Managing Change In Retail

⭐️Revolutionising Fashion Retail with IBM Sterling OMS⭐️ The fashion industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and customer-centric leading brands use IBM Sterling Distributed Order Management (OMS)—a solution designed to streamline omnichannel operations, enhance customer experiences, and optimise supply chains. Trusted by global names like Ralph Lauren, adidas, Marks and Spencer, NET-A-PORTER, Fossil Group, Inc., Pandora and John Lewis & Partners, Sterling is the backbone of modern retail. Here’s how IBM Sterling OMS Transforms Fashion Retail: 🛍️Omnichannel Integration: Synchronise inventory and fulfilment across online, in-store, and mobile platforms. Adidas uses OMS to offer services like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) aka Click-and-Collect and ship-from-store. 🛍️Inventory Optimisation: Manage stock in real time to reduce waste and meet demand. Marks & Spencer minimises stockouts with OMS, while Eileen Fisher aligns inventory management with sustainability goals. 🛍️Flexible Fulfilment: Enable split shipments, drop-shipping, and ship-from-store to meet customer needs. Sally Beauty Holdings saw a 540% sales increase by deploying ship-from-store in 2,700+ locations. 🛍️Efficient Returns: Simplify returns to any store, improving customer satisfaction. Pandora doubled its online sales with OMS, handling returns seamlessly during high-demand periods. Pandora leveraged OMS to deliver real-time inventory visibility and optimise global fulfilment operations. 🛍️Fulfillment Speed: John Lewis & Partners migrated 5.7M orders to IBM Sterling OMS, reducing production times and enhancing fulfilment speed. 🛍️Frictionless Customer Experience: Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited achieved 99.5% inventory synchronisation, ensuring a seamless customer experience. With IBM Sterling OMS, the world’s most iconic fashion brands are transforming their operations to meet the demands of modern retail while staying true to their values. #FashionRetail #IBMOMS #SupplyChain #Omnichannel #Sustainability #InnovationInRetail #CustomerExperience #RetailTransformation #PassionForFashion #Luxury #Fashion #Retail #RethinkRetailTopExpert #NRFRetailVoice RETHINK Retail #RethinkRetail National Retail Federation #NRF #ItsAGreatTimeToBeAnIBMer #IBMRetail #IBMConsumer More on IBM OMS: https://lnkd.in/eiJ4Rzxc More on our work with Pandora: https://lnkd.in/eQxSGp3Q 💬 Fashion and Lux will be a topic of discussion at the NRF. Speak to our experts like David Hogg or Colm O'Brien. Join us from January 12-14, 2025, in NYC to explore how IBM is transforming retail at Booth #4639. More here: https://lnkd.in/dzY42Bmf. See you there!

The Future of Luxury Retail Spaces For decades, the luxury boutique was designed primarily as a point of sale, with aesthetics and service that reflected the brand’s positioning. Today, luxury retail is undergoing a profound shift. Physical spaces are no longer simply stores; they are becoming experience hubs and community anchors that connect clients to the brand on a deeper level. Affluent clients expect more than a transaction. They expect immersion, meaning, and emotional connection. In a world where e-commerce can fulfill immediate purchasing needs, the physical store now serves a different purpose: it is where the brand story is experienced through the senses, where personal relationships are built, and where lasting memories are created. Several drivers are shaping this evolution. First, the rise of the experience economy means that clients are looking for value that extends beyond the product. They are drawn to in-store art exhibitions, private workshops, and personal styling appointments that allow them to co-create and participate in the brand universe. Second, luxury clients value human connection. Sales associates are no longer simply transactional intermediaries; they are trusted advisors who build long-term relationships, offering personalized recommendations and creating emotional ties that cannot be replicated online. Third, the boutique becomes a space to express the brand’s values. Sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural engagement can be showcased in ways that are tangible and credible, reinforcing the brand’s identity and commitments. We see examples of this shift across the industry. Hermès stores offer craftsmanship demonstrations that reveal the artistry behind their products. Loewe uses its spaces to host cultural events that reflect its artistic heritage. Brunello Cucinelli designs boutiques that feel like warm homes, inviting clients to experience the brand’s philosophy of humanistic capitalism. For luxury leaders, the question is no longer how to increase sales per square meter alone, but how to design spaces that cultivate long-term client loyalty, enhance the brand’s narrative, and deliver experiences that clients will remember and share. Physical retail is not disappearing. It is evolving into something more meaningful. As an international luxury strategy expert, I support brands in rethinking their retail environments to align with these shifts, designing spaces that elevate the brand while delivering experiences that resonate with the world’s most discerning clients. If you wish to explore how to transform your retail spaces into platforms for emotional connection and brand growth, I would be pleased to discuss how we can work together to prepare your brand for the future of luxury. #Luxury #Retail #Strategy #Experience #Business #Consulting

