News & Events

Karl Bracken, Founder Ocampo Capital appointed RMI Board Vice Chair, says the Retail Management Institute at SA��ʴ�ý has every right to be seen as the Worldwide Retail Industry Thought Leader.

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:30:00 PST

Karl Bracken, Founder Ocampo Capital appointed RMI Board Vice Chair, says the Retail Management Institute at SA��ʴ�ý has every right to be seen as the Worldwide Retail Industry Thought Leader,

Date: November 04, 2024

Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your background and your journey into the retail industry?

I started my career in Finance at J.P. Morgan after graduating from Claremont McKenna College. After five years in Finance, including working in San Francisco in the Venture Capital group during the .com bubble, I felt I needed to learn how to run an operational business. That decision brought me to Chicago to get my MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and then to Minneapolis to Target Corporation's headquarters. What started as a MBA summer internship at Target turned into a fifteen year career there: my first eight years in Merchandising, then leading Inventory Management for the Company, and then developing a vision for how we could use our store back rooms as mini distribution centers. That became the Supply Chain Transformation initiative, which I oversaw for 3 1/2 years. After leaving Target, and a brief stint as COO of a beauty manufacturer, I went to Guitar Center where I was Chief Merchant and Chief Supply Chain Officer until about a year and a half ago. Since leaving Guitar Center, I have founded a venture capital firm called Ocampo Capital whose purpose is to invest in early consumer companies, and to help them grow and get placement in retailers. We typically look to invest in companies in consumable categories such as Food and Beverage, Beauty, Personal Care, Household Goods, Pets, and Health & Wellness- which are doing between $1 million and $5 million in revenue and are excited about having us help them refine and improve their operations. Recently, many venture capital firms have pulled away from investing in consumer businesses- but the quality of the companies is higher than ever, so we hope to fill the void.

Q: What motivated you to join the Retail Studies Institute as a board member?

When I was at Guitar Center, the leadership team spent a day at Google where we were learning about their retail capabilities. I happened to meet Professor Kalyanam that day at Google, and we quickly struck up a friendship talking about Target's ship from store opportunity areas. I was very impressed by him, and as I learned more about SA��ʴ�ý's Retail Studies program, I wanted to become a part of it. What SA��ʴ�ý is doing in Retail Studies is very impressive- and the future is bright!

Q: What are some of the most significant changes that you have observed in the retail industry in your career?

What is great about retail is also what is so challenging about it: consumers are fickle and their preferences are dynamic. Therefore, the change is constant. When I started my career in retail, there were no smart phones, eCommerce was under 2% of retail sales and an afterthought for most brick and mortar retailers, and supply chains were very rigid. The emergence of smart phones has made pricing and inventory availability totally transparent across retailers; eCommerce is now over 15% of retail sales and a huge focus for nearly all retailers; and supply chains have had to be entirely re-imagined to be dynamic across channels and time. And now, with the rise of social commerce, retailers are beginning to rethink their consumer-facing strategies all over again.

Q: What is one of the most significant achievements that you are proud of in your career?

I am very proud of what we achieved in the Supply Chain Transformation at Target. What started as an idea in a short Powerpoint deck which I presented to the Target COO in 2012 or 2013, over time became a team of 150 people developing significant new capabilities for Target in order to use store back rooms as fulfillment nodes. In 2013, Target fulfilled 0% of online demand from stores. Today, at peak, they fulfill 98% of online demand from store back rooms via ship from store and pick up in store- which allows them to have same-day delivery when required, to be able to have virtually zero online out of stocks on items carried in stores, and to significantly reduce clearance markdowns. Leading that team, and bringing that concept to reality, was a real highlight of my career.

Q: What inspired you to take on the role of Advisory Board Vice Chair?

I think SA��ʴ�ý has every right to be seen as the worldwide retail industry thought leader. The Advisory Board is comprised of highly talented and accomplished retail industry veterans, and it has been an honor to be a part of it over the past few years. And now, to have the opportunity as the Vice Chair to help further define and propel forward SA��ʴ�ý as a retail industry worldwide center of excellence was an incredible opportunity. I am so excited for the future of the SA��ʴ�ý Retail Studies Institute and how we can help inspire and develop the retail leaders of tomorrow.

