PROFILE
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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: 09/20/2022
Is livestream commerce about to break through?
Livestream commerce is instant gratification at its peak. Generation Z will embrace it immediately. This has the potential to drive vast new revenue streams. - Posted on: 09/20/2022
Are biases still holding back marketing analytics?
If personal biases are the problem, why cut back on analytics, which are the solution? - Posted on: 09/19/2022
Is Kroger’s first-party data ideal for driving programmatic connected TV ads?
KPM is a juggernaut with truly impressive capabilities. The twin questions are whether customers will be weirded out by that level of personalization, and whether governments will allow it. The stakes are high. - Posted on: 09/14/2022
Will Temu have Shein-like success as it goes online in the U.S.?
If Temu is prepared to be as ubiquitous as Shein is on social media, it might have a chance. That's a tall order, though; Shein is everywhere. - Posted on: 09/13/2022
Shoplifters force Wegmans to pull the plug on its self-scanning app
I'm not surprised at all that some customers took advantage of this technology. What a shame. I hope that a combination of scans and Just Walk Out technology can fix this problem. - Posted on: 09/12/2022
Is now the right or wrong time for retailers to invest big in their businesses?
The leading retailers -- the ones that are killing it right now -- are investing significantly in technology, logistics and operations. Now is the time to put together plans to advance in the future, and make those investments now. - Posted on: 09/08/2022
Will robots nail in-store manicures at Target?
Just say no... - Posted on: 09/07/2022
Will making house calls redefine CVS and Walgreens’ relationships with their customers?
Everything CVS touches turns to gold. There are huge opportunities in healthcare and CVS is well-positioned to become the last mile, reaching millions of customers. It's exciting to watch. - Posted on: 09/06/2022
Is Lululemon inflation proof?
Certain brands -- Lululemon, Nike, Starbucks -- are sticky. They become part of their customers' lives. Their continued success suggests that expansion is a winning strategy. - Posted on: 08/25/2022
Walmart+ members get a rewarding new perk
I'm one of those troglodytes who thinks that paying a monthly fee to get "free" rewards is odd. I'm clearly out of step with the rest of America. - Posted on: 08/24/2022
Salvage stores achieve sales growth by selling ‘unsellable’ goods
My grocer has an oft-visited value rack where customers can find sliced boxes and dented cans. It's a favorite. - Posted on: 08/24/2022
What tradeoffs are consumers willing to make to stretch their food dollars?
I see a lot of customers who look like they're muttering "nope" when encountering canned soup for $4.59 and a dozen eggs over $5.00. You don't have to be poor to reject loopy, jacked-up prices. I'll guess that customers' coping strategy will be avoidance. - Posted on: 08/23/2022
Is Tractor Supply barking up the right tree with its new Neighbor’s Club rewards?
Tractor Supply is a magical company with talented and loyal teams who are in it for the long run. The changes to Petsense by Tractor Supply will definitely bring benefits. - Posted on: 08/19/2022
If Walmart builds a social influencer platform, will marketplace sellers come?
Absolutely, yes. Some people may have noticed that the Pennsylvania Senate race is being waged almost exclusively on social media, with amazing results. These platforms will become even more important as Zillennials enter the workforce and set up households. This is a smart move. - Posted on: 08/18/2022
Is Target ready for what comes next?
The past few years have created big challenges for retailers, but I have every faith in Mr. Cornell, whose instincts seem always to be correct.
