Category: Tech
Why Small is BIG in 2020
October 16, 2020
Big retailers think small. As the 2020 holiday sales season kicks off, leading retailers seek nimble small businesses to give consumers what they want. Their relationships are mutually-beneficial … To stay competitive and solvent in a pandemic, small suppliers need an online presence, which they can achieve through retailers’ robust e-commerce and logistics infrastructure. As […]
Global E-Commerce Boom
September 7, 2020
The future of retail is online. This year’s global pandemic has made e-commerce a retail necessity to connect companies and consumers. More consumers now rely on online shopping for convenience, safety and time savings. Retailers and CPG brands invest in e-commerce (as well as tech and logistics partnerships) to overcome store closures and consumer reticence […]
Amazon Gets Intimate
August 9, 2020
Oh baby: Amazon is getting intimate with us. It could be the lockdown loneliness kicking in but I’m convinced that Amazon is the best date ever. Think about it, people: they’re seductive ninjas, subtly applying the 5 Love Languages (Gifts! Movies! Dinner!) to make us swoon. (Personally, I can’t wait until I can say, “Alexa, […]
2020 Retail Trends
July 27, 2020
According to Stats Canada, Canadians caused a 99% surge in online purchases between February and May, As e-commerce booms, here are some ways traditional sales seasons and retail strategies could change this year. Key success factors include: PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS:Prompt, reliable delivery and in-stock merchandise could make consumers more forgiving and loyal. (Advantage: Amazon) PHYSICAL STORES:BOPIS […]
Amazon’s Path to Post-Pandemic Prosperity
June 28, 2020
This infographic’s alternative title could easily be Why Jeff Bezos Will be a Trillionaire Soon. Last week, Amazon went on a shopping spree to secure its retail tech supremacy and customer-centric continuous improvement to position the company to thrive now and after COVID-19. These investments show Amazon’s priorities range from delivering short-term consumer benefits to […]
E-Commerce Gets Spicy!
June 15, 2020
Today’s announcement of Walmart’s strategic partnership with e-commerce superstar Shopify is shaking up online shopping. Yet Shopify also recently made headlines for its collaboration with the launch of Facebook Shops, a social commerce platform that merges social media and shopping. WHY NOW? Now is the *perfect* time for these alliances because: Many consumers remain homebound […]
E-Grocery Success Factors
June 14, 2020
Consumers crave convenience: 2020 is boom time for grocery retailers with robust e-commerce infrastructures. That’s because COVID-19 has shaped how we shop: 3 billion global consumers were homebound, and many restaurants closed, sparking a surge in home cooking (World Economic Forum) $2.5 trillion, representing 35% of global food expenditures, is now up for grabs as […]
How COVID-19 Changed the Face of Global Retail
May 31, 2020
COVID-19 has changed the face of retail. This year’s pandemic has affected retail companies across channels and around the world. This infographic shows how global retailers – including Amazon, Sephora, Lululemon, Tesco, and Alibaba – are adapting to consumer needs and coronavirus complexities. Overall themes include: 1. PROTECTION: Keeping consumers and workers safe remains paramount. […]
Is Amazon Pandemic-Proof?
May 10, 2020
Most retail companies are burning their 2020 business strategies. The coronavirus crisis has: – Left many independent retailers and brands insolvent– Prompted department store Neiman Marcus to file for bankruptcy last week – Shuttered storefronts and, earlier this year, Walgreens, Forever 21 and Sears had already closed several stores By contrast, Amazon is booming. Jeff […]
Pandemic Power Play
May 4, 2020
By investing $4 billion of operating profit into its COVID-19 plan, Amazon is setting itself up for spectacular success that will last far beyond the current coronavirus crisis. The funds will simultaneously improve internal weaknesses and counter external threats to address issues with consumers, critics and competitors. What do you think of Amazon’s approach? Related […]
Pandemic-Driven Pivots
April 28, 2020
Creativity conquers chaos: This year, agile companies have shown profound resilience by reinventing themselves in response to the coronavirus pandemic. From beer to fitness, many industries are filling consumption gaps with relevant solutions, including essential goods and technology. What other examples of responsiveness have you seen?