Q: As the Advisory Board Vice Chair, what contributions do you hope to make to our students' educational experience and professional development?

I love coming to campus and presenting to the students on retail-related topics, and hope to continue to do so. This industry is so dynamic that it is always interesting and there is no limit to the topics to discuss. But more importantly, I believe it is imperative that students develop a lens through which they can understand and anticipate changes occurring in this industry, so they will be able to stay ahead of the series of waves of change which will always impact retail. This can be achieved in the classroom, through interactions with the institute advisory board, and through on-the-job experiences such as retail internships. I view it as part of our commitment to SA��ʴ�ý to continue to grow the partnerships with retailers- in order to offer high-quality internship opportunities to students.

Q: In your opinion, which up-and-coming retail brand / retail trends should our students and community keep an eye on?

I am currently fascinated by the growth of the social media selling channel, such as TikTok Shop. The extent to which that has exploded onto the scene in the last year or two is incredible- and retailers that are not watching that trend closely are going to be left behind.

Jeff Hom, EVP, GMM Kohls Dept Stores Joins RMI Advisory Board, shares vision of Omni Channel and Technology Enabled Future of Retailing

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:20:00 PST

Compiled by Kirthi Kalyanam, L.J. Skaggs Distinguished Professor, Executive Director, Retail Management Institute.

Date: November 04, 2024

Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your background and your journey into the retail industry?

I started my career in retail, right out of my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. I joined Target in 1996 and spent over 20 years in multiple roles in Merchandising, Merchandise Planning and Supply Chain. I was able to work in a multitude of areas, from Home Decor, to Electronics,Pharmacy, Household Commodities and Sporting Goods. I also worked in multiple roles on Target's Merchandise Planning Operations team, ultimately overseeing the area when I left in 2017. I was fortunate to lead multiple broad strategic initiatives in my time in MP Ops, such as building out a global workforce with a team in India, as well as leading the development of Target's omnichannel supply chain and fulfillment capabilities. I am currently leading Kohl's Home and Hardlines areas at the General Merchandise Manager, and have enjoyed applying all of my experiences to help my team transform our merchandising and assortment strategies at Kohl's. Retail has been the perfect fit for me, as I have loved the diversity of businesses I have been able to learn about, but also the opportunity to build high performing teams, and help my team achieve their business and professional goals.

Q: What are some of the most significant changes that you have observed in the retail industry in your career?

Without question, the most significant change has been the acceleration of digital technology, both from a digital commerce and fulfillment perspective, but also from a media, marketing, data, analytics & insights standpoint.

Q: What is one of the most significant achievements that you are proud of in your career?

Personally, my most significant achievement is all the relationships I have had the opportunity to build throughout my career, and helping many individuals develop and progress in their careers. From a business standpoint, leading the integration of Target.com with Target Stores by enabling an integrated inventory solution, in support of their Omnichannel supply chain transformation would rise to the top.

Q: What motivated you to join the Retail Studies Institute as a board member?

I was excited to join the SA��ʴ�ý Retail Studies board for 3 main reasons: 1.) I enjoy supporting the development of future retail talent, but also advancing future strategies to support the industry 2.) The opportunity to learn from the board and continue my personal development journey 3.) The opportunity to share some of my experiences with the board and students at SA��ʴ�ý. The retail environment is constantly evolving, particularly with the transformation occurring between brick & mortar retail, ecommerce and digital media. It is more important than ever we leverage consumer insights, both from an academic and business perspective, to inform how we shape the future of retail.

Q: As an advisory board member what contributions do you hope to make to our students' educational experience and professional development?

I look forward to sharing some of my retail experiences with the students, as well as helping create real-world projects they can participate in, which will give them exposure to what a career in retail may be like. In addition, I intend to help the students get a clearer picture of what it takes to be successful in business and retail, as well as the opportunities a career in retail can provide. I feel fortunate to have had many mentors throughout my career, and look forward to paying it forward to as many students as possible.

