Toolbox Marketing
HOME | THE COMPANY | MARKETING SERVICES | FRANCHISES | CONSULTING | CONTACT US
  • THE TEAM
  • VACANCIES
  • STRATEGY
  • CREATIVE
  • DIGITAL
  • PR
  • PROMOTIONS
 

Posted on Wednesday 16 September 09
The Ferret on: Empathy
Q: What do ferrets and retail marketers have in common? A: The need to know who's doing what, where and why. Of course.

Whilst ferrets are not exactly known for their sympathetic nature, they are empathetic and are finely tuned to their local environment.  Their very existence depends on knowing who’s doing what, where and why.  So it is with retail marketing in the current economic environment.   

Marketers must realise that the consumers they're trying to talk to are still wary of spending, are unsure of how much they are allowed to be seen spending, and are frighteningly aware with the closing nights that Christmas – and Christmas debt - is looming.  
 
It’s therefore no good blasting them with a chorus of all-singing, all-dancing entertainment and jollity.  Like the company in London currently advertising ‘Behind Closed Doors’ Christmas parties, retail marketers must now offer sensitive and empathetic promotions.  
 
Less about flash, more about stash. 
 
Wild rabbits/ wary consumers … see, they’re not all that different after all!
 
OPTIONS



Send this to a friend


Share The Ferret's views with your friends

More views from The Ferret >>

Comments
I agree but we must also realise that shopping centres will be competing with online retailers this Christmas who have upped their game recently and now provide an ‘enjoyable’ online shopping experience where you can pick the exact time of your delivery. The shopping experience in centre must be more enjoyable and we must give shoppers a reason to visit centres, it has to be fun otherwise why not stay at home with your feet up in front of the laptop swigging a nice glass of pinot grigio?
John
Posted on 24/09/2009 10:38:50

Report this comment

I agree with this, but we also must consider that consumers have lived with the credit crunch for nearly 18 months and are looking to escape the doom and gloom. Christmas is an opportune time to do this, the more fun and lightheartedness retailers and shopping centres can bring to their overall experience, the more appealing this will be for shoppers to come out and spend.

Predictions suggest that shoppers will hit the stores late again this year, and engaging, fun and festive environments can bring people out. It's not all about how much you spend this year, but rather how you achieve the usual standards on a tighter budget, Christmas 2009 still needs to have 'magic and sparkle' to quote a certain well-known retailer.

Michelle
Posted on 17/09/2009 21:44:22

Report this comment

I agree with this. I think we will see a lot of the 'make do and mend' trend this Christmas.

Instead of new Christmas decorations this year people will make do with last years and instead of buying a new little black dress for the Christmas party they will be digging out last years dress and revamping it with some sparkly accessories!

The one thing I dont think families will be making cut backs on is their Christmas dinner!

Kim
Posted on 17/09/2009 09:18:27

Report this comment

Have your Say
Name: * Email (your email address is not published): *


Comments: *

© 2009 Toolbox Marketing | Site Map | Privacy | Disclaimer