Retail Performance

Sources within Apple’s retail stores report that sales of the iPhone 3G are being slowed down by handhelds running Microsoft Windows Mobile/WinCE.

That’s because the stores have been selling new iPhones to customers using the old EasyPay, a problematic Pocket PC handheld computer that’s causing employees lots of grief.

Wii Fit for Nintendo Wii is the best sold accessory.

The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to Wii Fit and the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board, which comes bundled with it. Used together players will experience an extensive array of fun, dynamic and surprisingly challenging activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and balance oriented games. The focus of these activities is towards providing a “core” workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions, but it’s the fun approach to fitness of Wii Fit that will keep players hooked on fitness for years to come.

The board offers Four Categories of Fun

• Strength Training: Put your strength to the test with muscle-toning exercises like Single Leg Extension, Sideways Leg Lift, Arm and Leg Lift, Single-Arm Stand, Torso Twists, Rowing Squat, Single Leg Twist, Lunge, Push-Up and Side Plank, Jackknife, Plank and Tricep Extension. Challenges include Push-Up Challenge, Plank Challenge and Jackknife Challenge.
• Aerobics: Get your heart pumping with fun, interactive Aerobic exercises like Hula Hoop, Basic Step, Basic Run, Super Hula Hoop, Advanced Step, 2-P Run, Rhythm Boxing, Free Step and Free Run.
• Yoga: Work on your balance and flexibility with Yoga poses and activities like Deep Breathing, Half-Moon, Dance, Cobra, Bridge, Spinal Twist, Shoulder Stand, Warrior, Tree, Sun Salutation, Standing Knee, Palm Tree, Chair, Triangle and Downward-Facing Dog.
• Balance Games: Get into the action with fun, balanced-based games like Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump, Table Tilt, Tightrope Walk, Balance Bubble, Penguin Slide, Snowboard Slalom and Lotus Focus.

People love this gadget because they work out and have fun in the same time.

Retail technology first came to the attention of investors just as the technology bubble was bursting on Wall Street.

The technology has had the greatest impact on five key measures:

1. Comparable store sales
2. Operating margin
3. Square footage growth
4. Inventory turns
5. Return on invested capital (ROIC)

1. Comparable store sales
Comparable store sales growth is a good barometer of demand for a retailer’s product because it measures sales at stores that have been open for at least a year. Retailers with the ability to maintain comparable store sales growth will be able to better leverage fixed costs and improve operating margin. Several technologies can assist retailers in growing comparable store sales by maximizing revenue based on the demand.

2. Operating margin
Operating margin shows how well a retailer can improve profitability by increasing gross margin and leveraging expenses. Improving operating margins can greatly enhance earnings per share growth, which is a primary focus on Wall Street. Technology can help retailers improve margins by increasing the probability that their products are sold at full price and by achieving better sell-through.

3.  Square footage growth
Square footage growth drives total sales and is useful in judging the overall growth prospects of a business. Technology can aid retailers in designing a growth plan and finding the optimal location for a store given the demographics of a particular area.

4.  Inventory turns
Inventory turns measure how effectively a retailer can move product through the supply chain and into the customer’s basket. High turnover of inventory will not only drive sales but will also lower the total cost of carrying inventory. Exceptional inventory management can be a significant driver of profitability.

5.  Return on invested capital (ROIC)
ROIC represents the profit that a company can generate for each dollar invested and is calculated by dividing a company’s net operating profit after tax by its invested capital. Technology can help in two ways. First, technology that improves operating income will increase the numerator of the equation. Second, technology that manages invested capital will help the denominator of the equation.

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In Winning At Retail: Developing a Sustained Model for Retail Success by by Willard N. Ander and Neil Z. Stern top retail consultants offer candid, straightforward, and passionate guidance for retailers who understand that winning at this game means setting themselves apart from the pack.

The book is based on McMillan|Doolittle’s long history of documenting retail’s biggest players and best practices, this book shows what separates the winners from the losers, and imparts vital lessons on what works and what doesn’t in today’s retail environment.

This book is recommended for every retail manager and retail business owner.

Why to open a retail business. Top reasons.

1. Consumers spend millions of dollars every day on merchandise and often rely on a store’s sales force for help. Whether selling shoes, computer equipment, or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for and try to interest them in buying the merchandise. Most are able to describe a product’s features, demonstrate its use, or show various models and colors.
2. The retailers are getting a big part of commissions. In the new economy the retailer is the king. The manufacturer usually take just 30% of the final price, the rest goes to expenses (shipping, taxes, storage, bookkeeping, paying personnel) and to pay the distributors and retailers.
3. Large (big) retailers sell millions of products every week so the movement of cash flow is fast.
4. Retailers are loved by bank so they can access easy and affordable loans.
5. Retailers are loved by media. Just see the retail performance news that are published every day.