PROFILE
Cathy Hotka
Principal, Cathy Hotka & AssociatesCathy Hotka has personal relationships with most of North America’s most influential retail technology leaders. Cathy Hotka & Associates is a different kind of retail IT marketing firm, leveraging close relationships with CIOs to assist technology companies, and working with retail CIOs to create thought leadership materials. The company was founded in 2002 and enjoys working relationships with many Tier 1 retailers and vendors.
Prior to creating the firm, Hotka created the CIO Council for the National Retail Federation, and staffed the American Petroleum Institute’s IT Council. She has worked on Capitol Hill and the White House, and has been recognized by Computerworld, CIO, Executive Technology, and the Wharton School of Business.
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- Posted on: 09/24/2020
A successful diversity initiative led to an unintended consequence at Walmart
The more diverse a company's leadership team is, the better it will understand its customers. Walmart has put a lot of effort into developing its workforce and mentoring them into leadership roles, with very favorable results. - Posted on: 09/22/2020
Will Walmart’s new private clothing line have ‘staying power’?
Ms. Incandela knows what she's doing. That said, Walmart is going to need a lot more than 12 women's pieces to get people excited about this line. - Posted on: 09/21/2020
Can Trader Joe’s continue thriving without delivery and curbside pickup?
Unlike some competitors, Trader Joe's carries unique offerings with a dollop of quirky culture. These aren't commodity items. Given that, it's likely that Trader Joe's will survive this time without BOPIS or delivery. - Posted on: 09/21/2020
Patagonia wants to ‘Vote the a**holes out’
Patagonia understands its customer base and is staying true to its brand. I don't see a downside. - Posted on: 09/17/2020
Will Apple’s Express pickup concept drop off post-pandemic?
Apple may be trying this because of the lines outside their stores. This sounds like a welcome innovation. - Posted on: 09/16/2020
Will Amazon’s new online store disrupt the luxury fashion and beauty business?
I love the idea. If Amazon can perfect recommendation engines, bring in video, and provide backup from human stylists, this could really take off for the 1 percent! - Posted on: 09/15/2020
Could Authentic Brands be the lynchpin in J.C. Penney’s turnaround?
Brand is EVERYTHING for busy consumers; look at Wayfair, Apple, IKEA, Sephora, and Starbucks. Without an obvious brand identity, J.C. Penney can only limp. - Posted on: 09/14/2020
Lululemon is ready to tackle holiday crowd control
The Apple store near me has commandeered two parking spaces on the street in front of the store and has put up tents to shelter those waiting in line. This year every retailer is going to need to address customer safety, and publicize their efforts. Shoppers: don't wait until the last minute! - Posted on: 09/11/2020
Will Big Lots continue to stand out after the pandemic?
Big Lots and other discounters are the lucky beneficiaries of an economy that favors the wealthy but disadvantages average Americans. Financial uncertainty causes consumers to act more conservatively than they otherwise might. I'll predict that this isn't a blip, but a generational change that will last. - Posted on: 09/10/2020
J.C. Penney rescued. Will it now find success and save the mall, too?
You're exactly right, Dick, and there's so much more to unpack here. J.C. Penney will have to figure out modern approaches to pickup, will have to un-clutter stores (Ron Johnson had that right) and should reevaluate who their customer base really is. Oh, and the idea of equity firms being involved doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies...! - Posted on: 09/09/2020
Which COVID-19 consumer habits will stick?
With so many white collar workers successfully doing business from home, I expect a continued move away from business clothing. We've all worn a snappy blazer over old painting shorts and have looked great on camera; it's hard to imagine fresh demand for dress pants or heels that won't be seen. - Posted on: 09/09/2020
Is it okay for retailers to ease up on cleaning their stores?
Not only is the pandemic not over, it's more prevalent than it was in the early days. This is no time for retailers to let their guard down. - Posted on: 09/08/2020
Will Santa be bringing as many toys this holiday?
If I were Walmart I'd make a very big deal about the kids online focus group. Kids love knowing what other kids like and will trust that recommendation. Imagine the competition: will the car toy win, or will the video game? - Posted on: 09/04/2020
COVID-19, Christmas and working conditions are stressing retail workers out
Remember those photos of hundreds of shoppers eager to storm the doors for Black Friday sales? Those people will be shopping, but from their homes, and a new army of sales associates will be tasked with fulfilling those orders from stores. It will be important for retail companies to take care of those workers, and compensate them fairly. Reputations depend on it. - Posted on: 09/02/2020
FAA gives permission for Amazon’s drones to take off
Good points, Ryan. You have to wonder about insurance, though...