Michael Schriver, Group President LVMH North Asia appointed RMI Board Chair, Shares Vision of Consumer IN future of Retailing and combining the best of US and international perspectives.

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:37:00 PDT

Compiled by Kirthi Kalyanam, Oct 29, 2024

Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your background and your journey into the retail industry?

My retail career started on the selling floor as a part time associate at Bambergers (Macy’s) 46 years ago. I was fortunate to be given several roles as part time supervisor and management while in school and entered the Bambergers executive training program when I graduated. Throughout my 20 year career with Macy’s I had various roles from department manager, to assistant buyer and buyer, store manager in suburban stores, city stores, new store openings and store renovations. I was part of the early introduction of BPS or buyer, planner and store in the 90’s where I oversaw mens and children’s and ended my Macy career as the VP of home textiles (Bed and Bath). I moved from Macy’s to DFS in 1998 moving to Hawaii then San Francisco and while at DFS oversaw planning, distribution and supply chain, Head of Merchandising, Head of stores and eventually Chief Operating officer leaving DFS for another LVMH company Louis Vuitton in 2014 where for 8 years I oversaw the markets of Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) and Korea. I moved into my current role as President of North Asia for LVMH brands in 2022 where I am responsible for the operations of LVMH group brands in the region.

Q: What motivated you to join the Retail Studies Institute as a board member?

I joined the board while I was president of merchandising for DFS based in San Francisco. My boss had been on the board until he moved to Hong Kong and recommended to me that I take his seat when he relocated. The board has been a great place to meet a diverse group of retail business leaders who share many of their experiences providing amazing insights. It has been a great opportunity to meet our next generation of retail leadership learning their preferences and ambitions while sharing my 4 decades of retail experience across 23 different jobs in 18 different countries and markets.

Q: What aspects of the retail sector do you find particularly interesting or engaging?

The most energising side of retail is the amount and speed of Change. Consumer preferences and behaviours change fast and retail must adapt quickly to be successful. Having started in a period with limited technology and information resulting in strong merchants “flying by the seat of their pants” and evolving to a universe of heavy technology including overwhelming data and AI I appreciate the skill required to balance information with instincts to best anticipate and adapt to the consumer.

Q: What inspired you to take on the role of Advisory Board Chair?

In discussing the role with Kirthi we talked at length about the ability to lead our boards effort into the future. I am strongly focused on a consumer IN future for retail. In this approach our decisions are driven by consumers not product. In essence we are creating products for consumers not finding consumers for products. This approach is strongly anchored and influenced by data and balanced with instincts. Kirthi and I share the dream of making SA��ʴ�ý RMI a thought leader in the future of retail combining the best of US and international retail to envision the future.

Q: As the Advisory Board Chair, what contributions do you hope to make to our students' educational experience and professional development?

As someone having been “gifted” a career across many responsibilities and geographies I hope to share these experiences with my board colleagues and students to prepare them for amazing careers in a dynamic future in retail.

Q: In your opinion, which up-and-coming retail brand should our students and community keep an eye on?

Having the good fortune to see retail in a very international context I do not think a single brand would be my focus. There will be many great ideas to be discovered inside different retail brands or experiences. There are ideas to be learned from in every retail environment. Sometimes the ideas will be around product, new innovations or functionality that create excitement. Sometimes the ideas will come from presentation, perhaps in a Sephora lipstick presentation. The idea may come in experience from a great sales associate who engages you as you walk through the door. Maybe it will be something unexpected and not about retail sales at all like a Louis Vuitton exhibition space inside a store. My point to this is that retail is about a comprehensive experience that touches all our senses. A great retailer is sensitive to all of these ideas that stimulate the consumers senses. There will be different retail brands that accomplish different parts of this at different times. If it is great, everyone will be doing it soon after, and therefore we need to be constantly aware and adapting.

Target says new sortation facility will open in Detroit this week

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:18:00 PDT

The retailer says it will continue to expand its sortation center footprint, as part of its ‘stores as hubs’ distribution strategy.

