Retailing Per a Class Discussion

After a class discussion, my mind still spins on the subject of retailing. The shift of retailers over the years has been drastic for some and static for others. With competitors battling it out for the highest ownership of the market, companies have to make the right decisions when it comes to stores.

Apple made a smart decision while other computer stores were closing down to build an image and experience. Small boutiques that once occupied shopping centers and malls now stand alone and continue to thrive. On the other side of the spectrum, many a store has closed after its opening due to many factors. Stores operate effectively when the communities around them find the products useful, and affordable. The fact that 50 percent of specialty stores go out of business after one year is intimidating to entrepreneurs. However, should a company or business have a good or services that are needed or attractive, this risk is worth the taking.

In a day where technology is constantly evolving, retail stores continue to thrive. Blackberry, with very little brick and mortar stores, may be hesitant to begin opening stores to avoid the risk of failure. This is unfortunate given blackberry shares a very even market share with iPhone which has done very well under the Apple umbrella.

I envision a sophisticated, innovative and inviting store with Blackberry products. Departments could be split into divisions: Business, Gaming and Entertainment, and Blackberry World. The business division could provide products, support and solutions for businesses and give companies and business men and woman a place to call home. The gaming and entertainment would be ground zero for all things entertainment. The social media user's best friend and contained all in one place. Blackberry World could be the place for the everyday user. Everything you want in a phone from the company who is the leader in mobile technology.

Concepts are easy. Implementing them is a different story. I hope that Blackberry and other businesses take the risk and create a moving experience in the retail world.