🚨 Amazon’s New Title Rules. Are You About to Lose Sales? Amazon’s cracking down on product titles. Break the rules, and your listing could vanish. What’s Changing? → Character Limits → 200 max for most categories → 125 max for apparel → 80 recommended for mobile No Special Characters Forget ! $ ? _ unless it’s in your brand name. Keyword Limits Words can only appear twice (excludes “and,” “the,” etc.). What Happens if You Ignore This? Your listing could get suppressed. No visibility = No sales. So, How Do You Stay Compliant AND Keep Converting? ✔️ Lead with your brand name ✔️ Include product type + key attributes ✔️ Ditch fluff—keep it concise ✔️ Use title case (except small words) Example: ❌ Old (Non-Compliant) "Super Soft Cotton Baby Blanket - Best Newborn Gift - Cozy & Warm - Perfect for Boys & Girls!" ✅ New (Compliant & Optimized) "BrandName Cotton Baby Blanket – Ultra Soft, Lightweight, 30x40in" What You Should Do Right Now: → Audit your titles for compliance → Check Seller Central for suppressed listings → Keep key listings under 80 characters for mobile visibility Amazon’s already enforcing this. Fix your titles before your rankings (and sales) take a hit. 💬 Noticed any suppressed listings yet? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #AmazonSeller #AmazonPPC #AmazonListing

As a product marketer, you've been tasked with updating pricing 😨 Here's your survival guide: First, accept this truth: Everyone will have an opinion. But opinions aren't strategy. Here's what actually works: 1️⃣ Put a system in place: → Empower a small team to act → Align on success metrics → Create a cadence for executive updates → Plan when other stakeholders will be involved 2️⃣ Inform the new model with research: → Talk to customers → Interview sales reps to get their take → Dig into customer usage data → Layer quantitative research for validation 3️⃣ Build your storyline - because every price needs a ‘why?’: → What problems are we really solving? → Which customers get the most value? → Where do we win most consistently? → What's our true differentiation? 3️⃣ The execution framework: → Map out your migration plan → Provide ample documentation to customers → Give a generous transition period → Involve stakeholders from Marketing, Sales, and CS 🚀 Pro tip: Use PricingSaaS → Competitor pricing database → Pricing page examples → Strategy frameworks and reports 👉 Remember: Sales will want it lower Product will want it simpler Finance will want it higher You need to find the truth in the middle. 🤝 Your job isn't to make everyone happy. Your job is to price for long-term growth. Save this 101 for next time you’re making a pricing decision 👇

Amazon is splitting your product titles into two parts The biggest listing change in Amazon's history is rolling out right now. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀: → Amazon confirmed a new "Two-Part Title" format replacing the traditional single title field. → 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 1: "Core Title" containing only essential product identification (Brand + Product Type + Model/Style + Size/Variation) → 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 2: "Product Highlights" housing your key features, benefits, and selling points → Internal tests show this dramatically improves mobile experience where 70% of Amazon shopping happens. → Search visibility shouldn't change IF you structure correctly - Amazon specifically states this "will not impact products' search discoverability." → Early adopters will gain advantage while competitors scramble to restructure listings. This isn't just about formatting - it's a complete shift in how Amazon wants products presented. Testing indicates a 2-part structure drives higher conversion rates since shoppers can quickly identify what matters without wading through keyword-stuffed titles. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀: 1. Audit your catalog now to identify core product info vs. marketing language 2. Draft new title structures but wait for official implementation before making changes 3. Monitor your category for competitors adopting the format - this signals Amazon enabled it 4. Use keyword research to determine which terms belong in Core vs. Highlights 5. Watch your search ranking during transition to ensure no visibility loss What's your biggest concern about the two-part title rollout? 𝗧𝗟;𝗗𝗥: Amazon is fundamentally changing how listings work with a structured two-part title system. Prepare now by identifying your core product info vs. marketing text, but wait for Amazon's official implementation before making changes. 𝗣.𝗦. Categories heavily dominated by mobile shoppers (electronics, fashion, home goods) will likely transition first.

