As you know, I have been following the emergence of new behaviors during the pandemic very closely, especially online commerce. So for frequent readers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the pandemic has been an accelerant for e-commerce. There were already early indications –USPS saw a 60 to 80 percent increase in … Continue reading Why the shift to online commerce is here to stay
This week, I can’t but help but notice that there might be good tidings in store for online commerce. As a wise editor once told me, “Follow the money, son, and you will find the story.” My forecast for sunny skies in the world of ecommerce is extrapolated from some of the data shared by … Continue reading Fast Forwarding the future of ecommerce
New systems don’t necessarily kill old ones. They just stop them in their tracks. It’s an important distinction because it means that those who are accustomed to the old way of doing things have a choice. They can either stay put or find a new way forward. New systems work because they create new behaviors … Continue reading Why the New new works
I am one of those people who celebrates the future. I absolutely love the possibilities of technology and technological change. At the same time, I can’t let go of the past. I use fountain pens to take notes in a paper notebook that is wrapped in a leather cover. But generally, I am biased toward the possibilities of new technologies — and not just information technology.
This week, I came across the Nike Fit, which seems like such a smart use of a much-hyped technology: augmented reality. Nike Fit allows you to point your phone at your feet and get the most accurate measurement. The size data that is collected enables you to find the right match for your foot from Nike’s mind-boggling array of shoe choices. Continue reading “Is Online Shopping AR’s Killer App?”
The other big Seattle retailer, Nordstrom, that is, doesn’t think that retail is doomed. Instead, what it needs is a reinvention. And they are willing to spend tens of millions to create a store that takes the best of online and marries it to the best of offline retail. Will they be successful? I am going to check it out, next time I am in New York!