Target is set to open its 11th sortation center this week, in Detroit, Michigan, according to an updated fact sheet from the retailer.

Sortation centers are where orders shipped from Target stores are sorted, batched, and routed to your front door by third-party delivery partner Shipt. In 2023, the company announced a $100 million investment to build 15+ such facilities by 2026, with the goal of expanding its next-day delivery capabilities.

These facilities operate downstream of stores, in keeping with Target’s “stores as hubs” strategy, which uses brick-and-mortar stores to fulfill delivery orders. Stores currently fulfill “more than 96% of total sales,” according to the company’s website.

Read the full article here.

Take the Prime Day 2024 Quiz: Which Categories, How Big Are the Savings, and How Deep?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:29:00 PDT

Written by Dr. Kirthi Kalyanam.

Research assistance by Tanya Jain.

Data sourced from Wirecutter’s analysis of 2024 Prime Day deals

Was Prime Day on July 16-17, 2024, an absolute game-changer for deal hunters? We dug deep into the best deals across various platforms, with Amazon being the big fish, to bring you a comprehensive analysis of the top picks identified by Wirecutter. Our aim? To help you understand where the biggest savings were and how you can make the most of such sales events in the future.

We examined the cream of the crop deals, covering over 600 products across 32 categories. The categories that we studied include the following: Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers, Humidifiers, Audio, Baby Products (Car Seats/Strollers, etc.), Fitness, Health and Grooming, Home Powering, Chargers, and Batteries, Kitchen Appliances, Mattress, Bedding, and Sleep, TV, Video, and Streaming, and Video Games and VR. Whether you're an Apple lover chasing the newest gadget, a fitness fan on the hunt for gear, a kitchen guru seeking the latest tools, or just someone who can't resist a good deal, Prime Day 2024 has something special for everyone!

Now, Let’s Dive into the Fun Part!

Let's Play the Ultimate Savings Game!

Can You Guess Which Item Had the Biggest Dollar Savings? Drumroll, please!

The biggest dollar savings were a dream for sleep lovers: the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress-KING/CAL KING from the Mattress, Bedding, and Sleep category. A whopping $900 off! That’s a dream deal for a dreamy sleep.
Which Item Was Completely Free? 

Yes, you heard that right! Hold onto your hats because the Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan (5 Months Free) steals the show with a 100% off deal. Yes, you read that right. Free for five whole months. Rock on, music lovers!
Which Category Boasted the Highest Maximum Percentage Savings? Beauty and health enthusiasts, rejoice!

Home Improvement is the star of the show with up to 72.5% discounts closely followed by Health and Grooming is the star of the show with savings reaching up to 67.23%. That’s a makeover for your savings account.
Which Category Had the Most Deals to Choose From?

The Smartphone, Smartwatch, Tablet, and Accessories category takes the crown here with a staggering 66 deals. Apple enthusiasts and tech lovers had plenty to smile about.
Where Was the Most Varied Deal Percentage Across Items? 

The Fitness category is as flexible as a yoga instructor, with savings ranging from 14.46% to 44.62%. Not all items offered high discounts, but when they did, it was quite the workout for your wallet. Fitness buffs found some exciting challenges in deal-hunting!

Moral of the Story:

Prime Day 2024 was a treasure trove of deals, with Wirecutter picks showing substantial savings across many categories. Apple lovers had a field day with deals on Smartphones, Smartwatches, Tablets, and Accessories, while our big chefs found plenty of options in the Kitchen Appliances category. Meanwhile, fitness enthusiasts had the chance to snag some amazing deals on exercise gear and health-related products. Categories with the highest dollar and percentage savings, such as Mattress, Bedding, and Sleep and Health and Grooming, offered exceptional value.

By analysing these trends, we can better prepare for future sales events, knowing where to look for the best deals and how to maximize our savings. Prime Day 2024 has set the bar high, and we can only look forward to even greater deals in the future.

Happy shopping, and here’s to even more incredible savings on the next Prime Day!

Written by Dr. Kirthi Kalyanam.

Research assistance by Tanya Jain.

