Omni-Channel

Firepower – the more, the merrier

Many retailers check the box on omni-channel once they have retail stores and an e-commerce site. But a true omni-channel strategy encompasses so much more than those two channels. By The Grayson Company's estimation, there are at least 27 different channels of distribution applicable to consumer goods companies today. While not all of the 27 channels are appropriate for each company, leveraging more than two or three channels certainly can create significant advantages as customers continue to seek product however, whenever and wherever they want it. When two companies go to battle for consumers' dollars, who will win? The advantage is almost certainly with the one that makes itself available in more ways than its competitors.

2015-10-13T13:39:58-04:00

The Grayson Company Congratulates Citizen on the Opening of its First Global Flagship Store in North America

Last week, Citizen Watch Company of America opened its first global flagship store in North America in the heart of Times Square. Located at the corner of 43rd and Broadway, the flagship bridges the gap between the brick and mortar and digital worlds, bringing a physical store environment to life through a variety of interactive technologies and displays. The new Citizen flagship store truly represents the convergence of retail channels that is quickly becoming the norm in today's retail environment and represents Citizen's commitment to "Better Starts Now." "We felt that a store in Times Square was the best stage in the world for domestic and international customers to interact with our brand," said Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch Company of America. "We wanted to create a venue where customers could experience our brand like never before and establish an emotional connection with our products. The look, feel and state of [...]

2018-03-26T08:55:21-04:00

The Power of Brand in an Omni-Channel World

The pressure on the management teams of consumer businesses to enter new channels of distribution is overwhelming. Going “Omni-Channel” is the strategy of the day, being touted as the only path to survival, let alone successful growth or market dominance. May be, but there is reason to carefully study the success stories before jumping on the bandwagon and especially before investing heavily in the development of the new channels. In reviewing examples of omni-channel success, it is apparent that the most important factor to consider when making channel expansion decisions is the power of the company’s brand. In 2000, our consulting firm conducted a consumer survey for a women’s apparel company. The peer group to which our client was compared included Ann Taylor. Questions asked in the survey allowed us to identify the respondent’s favorite store. One of the subsequent questions asked the respondent what percentage of purchases from her favorite store [...]

2018-03-26T08:55:22-04:00

Kevin Mullaney interviewed by Reuters Business; For Struggling Malls, It’s time to reinvent

“For malls that have passed their prime, it’s time to reinvent" said Kevin Mullaney, President of The Grayson Company, a New York City-based retail industry consultancy.  "One idea is turn their malls into mini urban centers and nailing down the “right” retail mix.  Customer are coming for the content of the mall and the stores or activities that are in it." Watch video...  

2015-10-13T13:41:42-04:00

Swimming With The Current

While there are exceptions to every rule, there is no question that throughout the history of commercial enterprise, the companies who have strategically positioned themselves to move in the direction of dominant environmental and industry trends have enjoyed greater chance of success than those who chose to operate outside, or worse, against the trends.  As we survey the landscape of the consumer sector today, there are clearly identifiable components which are present in the strategies of the majority of the most successful consumer companies.  We share them with you knowing there are no guarantees that these strategies lead to success and the exceptions will no doubt be pointed out by contrarians.  We’re only highlighting  the dominant themes that influence success. Owning the brand is critical In our opinion, Mickey Drexler was directionally correct with his statements at a Financo event a few years ago when he duked up with Burt Tansky, the [...]

2018-03-26T08:55:22-04:00

The Grayson Company Welcomes Steve Goldberg

We are pleased to welcome Steve Goldberg as Managing Director of The Grayson Company. Steve brings over 30 years of executive level experience in omnichannel, brick and mortar and direct retailing. He has extraordinary expertise in the direct channel, having led the Merchandise Services Group at American Express for ten years, and later serving as President of the Lifestyles Group at Redcats, a $1.6 billion catalog and e-commerce business. We believe the addition of Steve's capabilities to our robust direct channel resources enables us to offer best-in-class consulting services in this rapidly growing distribution channel. Steve also has deep experience in the home products category, another key expansion of our inhouse expertise. He spent 12 years in the home department of Allied Stores (now Macy's) before leading Bloomingdales' $100 million international furniture business and later becoming Vice President / General Merchandise Manager of internationally renowned ABC Carpet and Home in New York. [...]

2018-03-26T08:55:22-04:00

Get in Touch

We would be happy to discuss how we might be of assistance to your business. Do not hesitate to call or send us an e-mail if you'd like to speak in more detail about any of the services we provide.

Phone: 212.661.6262
Email: inquiry@thegraysoncompany.com
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