Stores of course all bolstered huge sale signs -- 25% off, 50% off, $15 deals. The offers were endless.

Personally, the deals peaked my interest; particularly the 25% off all new fall & Holiday merchandise at Macy's. Interestingly though my actions spoke differently; I purchased only full priced products from a store that rarely, if ever offers sales, Sephora. I bought three products with which I am familiar, that I trust and I truly "needed". Although my husband and I have not been directly affected by the current downturn in the economy; I know we will all be touched in some way soon. I guess my lack of response to even the most tempting of sales reflects that belief.

What is attracting you to retail right now? Necessity? Early Holiday shopping? Are sales spurring you to buy spontaneously for yourself? Or perhaps your shopping habits haven't changed at all.

Welcome!

2006-11-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Inspired Customers Blog; an environment where shopping enthusiasts from around the world can particpate in creating the shopping experience of the future.

Since BREATHE, a leading retail consulting firm, has been in business, its goal has been to help manufacturers and retailers improve the shopping experience for consumers. Whether it is creating new packaging, designing a new fixture, or presenting a collection of products in a new way to re-inspire consumer interest, BREATHE has participated in all types of corporate efforts to “mold the mind of the consumer” in the shopping environment.

With the Inspired Customers™ program we hope to inspire a fundamental shift in the retail marketers' mindset by now involving consumers at every stage of the retail marketing campaign. The aim is to make the shopping environment easier, faster and more consumer-friendly. We invite your participation as we launch this program. Please consider joining and forwarding this blog to others who you feel may be interested. Joining is easy. Simply complete the form on the BREATHE website.

If you are not interested in joining Inspired Customers at this time, please do continue to follow our blog posts and comment as you wish. We welcome all consumer comments and opinons!

Who can be an Inspired Customer?

Inspired Customers are everyday people who do a lot of shopping; so much so they want to influence the marketplace! Inspired Customers typically shop daily for themselves or their families giving them a very consistent view of what is going on in stores. Inspired Customers are trend leaders, and aren’t afraid to share their opinions.

Inspired Customers have a variety of opportunities with BREATHE. They will voice their opinions by commenting on blog entries, answering polls, and particpating in surveys, ethnography, or discussion groups. Inspired Customers may also have the chance to provide feedback on samples of new products for special projects. If interested, Inspired Customers have the chance to develop their portfolios by writing articles for BREATHE monthly newsletters, and may participate in strategic Inspired Thinking sessions.

What are the benefits of being an Inspired Customer?

Inspired Customers have a voice in the marketing world through BREATHE. Their ideas and opinions are communicated to companies, agencies and idea developers who are focused on their demographic. Inspired Customers may potentially be offered internships, community outreach opportunities, stipends for their work, and product samples.

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