Published: Thursday, February 04 2010.

Having spent the last five years as a retailer, I find myself still following trends and predictions, even though I closed my store. In my case, the economy won this round. Who knows what will come, but for the moment, I am looking for expanded ways to make a living. A Renaissance life, perhaps!

Nonetheless, I read with interest some of the analysis at the start of this new year about the retail outlook for 2010. The prognosticators say:

1. Those who survived 2009 will find less competition. So many businesses closed (by choice or forced) that the landscape in most industries is, in fact, different. I know it’s true in the medical supply/equipment world. The trend started well before we opened Capabilities. We believed our concept, unique and focused on disposable income and not so much on insurance, is still the wave of the future, we believe. And, it was working for the first three years we were opened. It was the unexpected recession hitting so deeply and widely that pushed our model to the limit. With less income, customers wanted only what insurance covered. And that is just not a lot.
2. Store expansion will continue at a snail’s pace, so there will be leverage to renegotiate with landlords on space. Retailers still “open for business” can work on repackaging rent and other fixed expenses.
3. The jury is still out on whether or not there will be more access to business credit as the banks weigh carefully just how much credit they want to extend.
4. Consumers are slowly, slowly spending again. They will still want to buy things on sale, so big profits are most likely not on the horizon for retailers.
5. In any industries affiliated with health care and insurance it is certain consumers will want whatever they can reasonable get through insurance, if they have it. Tightening the belt will continue with consumers, the experts say, so retailers in any industry have to respond to this demand for rock bottom pricing.
6. Dollar stores and high end luxury retailers will emerge as the stronger players.
7. While Boomers led the last decade with a consumer spending spree, Gens X and Y will most likely lead the recovery. “The engine of the Boomer has run out of gas,” says Lois Huff, senior vice president of Retail Forward.
8. Sustainability will also be a big issue for retailers across the board.
9. E-commerce will grow in new ways, more personal, easier to access (think phone apps).
10. Authenticity will become more important than ever. Deliver what you say you will. Watch that marketing efforts and actual experience are not out of sync. Consumers are on the lookout for something to believe in, in spite of the price sensitivity.

Retailers will have a harder time holding onto the “loyalty” message. Retail experts say new ways to promote loyalty must be created. The ubiquitous “key tag” just won’t cut it anymore. Competition will happen on the technological front. The more savvy the retailer regarding consumer buying habits, the more likely that retailer will be the winner.

And the list goes on…While I miss working as intimately as we did with customers to solve the big (and small) problems they faced as they looked for solutions to mobility and comfort challenges, I am relieved on some level to let others sort through the wiles of retailing right now. I look for more diverse ways to bring information to those who need it, and I am delighted to find some.

Published: Monday, February 15 2010.

If you are one of the over 50 million Americans who provides care for a loved one, you will want to check out a new online tool. It is still in beta stage, so you can also be one of the early testers of this tool. The founders are inviting ...more

Published: Tuesday, February 09 2010.

PEAK Parent Center opens its 24th annual conference on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. The conference runs through Saturday, February 13, 2010. Walk-in registrations take place Thursday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. and Friday at 7:00 a.m.

The conference agenda addresses best practices and ...more

Published: Monday, February 08 2010.

Over 106 million people watched Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7, 2010. More than the final episode of M.A.S.H. It was a record breaker! And today, millions more are voting for their favorite commercials. Betty White in the Snickers ad is topping the chart. What a bonus when Abe Vigoda ...more

Published: Saturday, February 06 2010.

Are you ready for this? Experts say that getting too riled up can wreak havoc. In fact, some say it can kill you. While on the face of it, this news seems a bit crazy, the research is rather convincing. We know high stress plays a role in elevated levels ...more

Published: Thursday, February 04 2010.

Having spent the last five years as a retailer, I find myself still following trends and predictions, even though I closed my store. In my case, the economy won this round. Who knows what will come, but for the moment, I am looking for expanded ways to make a living. ...more

Published: Wednesday, February 03 2010.

While there is generally no dearth of inspirational stories around us, there are occasional days that seem low on brilliance. Last night was such a night for me, so I flipped on the Turner Classic Movie channel, hoping to catch a great Oscar winning movie as the channel does its ...more

Published: Tuesday, February 02 2010.

In the summer of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law of the land. Changes on that large a scale do not happen without the efforts of many. One of the trailblazers, Justin Dart, is widely recognized as the "father of the ADA." Born in 1930, Dart contracted ...more

Published: Monday, February 01 2010.

I'm with the side that asks "why not." President Obama asked the Congress to reconsider and take another look before abandoning the efforts. The list is long with the needs, gaps and costs of reform. Why do we need this, shout the opposition. But, isn't the real question, why not? ...more

Published: Wednesday, January 27 2010.

You might recall that we mused earlier about research that found that walking in high heels creates less stress than running in so-called "running shoes." Think what you will, but today there was more news about yet another study finding that running barefoot might be best, or at least more ...more

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New Tool for Caregivers Monday, February 15.

PEAK Parent Center Launches 24th Annual Conference on Inclusive Education Tuesday, February 09.

Super Bowl 2010 Ads Please and Annoy Monday, February 08.

Don't Get Too Stressed Watching the Super Bowl Saturday, February 06.

Thoughts About My Retail Experience...Now Past Thursday, February 04.

Looking for Inspiration Wednesday, February 03.

ADA Set to Celebrate 20 Years as Law Tuesday, February 02.

Why not health insurance reform? Monday, February 01.

More on Feet Wednesday, January 27.