Data sourced from Wirecutter’s analysis of 2024 Prime Day deals

After building a 9-figure online business, KiwiCo is launching in Barnes & Noble and Target

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:07:39 PDT

After primarily selling through its website for over 10 years, children’s education brand KiwiCo is finally launching in brick-and-mortar by entering Barnes & Noble and Target stores this month.

KiwiCo was founded in 2011 and has become known for its subscription toy plans that are known as “crates” and are geared toward kids up to the age of 14. A “Tinker Crate,” for example, teaches kids how to make a variety of simple science projects like a toy motorcycle. Now, the brand is entering about 450 Barnes & Noble stores and approximately 800 Target stores nationwide.

According to the company, the two retail launches will help the brand target different customer segments. At Barnes & Noble, KiwiCo will be targeting people looking to discover new products or find a unique gift. At Target, KiwiCo is hoping to attract families in time for back-to-school season and is partnering with a network of influencers affiliated with Target hauls.

Read the full article here.

Is Big Lots’ transformation plan enough to save it?

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:03:56 PDT

Analysts say the retailer may face an uphill battle in a crowded sector with strong rivals.

Over the last year, Big Lots’ financial performance and some operational decisions signaled to analysts and industry observers that the discount retailer might be in trouble.

The company said in a June 13 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it plans to close between 35 to 40 stores this year and disclosed that it incurred net losses and used cash for operations in 2022, 2023 and Q1 of this year.

Read the full article here.

Discounts deepen as Prime Day spurs competitive price cuts

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:12:00 PDT

The two-day sales event has kicked off a discount dash among retailers trying to keep up with Amazon.

Google the “Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro” this week and you’ll notice that the stainless steel kitchen gadget with algorithmically enhanced heating is the same price at Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, and PC Richard: $299.95, or 25% off the list price, which is the same deal Amazon is offering during its two-day Prime Day sales event.

Kirthi Kalyanam, professor and executive director of the Retail Management Institute at SA��ʴ�ý, told Retail Brew that this kind of price matching is becoming more common around Prime Day, and it could eventually make it harder for the e-commerce giant’s deals to stand out during the summer sales season that it helped create.

Read the full article here.

Amazon Prime Day deals are almost here. Should you take advantage of them?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:17:00 PDT

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s summertime, and the bargains seem easy at a time when many consumer prices are high.

July sales events have become a seasonal revenue driver for the retail industry since Amazon launched its first Prime Day back in 2015. While consumers may be enticed by the advertised can’t-miss savings on some products, personal finance experts say shoppers should be careful not to fall for potentially misleading marketing or give in to impulse buys.

Amazon has drummed up expectations in recent weeks for its 10th Prime Day event, which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday and is open only to customers who pay $14.99 per month, or $139 per year, to receive free shipping and other perks as Prime members

Read the full article here.

2024 Graduation Pictures

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:55:37 PDT

News & Events

Karl Bracken, Founder Ocampo Capital appointed RMI Board Vice Chair, says the Retail Management Institute at SA���ʴ�ý has every right to be seen as the Worldwide Retail Industry Thought Leader.

Jeff Hom, EVP, GMM Kohls Dept Stores Joins RMI Advisory Board, shares vision of Omni Channel and Technology Enabled Future of Retailing

Michael Schriver, Group President LVMH North Asia appointed RMI Board Chair, Shares Vision of Consumer IN future of Retailing and combining the best of US and international perspectives.

Target says new sortation facility will open in Detroit this week

Take the Prime Day 2024 Quiz: Which Categories, How Big Are the Savings, and How Deep?

After building a 9-figure online business, KiwiCo is launching in Barnes & Noble and Target

Is Big Lots’ transformation plan enough to save it?

Discounts deepen as Prime Day spurs competitive price cuts

Amazon Prime Day deals are almost here. Should you take advantage of them?

2024 Graduation Pictures

Karl Bracken, Founder Ocampo Capital appointed RMI Board Vice Chair, says the Retail Management Institute at SA��ʴ�ý has every right to be seen as the Worldwide Retail Industry Thought Leader.