Project by Type/Client
Store Operations Review (SOR)© & Retail Study Tour Programs
Selling & Service Improvement Programs
Retail Merchandising Systems & Processes
Retail Technology Solutions
Other: Expert Witness Services
Other: Leadership Development Programs
Other: Basics Of Retailing Credential Programs
Sample Project
Provided strategic direction and helped lead the repositioning of the logo merchandise business of a leader in luxury hotels and resorts. Acted as interim VP Gift Shop over a period of 5 months. |
|
| Client The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company A top brand in the luxury hotel and resort industry. |
 |
Challenge
Ritz-Carlton wanted to explore current operational opportunities with their hotel Gift Shops and catalog business to help broaden the brand appeal beyond their hotel guests. The goal was to expand the reach of Ritz-Carlton Logo merchandise to potential new customers through the catalog and the web. The company also required assistance during a transitional phase from the old to a new management structure for the division.
Solution
Assisted Ritz-Carlton in developing a new strategy for a successful logo merchandise brand extension as well as assisted on an interim basis during the transitional phase from phase 1 – identification of opportunities and challenges – to phase 2 and 3 – implementation of the new plan.
Services Provided
Phase #1: Conducted a review and analysis of current Gift Shop and Catalog operations, including:
- Inventory management and relevant benchmark performance on stock turn, GMROII, stock to sales ratios and other productivity measures
- Sales management and relevant benchmark performance on Average Transaction, Items Per Ticket, Revenue per Guest, Conversion Rate and other sales metrics
- Receiving, marking, re-stocking fulfillment and PO operational procedures
- Staff selection, hiring, standards, sales training, customer service and staff motivation practices
Phase #2: Developed logo merchandise brand extension strategy, including:
- Complete business plan and SWOT analysis
- Sales forecasts
- Profit potential
- Licensing revenue potential
- Operating constraints and requirements
Phase #3: Acted as interim VP Gift Shop division responsible for
- Defined and created the new retail division organization structure and capabilities (Job Descriptions & Job Profiles for each position)
- Identified Merchandise Management training needs for Gift Shops Merchandise Managers across the nation
- Refined the central buying structure, defining the mandate, preparing budgets and product sourcing
- Created a Product Brand Committee
- Oversaw catalog business
- Analyzed new company software and recommend customizations to meet the needs
- Helped fill the VP position
Results
