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Is Canadian retail finally on the path to redemption?

Katherine Radin Retail

The past few years have made it seem as though retailers haven't been able to catch a break in Canada. Another month, another shutdown, or so it’s seemed. Retailers and commercial landlords in the country have experienced a wild ride, with Target opening and closing; Future Shop shutting down; and Sears, Black's, and Gymboree closing — to name a few. Although some chains continue to experience financial turmoil, the dust has begun to settle, and perhaps clear, as landlords have begun to find creative ways to showcase shopping malls in a new light.

You don’t bring me flowers anymore: When customers turn on you

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

One day you’re walking on water, the best thing since sliced bread, you can do no wrong, and your customer is going to tell all their friends how wonderful your product and service are. And the next day, wham, suddenly you’re a pariah, a nobody, the worst ever, and they’re going to report you to the authorities to have your licenses revoked, have you thrown in jail, and bashed on any social media that exists. What happened? Did you change overnight? Did the other person change overnight? Did the circumstances surrounding your relationship change overnight?

How to turn your brand into a phrase that pays

Fred Berns Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Branding has become big business among interior design professionals as they strive to get heard above the noise and stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. There are nearly as many interior design "brands" out there as there are interior designers, but the most effective of these — the ones that create the most buzz and attract the most business — have one word in common: "Only." Nothing differentiates your design firm more dramatically and spells out your specialness more effectively than that word.

AI? Automation? How to use tech to improve marketing

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to change everything. But only 18% of B2B marketers and sales professionals are currently using it, found a 2019 DemandBase survey. Of those with access, over 40% said AI is the most important investment to achieve better sales and marketing performance. Nearly 33% went so far to say that it’s revolutionizing their marketing and sales performance. But most marketers (55%) don’t have the budget to invest in AI. Yet, you can likely use marketing automation tools to accomplish much of the same.

Small-business owners lukewarm — or worse — on new tax law

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

At best, some owners of small firms are lukewarm about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) that Congress passed and President Trump signed. We turn to an April 10 public opinion poll from Businesses for Responsible Tax Reform. Among 501 small-business owners who were polled March 26-27 across the U.S. who have filed their taxes or are yet to finish their filing, nearly half, or 48%, reported that the new tax law did not make their profits or firms grow. About a quarter, or 24%, said the law caused them harm.

First-of-its-kind report lays foundation for world food sustainability

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

The EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health released its scientific review in early 2019, publishing the world's first scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production. It provides "targets that join civil society, public health and environmental conservation’s various goals toward health and sustainability." The purpose of the report is to provide a framework for the "urgent actions" needed from consumers, policymakers, businesses and government agencies to transform the food system. Leading scientists in nutrition and public health laid out global guidelines for a universal, healthy diet.

5 fresh ways to reduce consumer risk aversion

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

As a marketer, your one of your goals is to keep your demographic as reassured as possible about parting with their hard-earned cash when choosing your brand's product. Yet, consumers can be risk-adverse about spending in surprising ways. Cutting-edge research has been looking into the phenomenon of unusual reason for risk aversion. The good news is you can use these findings to make what your brand offers more appealing to your target demographic. Use the following strategies to obtain great results!

Advertising without paying for social media clicks

Catherine Iste Marketing

Businesses in the cannabis industry are not allowed to advertise on most social media platforms. Yet, with over $10 billion invested in legal markets in 2018 alone, the industry will continue to see growth. While traditional retail products may have little in common with that industry, the lessons learned from its ability to reach customers despite restrictions on social media can be valuable to any retailer. Of course, it is not that the industry is not online. It has just had to find clever ways to infiltrate social media without paying for clicks.

Exploring regulatory measures for CBD-infused products

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

Companies selling CBD-infused food and beverages are currently lobbying for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The legalization of hemp products by Congress is forcing the FDA to rewrite rules for most CBD products. There is a cloud of uncertainty over the emerging industry as regulations have shifted from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to the FDA. President Trump signed the Farm Bill, which removed hemp as a Schedule I controlled substance, into law in December, but the FDA still doesn't recognize the products as safe.

The just-in-time effect: How Amazon and Uber have changed associations

Linda Popky Association Management

Big-box stores and local mom-and-pop shops are fighting to survive because they can't compete with the combination of selection and prices offered by Amazon. Taxis can't compete with the convenience and service offered by Uber and Lyft. But there's another area that hasn't received as much attention, and that's the business of associations. No, Amazon is not about to offer Prime Deals on association memberships. Neither does Uber run in-person meetings, events, or workshops. But their influence is felt nonetheless due to something I'm calling the just-in-time (JIT) effect.

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