3 minute read
WELCOME
Then and Now:
A Study in Preparedness
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When we launched the first edition of Digital Advisor Magazine in the fall 2017, it was with the intent of educating and inspiring independent retailers—helping you to win in the “new frontier of digital marketing.” We envisioned the magazine to provide a wealth of information, underscoring what’s always been our philosophy that learning is more powerful than knowing.
The cover of that first edition featured a “cyclone” of appliances, mattresses and furniture, cautioning that “Amazon is Coming to Furniture and Appliance Retail: Six Tips to Help Independent Retailers Prepare.”
What we didn’t envision was, just three years later, we’d be helping retailers prepare for something altogether different than Amazon or another threat to digital retail. A global pandemic has created a triple threat for business owners everywhere: a public health crisis, an operational crisis and an economic crisis. Futurist Steve Brown (pg. 8 cover story) calls the crises a three-headed beast and explains that to thrive in the new normal, “every business must embrace technology and use it to drive innovation into every aspect of their business.”
In this issue’s cover story, we’re presenting a glimpse of the early days of the crisis as our RWS team accelerated our efforts, delivering various resources and actionable suggestions to help retailers make it easy for customers to shop with them. What’s more, a summary of our research findings offers insights into what retailers can expect in the new normal; we offer numerous tips for your website and beyond.
At RWS, helping retailers successfully navigate the new reality wouldn’t be possible without help from our partner Google. On page 5, “An Interview with Google” provides a snapshot of an enlightening virtual conversation our leaders had with Patrick Tam, a highly specialized strategic partner manager at Google. Beyond these pages, the gems from our discussion with Patrick have been turned into short, informational videos. We encourage you to learn more by accessing the videos at www.retailerwebservices.com/videos-and-webinars.html.
As the conditions surrounding COVID-19 continue to shift, one thing that remains a constant is our hyper-focus on serving independent retailers selling appliances, consumer electronics, furniture and mattresses. RWS does this exclusively. As result, our priority is helping you prepare for market forces and opportunities, leveraging the power of technology. We are steadfast in our commitment to you during this time and always.
Sincerely,
Jennie Gilbert & James Kane, Jr., founders
AUGUST 2020
PUBLISHER
GRAPHIC DESIGN
MANAGING EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Retailer Web Services
Sierra Creative Group
Kim Cecere
Jennie Gilbert Jim Kane Genna Majuta Patrick McAvoy Jodie Pierce
All images sourced from Retailer Web Services or stock.adobe.com unless otherwise identified.
15615 N. 71st Street Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(800) 417-2799 Info@RetailerWebServices.com
RetailerWebServices.com
Digital Advisor Magazine is published bi-annually by Retailer Web Services, Inc. All content, copyright © 2020, Retailer Web Services. All rights reserved.
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in this publication; however, Retailer Web Services will not be held responsible for omissions or errors.
The material herein is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing herein is to be considered the rendering of advice for specific cases or circumstances.
Please address all editorial inquiries to Sierra Creative Group, LLC at pmcavoy@sierracreative.com.
If you are receiving multiple copies of the Digital Advisor or wish to receive more than one copy, please contact digitaladvisor@retailerwebservices.com.
Sierra Creative Group and Retailer Web Services will not give nor rent your name, mailing address or other contact information to third parties. Subscriptions are complimentary for qualified individuals.
RETAILER WEB SERVICES
(800) 417-2799 digitaladvisor@retailerwebservices.com
WELCOME
Then and Now:
A Study in Preparedness
NEWS
Google for Small Business Features RWS As a COVID-19 Resource
FEATURE
An Interview with Google:
Keys to Succeed in an Era of Uncertainty
COVER FEATURE
Preparing for the Road Ahead:
Tools (and a Dozen Tips!) to Win in the New Normal
