Our Ideas

Perspectives

Scenario Planning Roadmap by Rob Willey

Scenario planning is a way of rehearsing the future to avoid surprises. It breaks through the “illusion of certainty.” Unlike traditional strategic planning which assumes there is one best answer to a strategic question, scenario planning entertains multiple possibilities as well as investigating several uncertainties simultaneously. The purpose is to draw a circle around multiple possibilities and think about whether you are prepared to face the range of futures that might unfold. And it helps you become a catalyst for moving the world in the direction you want it to go.

Publications

Retail: the Art and Science

Retail: the Art and Science is the ultimate “how to” book for the retail buyer. While some works may be big on nebulous generalities or filled with grand ideas that are more motivational than practical, this book offers real world lessons and sound explanations that can be immediately applied at retail. Purchase Retail: the Art and Science >>

Retail Insights

Portfolio Management and Resource Allocation by Rob Willey, Chris Hunder

Portfolio management, and specifically category role definition, is a mechanism to tie top line organizational goals to individual businesses or product categories. This is accomplished by letting categories specialize on what they do best and focusing them on a narrow set of individual objectives. But to what extent are various functions and businesses aligned with organizational goals? In a recent poll by the New York-based Conference Board, only 37% of executives say that their organizations are very strongly aligned on company objectives.

New from the ROIG Research Institute

Retail Academy: 7 P’s of Retail
Retailing accounts for one third of the nation’s economy. Yet in terms of education, the industry is underserved by academic institutions, trade organizations and retailers themselves.

The 7 P’s of Retail:
Business Team Education on the following topics

Portfolio Management
Product Assortment and Transition
Pricing Management
Promotion: Marketing and Advertising
Planning: Merchant Financials
Place: Space Planning
Partner: Vendor Management