9 Tech Trends Taking Off Due to Coronavirus
April 13, 2020
Digital Renaissance: We’re in the midst of a massive, global shift toward the digital realm. Over the past two months, the coronavirus pandemic has sparked soaring demand for technology. The accelerated adoption of these innovations reflect 3 major trends: 1. PERVASIVE CHANGE Technology investments are revolutionizing the retail, healthcare, education, automotive, finance and fitness industries, […]
Amazon is Perfectly Positioned for a Pandemic
April 7, 2020
It’s Amazon’s time: The coronavirus crisis is Amazon’s opportunity. The e-commerce giant is brilliantly positioned for this moment. Key trends driving Amazon’s dominance right now: 1. GREATER CONTROL Vertical integration has given Amazon greater control of its supply chain processes, efficiencies and profitability. 2. DESIRABLE BENEFITS More consumers (and businesses) are turning to Amazon for […]
Coronavirus Fuels Hiring in These 6 Sectors
April 6, 2020
Recession-proof sectors: Although we’re all affected by profound changes due to the global coronavirus pandemic, certain industries are booming right now. Among the most resilient sectors, 3 trends stand out: 1. BASICS: Essential goods and services are most in demand. 2. ONLINE: More consumption and work are going digital. 3. CONNECTION: Isolated in our silos, […]
The Sweetest Business Networking Event of the Year
January 15, 2017
Tonight, Toronto entrepreneurs put the ‘epic’ in epicurean. More than 100 guests attended the most decadent (and least nutritious) networking event of the year: Chocolate Chip Cookie Off 2017. Featuring 35 types of gourmet cookies lovingly crafted by baking professionals, CCCO2017 offered an audacious tribute to carbs. Despite the frosty winter weather, we came out […]
20 Tips for Working Remotely (& Productively)
June 28, 2016
Now that warmer weather is here, it may be time to free yourself from the office to work from a more scenic locale — without compromising your productivity. To boost cost efficiencies, morale and retention, a growing number of companies are embracing programs for staff to work remotely. Whether they work from home, a coffee […]
Why E-Commerce Giants are Getting Physical
June 28, 2016
In May, e-commerce powerhouse Amazon announced it will open more physical stores, following the lead of online cosmetics brand Birchbox and online eyewear brand Warby Parker. Amid today’s retail disruption, the savviest retailers know superior customer experience (CX) is paramount to their success. E-commerce giants’ deliberate focus on CX has inspired their investments in omnichannel […]
Leadership Tips from Proven Tech Disruptors
February 9, 2016
Technology is today’s business game-changer. Its growing influence impacts everyone from the c-suite to the customer service frontlines. Now it’s impossible to discuss marketing, B2B or retail trends without mentioning technology’s impact. That’s why – regardless of the sector we’re in – it’s important to learn from successful, innovative tech leaders. Their valuable experiences and […]
Toronto Needs Tech Disruptors, Say Public & Private Sectors
January 15, 2016
Move over, Silicon Valley. Toronto’s hot technology sector is attracting leading global IT companies. The city boasts top talent, an affordable Canadian dollar and a mayor, John Tory, who proudly promotes the city as an innovation hotspot. Tory attended this week’s TechTO event at Toronto’s City Hall council chambers to discuss the technology sector’s success […]
Business Tips from Toronto’s Bold Tech Entrepreneurs
January 13, 2016
Move over, Silicon Valley. Toronto’s hot technology sector is attracting leading global companies with its top talent, affordable Canadian dollar and mayor, John Tory, who proudly promotes the city as an innovation hotspot. Tory attended last night’s TechTO event at Toronto’s City Hall council chambers to discuss the technology sector’s success – and how it […]