Challenges We Help Address
We find the right solutions with you
838 Washington St, Bath, ME 04530, USA
These are some of the business challenges we have been helping our clients with
Sales, Profits, Investments, Inventory, and KPI’s
Business Challenge
Rules on social distancing impact instore and facility capacity levels
The Retail Cities Approach
P&L phasing review
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Retail Cities’ financial gurus use a P&L phasing review to help companies, such as a major Cinema chain, reduce expenses according to the pandemic conditions but leave options in place for restarting quickly when demand returns.
Business Challenge
Year-on-year metrics are no longer valid as a result of Covid-19
The Retail Cities Approach
Two Year or Multi-Year Trend Model
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
In 2020 the “year over year” KPI system broke down completely. Good companies have moved to cascade and agile budget planning rather than classic annual budget and quarterly replan. Retail Cities helps companies abandon irrelevant budget tracking planners and introduce the cascade or agile approach for 2020 and 2021 when it is needed.
Brands, Marketing, Consumers, Message Blurring
Business Challenge
Consumers are not reacting to the same messages as in th past
The Retail Cities Approach
Retail maturity model
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
University consumers in Istanbul stopped shopping at casual dining shops during Covid-19 lockdown and started ordering via food delivery apps. Retail Cities provides insights on how to engage the food delivery apps in the right ways and pointers to companies looking to pivot to keep up with changes in the consumer landscape.
Business Challenge
Retailers now own marketing platforms such as banner ads and loyalty apps
The Retail Cities Approach
Retail loyalty review
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Discount shoppers rapidly embraced a new loyalty app, making it difficult for some brands to get featured in the ‘treasure hunt’ instore service. Retail Cities provides insights on how the loyalty app changes the path-to-purchase from pre-shop, to shop, to post-shop consumer activities, helping guide trade marketing investments and engage the sales force to discuss the correct topics with the buyer.
Store Design, Supply Chain, Operational Complexity
Business Challenge
Click and collect and no touch solutions have changed the instore experience
The Retail Cities Approach
Store layout review
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
A major chain of restaurants introduced new hygiene rules and procedures in Dubai. Retail Cities reviews store layout design, identifies opportunities and challenges, and compares the chain’s execution to its leading competitors.
Business Challenge
Border closures and product shortages create sourcing challenges
The Retail Cities Approach
Supply chain checklist
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
A major personal care supplier was finding it difficult to get products to in demand locations such as Moscow, Dubai, and Johannesburg due to border closures and factory shutdowns caused by a Covid-19 outbreak at the factory. Retail Cities follows a step-by-step checklist to help retailers find short-term alternatives than simple OOS and the supplier find ways to get past government and other obstacles..
Team Alignment & Prioritization
Business Challenge
With face to face meetings discouraged, new approaches are needed for remote learning and sharing
The Retail Cities Approach
Overcoming screen fatigue
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Retail Cities is a learning organization and we embrace the principle that any good team is continuously learning. The big challenge today is that “ZOOM” or “TEAMS” meetings do not create an enjoyable learning environment. Our experts can change that by facilitating sessions and also coaching in a ‘train the trainer’ mentoring approach.
Business Challenge
Complex relationships between retailers, suppliers and consumers means priorities can change by the hour
The Retail Cities Approach
Managing task explosion
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Most companies start the year with a simple set of objectives but then quickly get overwhelmed with too many ‘react now’ events. We expect 2020 and 2021 to be worse than normal. Our experts are very good at conducting quick situation assessments for teams using confidential survey and feedback techniques. We also facilitate reprioritization and declutter activities.
C-Suite Rotation
Business Challenge
Ongoing disruption in the industry means a revolving door of managers, hard to know who is in charge
The Retail Cities Approach
Competitive assessments
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Many companies in retail and beyond now feel obligated to constantly bring in outsiders to perform change management, or are simply forced to make changes quickly. Middle management functions often have difficulty with these cultural changes. We conduct a competitive assessment and present it to new C-suite directors, bringing an impartial and expert perspective that fosters alignment for the organization.
Business Challenge
There will be an unprecedented wave of M&A due to retail downsizing or simplification
The Retail Cities Approach
New products and services
Example of a Retail Cities Solution
Many companies are acquiring other companies to expand reach, localize, or differentiate. Our teams can quickly get to the “heart” of what the combined brands/services can accomplish through a presentation and facilitation approach.
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