🐘 The Elephant in the Warehouse: AI & Fashion Inventory Let’s be brutally honest. Your biggest sustainability sin and your worst profitability killer is the same thing: guessing. We’ve been running the fashion industry on a spreadsheet and a prayer, leading to a global $70 to $140 billion pile of excess, unsold stock every year. That’s not a business model; it’s a bonfire of capital. Still relying on last year’s excel file? That’s like navigating the Concorde with a map drawn on a napkin. 🔮 The AI Inventory Prophet AI isn't a futuristic gadget; it's the only way to survive. It’s not about if you adopt it; it’s about how fast your competition does. 🧶 Demand Forecasting 2.0: Forget "seasonal trends." AI analyses billions of data points—social media sentiment, regional weather, macroeconomics, e-commerce clicks—to predict demand for a specific SKU in a specific city on a specific day. We saw the fast-fashion behemoths like Zara pioneer this, using AI to auto-replenish best-sellers twice a week. You’re waiting for a sales report; they’re already shipping the next trend. Your 'gut feeling' just costs you a 30% markdown. AI’s precision means more full-price sales. 🪡 The Size Dilemma is Dead: For decades, we've overproduced size Medium and been out-of-stock on the edges. AI platforms now predict size-level demand for a new product with no historical data by clustering stores with similar size-selling profiles. No more lost sales on the hottest size, no more clearing out mountains of size XXS. Overstocking unpopular sizes? Your warehouse is an expensive museum for bad decisions. 🧵 Markdown Optimization: If you’re still slashing prices based on a blanket "30% Off Everything" email, you’re leaving cash on the table. AI dynamically adjusts prices in real-time based on sell-through rate, local demand, and current inventory levels—minimizing margin loss while clearing stock faster. The old world rewarded the biggest inventory. The new world rewards the smartest inventory. If you’re a CEO, a Head of Sourcing, or a Buyer, and you’re still dragging your feet, you aren't being "careful," you're becoming obsolete. Your competitors are moving from producing and hoping to understanding desire and producing to meet it. 👉 Are you ready to stop burning cash on obsolete stock, or are you hoping for a miracle markdown? Let’s hear it: What’s the single biggest tech hurdle stopping your company from ditching the old spreadsheets for AI? I’ll be in the comments. 👇 USEREASE CONSULTING. PRIMOKNOT DESIGN STUDIO Kamal Bhaskar #FashionTech #AIinFashion #InventoryManagement #BOF #McKinsey

Amazon Rolls Out Two-Part Titles: Major Shift in Product Page SEO Amazon is introducing a new two-part title format, representing one of the most significant updates to product pages in years. What’s Changing? 1. Short Title: This will include the brand, product type, and size/variation. 2. Product Highlights: This section will provide a structured list of key features and benefits that are expected to significantly impact SEO. Why It Matters: - Mobile Optimization: Over 70% of shopping happens on mobile. Clear, concise titles boost visibility. - AI Compatibility: Amazon’s AI tools (Rufus, Cosmo) need clean, structured data. Product Highlights are designed to feed these engines. - Data Accuracy: Amazon encourages brands to provide reliable product information to minimize inconsistent reviews. How to Prepare: - Focus on Keywords: Use the Highlights section for relevant, high-volume search terms, avoiding vague branding. - Get Ready Now: Rollout is expected in Q2 or Q3; early adopters will gain organic visibility. - Bullet Point Strategy: Optimize the first bullet point to preview your Highlights section. Bottom Line: This is a strategic change for data acquisition. Early movers will enhance long-term search visibility, while latecomers may rely on ads to catch up. If you want to stay informed about important updates and receive more news like this, subscribe to my "Hunter's Insights" Amazon Weekly Newsletter by clicking the link below. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e2k6AHwR

