Big Retail's Embryonic Ideals
It doesn’t seem that long ago that the term “start-up” conjured up thoughts of a well-meaning but misguided enterprise, particularly when associated with retail. (Cue the “In THIS economy?” chorus.) Economics aside, retail has been a “the big get bigger” proposition ever since mass retailers began roaming the Earth—and later, as Amazon, eBay, Taobao, and other e-tail hubs made virtual mass a disruptive retail reality. Oh sure, there have been just enough occasional exceptions to keep retail conspiracy theorists at bay, but Lululemon-like rags-to-riches success stories have been few and far between.
Retail start-ups may not be launching right and left, but major retailers and brands have begun to embrace embryonic ideals in order to ensure their place in retail’s future.
In her latest article for the International Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association (LIMA), Carol Spieckerman addresses retail's newfound start-up sensibilities.