Retail Therapy: Department Stores & The Holidays

The holiday season is here and department stores face a shifting landscape in the wake of eCommerce growth. In this episode of Retail Therapy, we explore how these retailers can continue to thrive during their busiest time of year. 

Host Andrew Smith, Co-founder and Managing Partner of ThinkUncommon, is joined by retail experts  Venky Shankar, Andrea K. Leigh, and Sucharita Kodali to discuss key trends, consumer behavior shifts, and innovative strategies that can help department stores adapt and succeed in a competitive, digital-first world.

Evolving Consumer Behavior 

E-commerce is reshaping shopping habits, with consumers seeking convenience, speed, and personalization. Department stores must adapt to these shifts, offering flexibility in services like click-and-collect and easy returns.

Innovating the Holiday Shopping Experience

Retailers need to combine in-store experiences with digital convenience. This includes virtual try-ons, personalized services, and immersive environments to enhance the holiday shopping journey.

Learning from Specialty & E-Commerce

Department stores can adopt practices from specialty retailers and e-commerce, using data for personalized offers, faster fulfillment, and streamlined customer journeys.

Future Strategies

To stay competitive, department stores must focus on tech-driven, customer-centric experiences. Investing in AI, augmented reality, and flexible service models will be essential for success, especially during peak seasons.

Listen to this must-hear episode and discover how department stores can stay ahead in the evolving retail landscape!