I made one change to our pricing model that: → reduced the need for 2-4 sales calls → increased our customer LTV → increased our MRR And drastically reduced my stress levels. That change? From packages to retainers. 🤯 Most of our clients want help implementing our strategies. → feedback on their offer changes → creating a template for their deliverable → setting up a system to make content easier → advice and feedback on their content creation → building out a marketing team org chart → designing and managing ads → writing new website copy Our old pricing model sucked. - one price for the strategy - another for ongoing help It meant I had to sell prospects on the strategy. Then upsell clients on the ongoing help. 2 months ago, I switched models. And prospects LOVE this model more. 1 fixed monthly price. All the help they need. Discounts for longer-term contracts. Less selling for me. More value for them. It's a win-win. ↑ That's why documenting new insights about your ideal customers is important. When you know how they want to buy... You can design an offer they want. And reduce your stress in the process. Don't be afraid to test new pricing models. You may just make more money in the process. And get to spend more time gardening. ✌🏼 #shftyourbrand

🔹 Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCD) in Power BI – Why It Matters In analytics, business attributes like customer details, product categories, or prices constantly evolve. 📍 A customer relocates, 📍 A product category changes, 📍 A product price is updated. If these changes aren’t tracked properly, reports may give misleading insights. That’s where Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCD) help. 📌 Types of SCD with Use Cases * Type 1 (Overwrite): Replaces old value with new one. ✅ Use Case: Fixing a misspelled customer name or updating an incorrect phone number. * Type 2 (Historical Tracking): Creates a new record while keeping the old one (with start & end dates). ✅ Use Case: * Customer moves from Delhi to Mumbai → old sales remain under Delhi, future sales under Mumbai. * Product price changes → sales remain tied to the old price historically, but new transactions use the updated price. * Type 3 (Limited History): Stores only current and previous values. ✅ Use Case: Tracking current vs previous manager for employees. 📌 Why It’s Important in Power BI ✔️ Maintains historical accuracy (e.g., revenue reported against correct historical prices) ✔️ Supports trend analysis without data loss ✔️ Ensures reports reflect the true business context over time In Power BI projects, SCD logic is usually handled in the ETL/Data Warehouse layer (SQL, ADF, SSIS), but understanding SCD is crucial for building reliable and insightful reports. 💡 Question for you: When dealing with price changes, do you overwrite prices in your reports (Type 1) or track historical price points with validity periods (Type 2)? #PowerBI #DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence #DataModeling #SlowlyChangingDimensions

Fashion Was Meant to Be a Reflection of Mastery But somewhere along the way, we lost the connection. Brands promise craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless design. But when the sizing feels off and the quality slips, the dream starts to fracture. A customer returns a pair of trousers because the fit just felt… wrong. - Marketing logs the return. - Customer support tags it “wrong size.” - And that’s where the story ends. In many fashion brands, marketing, product development, and manufacturing still operate in silos. Yet when poor fit leads to returns, bad reviews, and lost trust - …it’s not just a marketing problem. …it’s not just a product issue. It’s a broken system. Here’s why closing the loop is no longer optional: - Fit is a product decision - but also a marketing promise. If your product page says “designed for curves,” that’s a brand promise. When it fails, it’s marketing that pays the price. - Returns data isn’t noise - it’s insight. A spike in returns for a particular size or fabric isn’t just bad luck. It’s a signal. One that patternmakers, product developers, and even sourcing teams need to see. - Every return is a missed opportunity - if you don’t learn from it. Are we describing fit accurately on product pages? Do we give enough information about product measurements, help customers find their size fast? Here’s how we fix the disconnect: ✅ Hold cross-functional fit review sessions. ✅ Feed return reasons and size complaints upstream - every month. ✅ Use sizing analytics and recommendation tools that connect UX data with garment specs. ✅ Invite product teams into marketing meetings (and vice versa). Because when brands work together across departments, fit gets better. Returns go down. And loyalty goes up. Fashion loses its soul when it’s purely symbolic. But when craftsmanship meets clarity - and promises match product - that’s when customers truly feel seen. And that’s when they stay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get my 8 strategies to reduce returns - based on the exact methods I used to reduce returns by 66% when I ran my own fashion brand. Download Here: https://bit.ly/3GO7KTT