Sales Tax Fairness Revisited

Posted on March 17, 2015 by bermanevansretail
“Sales tax fairness” is a phrase by retail trade associations and numerous store-based retailers. It is intended to motivate Congress to require online retailers to collect sales tax in a manner consistent with store-based retailers. The latter feel that online retailers often have an unfair competitive advantage when they do not charge sales tax. Nonetheless, to data, Congress has NOT passed any legislation mandating sales tax fairness.
We have written about this issue many times (for example, see 1, 2, 3, 4).
Recently, the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association has revisited sales tax fairness again:
The National Retail Federation issued the following statement today from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French on introduction of the Marketplace Fairness Act by Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. and Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
“We welcome this effort to level the sales tax playing field between Main Street merchants and online retailers. For far too long, brick-and-mortar retailers have faced a competitive disadvantage solely because of Congress’ inability to resolve the online sales tax disparity. Retailers should be allowed to compete for customers and sales on price, service and selection and not forced to compete on whether or not they collect state and local sales tax.”
“The introduction of this legislation is a welcome sign that lawmakers may finally act on this retail industry priority, and builds upon ongoing activity in the House and Senate. It also comes on the heels of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s admission last week that the Court got it wrong on sales tax collection two decades ago and should revisit its decision.”
“It is Congress’ responsibility to lay out a legislative framework on online sales tax collection and we hope that the introduction of this bill will spur congressional action to remedy this problem this year.”
“A similar version of the Marketplace Fairness Act passed the U.S. Senate on May 6, 2013 with a broad, bipartisan vote of 69 to 27.”

 

 

Posted in Part 1: Overview/Planning, Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Part 4: Store Location Planning, Part 5: Managing a Retail Business, Part 6: Merchandise Management and Pricing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Infographic on the Art of Window Displays

Posted on March 16, 2015 by bermanevansretail
Window displays can play a large role in generating the enthusiasm and browsing behavior of shoppers. Great displays can generate store traffic that would otherwise be lacking.
As Barry Rice writes for ShutterCo, a leading provider of shutters in Dublin, Ireland:
“Some fashion brands have gained a reputation for their impressive window displays, most notably high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. They go the extra mile when it comes to attracting shopper’s attention.Whether they have effective storyline type displays or they simply let colors or their clothes do the talking, these brands ensure they turn heads with their window displays.”
“It can be a task to get window displays right. In fact, window dressing is an art in itself which requires a lot of experience and of course, attention to detail. In our infographic we outline some of the most impressive window displays over the past few years that have rocked the world of retail. We provide details on each: what is depicted in the display, where it is located, and why is it so effective.These inspiring designs will make you look at window displays in a whole new light — from Bergdorf Goodman to Chanel to Apple.”
“See how visual merchandising is done right with our insightful info graphic on ‘The Art of Window Displays.’ Enjoy!

 
The_Art_of_Window_Displays-Infographic
 

Posted in Global Retailing, Part 1: Overview/Planning, Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Part 5: Managing a Retail Business, Part 6: Merchandise Management and Pricing, Part 7: Communicating with the Customer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Social Media Analytics and Google+

Posted on March 14, 2015 by bermanevansretail
For many people, Google+ is an under-appreciated social media platform.
Yet, according to recent data assembled by Craig Smith for Digital Marketing Ramblings (and other sources):
  • Google+ has about 350 million active monthly users.
  • Google + has about 25 million active monthly mobile users.
  • 22 percent of online adults visit Google+ at least once per month.
  • There are 100 million Google+ users in China.
  • On Google+, 53 percent of users’ brand interaction is positive.
As a result, it is valuable for us to understand how to utilize the Google+ Dashboard in our social media analysis.
Liz Jostes has written an excellent article with tips on the Google+ Dashboard for Social Media Examiner:
“Do you know how your Google+ business page is performing? Are you using Google+ My Business analytics? The Google+ Dashboard has greatly improved the analytics it offers for its platform. In this article, you’ll discover the Google+ Dashboard and the analytics included in each option.”
Click the image to learn more about the Google+ Dashboard.

 

 

Posted in Part 1: Overview/Planning, Part 2: Ownership, Strategy Mix, Online, Nontraditional, Part 3: Targeting Customers and Gathering Information, Social Media and Retailing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment