Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'

February 24, 2009

Chicken Little would have you believe that the sky is falling. But that, my friend, would be a foul assumption. It’s not that we are not in an economic mess. We are. But in the midst of the mess, heads up retailers are not just surviving, they are thriving.

Last week, I saw two such cases and each one totally floored me. For example, IKEA opened a new store in Charlotte, NC. Our senior retail editor Clint Engel, went to the opening and filmed hundreds of people who had waited in line–in the rain– for two days to be the first ones in the store.

He’s got some incredible video of the crowds. You need to see it to believe it. Watch it here: http://www.furnituretoday.com/video/Furniture_Today_News_and_Video/1111-IKEA_opens_in_Charlotte.php

That event was followed by the opening of first Apple store in Greensboro, NC. Since my son works there, I decided to check out that as well. While there were fewer people lined up (only 800 or so), many had camped out overnight to get in first.

I think it’s time for the rest of us to figure out what they know that we don’t.

Posted by Ray Allegrezza on February 24, 2009 | Comments (6)

April 4, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
rick depalma commented:

Francesco Molon, a premier manufacturer of fine european furniture, is about to open its first northeast showroom in Greenwich, CT. Greenwich long known as one of the most elegant towns in the world is the perfect match for the exquisite old world craftsmanship of the Francesco Molon furniture offerings. In light of the difficult economic times Francesco Molon has the confidence in our offerings and the market to proceed with this new endeavor. We feel that this new avenue of distribution "trade only" coupled with our product diversity and quality will combine to be a great success in the tri state markket.

March 9, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
Lisa Yvonne commented:

Ray -- any chance you can gather demographic info off that footage? These events can have bell weather info for the rest of us. Maybe the Gartner Group is interested...

February 25, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
Ray Allegrezza commented:

I agree with each of you. The more I cover this business, the more I see the connection with making shopping an experience and having a successful retail operation. Our indsutry has so much to offer---great looks, great pricing and the ability to transform a house into a home. I think the more we stress those things, the less stressed we will be about sales--or the lack thereof!

February 25, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
Tom Erdman commented:

I've been watching IKEA for years. They never cease to amaze me on their intuitive (and scientific) approach to the consumer. A 99 cent breakfast means a store full of customers at 10 a.m. when they open. The restaurant, with reasonable prices, allows you to linger for the day. The never ending maize means you will see, and trip over what they have to offer. I can't tell you how many times I've left IKEA with something I never intended to buy. And, they treat the consumer with respect, giving them real information on the products they're buying, not the estimation of an uninformed sales person. At IKEA, sales is a science, not an art, with no surprises. They deliver on their promise to the consumer. Maybe we should take notice.

February 24, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
Victor Pedraz commented:

These companies in particular have succeeded in gearing their brand to the young as well as becoming iconic in their respective industries. Neither company has let the passing of time pass them by...rather they have evolved as quickly as society convincing the consumer that they are in the 'must have' category. Brilliant marketing and retailing on both the companies parts.

February 24, 2009

In response to: Why you may be left out of the retail 'be-ins'
Victor Pedraz commented: