News & Media From Bob Phibbs
Stale merchandise doesn't become fresher with age
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
When I was just out of college I had a couple roommates. We shared buying the groceries, each taking a turn at buying based on need. One day I poured a glass…
read nowYour role is silent! The debacle of Netflix
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
I was one of the original adopters of Netflix. The simplicity of it all! Select the movies you want and they arrived in the mail.
read nowThe six incorrect reports you will hear about holiday retail again
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Fruitcakes aren't the only things that reappear, stale, each holiday season.
read nowMake smart merchandising choices to avoid discounting
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Retailers are trying to keep up with the price-cutting frenzy of competitors, extreme couponers and daily deal sites.
read nowThe retail generation gap is killing premium brands
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
As the keynote speaker last month at the Retail Customer Executive Summit, I focused on the humanity needed in retail. That's because, just like at the NRF…
read nowOn the art of asking your customers a question
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
The first question you ask in a conversation steers the outcome. You get them to listen or put them on the defense.
read nowThree ways you are frustrating your customers
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
A buddy of mine named Matt heard about a big electronics store that was closing. He wanted to finally get a flat screen TV, but he and his wife were nervous…
read nowYou can't sell a Rolex like a Ram Truck
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
More and more brands are opening their own retail outlets in an effort to make their brand stand out. But more importantly to control their image.
read nowWowing Customers Doesnt Come With A Groupon
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
I was reading a blog about using Groupon for a restaurant and a posted comment stood out, "... the key is adding value, so that when they use their Groupon at…
read nowWhat recent events in Japan will mean for luxury brands
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Before the news about Bin Laden, people were talking a lot about the effects from the tragic events in Japan. Of course there is a human side which we are all…
read nowHow to sell luxury products without discounting
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Do you have a luxury product to sell? I'm not talking a good or better version of something you could find at some dollar store. I'm talking the best.Selling…
read nowDaniel Pink's Drive & The Surprising Truth About Retail
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
I finally picked up a copy of Daniel Pink's Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us due to all the press and read it cover to cover.
read nowRetail At Risk From Technology
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
We need to address the real concerns facing retail instead of looking to technology for a quick fix. This Manifesto can spur you to change the way your retail…
read nowHow To Politely Say, "You Suck" to a Retailer
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
When you don't get a word from an employee at a store, call them on it with this simple tool to improve their customer service.
read nowRumors of the Death of Aspirational Shopping Are Greatly Exaggerated
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
The goal of aspirational brands is to allow us to feel better about ourselves. That’s what we have always done. And always will do.
read nowYes Virginia, Retail Holiday Sales Will Suck... Again!
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Wherever you look from now until the first week of January, there will be one consistent message: retail holiday sales will suck. That's because the evidence…
read nowGroupon, The Nuclear Bomb That Kills Retail?
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Think of the last time you received flowers. Do you remember who gave them to you or the florist? Exactly, the person who gave them to you. The person that…
read nowRCEES retrospective: Why are we settling?
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Customer service is such a broad term and so very, very beige. Or grey. Too many businesses talk about customer service but don’t know how to measure, train…
read nowRebuttal to Mary Hunt in Woman's Day Magazine: Retailers Don't Trick Customers
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
Mary Hunt takes aim at retailers by telling Amiable personalities they are all wrong and should become like her, an Analytical. I hate this type of X-files…
read nowNo, Your Customer Can't Put Off the Purchase!
by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor
If you can't find the energy to explain why waiting is not an option, you'll never make a sale in this economy. And the more expensive the item is that you…
read now