Just came across this new application in iTunes called iRetailer (caution: link takes you to the Apple iTunes store). It is a task organizer and note-taking application that is geared towards retail managers allowing them to divide tasks into categories such as people, operations, and merchandising.
From their description:
I was tired of using note applications that were either too complex or just didn’t do a good job. I built my own app to take care of simple task throughout the day. You have enough to do throughout your day without having to ‘chase notes.’ Have your list with you at all times. I have saved so much time just through the development phase, by using iRetailer.
I don’t know how well the application works, but I can totally support the idea. When I was involved at the store level of retail, I always had a notepad on me that had to-do lists and goals. Sales targets, merchandising objectives, and daily operations coverage were always in my pocket. The concept of an iPhone app is intriguing to me because it centralizes the information a bit more.
Good idea for an app. If anyone tries it out and has feedback on it, I’d love to know.
Wednesday
January 7, 2009
I was curious to see how retailers are handling and delivering mobile content. I decided to visit a variety of e-commerce stores, on my iPod Touch, and captured the results. Consider this a beginning of the year snapshot of the mobile online retail web – I look forward to capturing these sites again in 12 months and seeing what changes.
A few observations:
6 of the 50 retailers redirect iPhone users to a mobile-optimized website: Amazon, Best Buy, Foot Locker, Target, Victoria’s Secret, and Walmart. Ralph Lauren should be on this list, since they offer a mobile-optimized website, but the server doesn’t redirect iPhone visitors.
Way too many retailers have Flash movies with no non-Flash support. Typically these are promotion pieces and don’t interfere with the navigation. However, the Nike shop redirects the iPhone user to a page that tells them they should download Flash with no way to view the site otherwise. I also have to note Ralph Lauren’s Rugby store and Express, both sites are just about completely unusable without Flash.
Kudos to retailers like Gap and J.Crew who have javascript animations for their homepage promotions. The iPhone user still has a pleasant visual experience.
If you are interested or involved with the design, development, or user experience of e-commerce stores, please visit ecommr. ecommr is a website showcasing the best (and sometimes worst) in e-commerce design, with a clear focus on the individual elements that make up online stores.
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Abercrombie & Fitch
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American Eagle
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Amazon
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Anthropologie
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Armani Exchange
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Best Buy
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Bloomingdale’s
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Bluefly
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Just took a ride to the Freehold Mall, which is the closest Apple retail location. Long line outside the store, snaking it’s way down the center court and avoiding other stores. Probably 75 people in the line when I was there. A second line, with an additional 15-20 people, is located outside of the AT&T store, located just around the bend from the Apple store.
The Asbury Park Press has more on the crowd at the Freehold location. First person got in line at 4:00PM yesterday. Read more from Lines form as gadget fans get ready to scoop up iPhones.
The buzz around this product is building and I’m really interested to see one of thees myself. It’s hard, as a techie, to not get sucked in to the hype around this. From a retail perspective, it’s really incredible to see people who are willing to camp out and spend time to get the product. These are loyal customers, and sometimes, it doesn’t seem like too many retailers or brands have customers that loyal anymore.
Just a few more days until Apple unveils the iPhone, in what is the most highly anticipated technology launch this year. I love the giant iPhones that Apple has in their retail windows:
Recently, I talked about the enhanced contemporary fashion offerings at Kohl’s. Now there is more coverage about the new Intimates lines that are being launched. MediaPost provides more commentary on this launch, noting that as Kohl’s expands their offerings, Victoria Secret is cutting back their ad budget.
While talking about Kohl’s, one Akron OH woman has won a discrimination lawsuit against the retailer.
Is A Finish Line Inc. Turnaround Approaching? from Retail Stocks/Seeking Alpha. A good look, from an investment angle, on the mall-based active apparel/footwear retailer.
Finally, I enjoy this MacNN article about Sony playing catch up with Apple in the retail sector. They quote “several retail consultants” as saying that Sony “doesn’t get retail”. I completely aggree with this. Sony doesn’t produce bad products, but their retail locations don’t provide the same kind of experience you get from walking into an Apple store.
