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: 02/06/2023
Stale Amazon grocery stores need a fresh approach
My local grocery store is an Amazon Fresh. There are three problems:- Product availability. The store starts with a limited number of SKUs, then sells out of them.
- Pickers. There are so many staff in the store pulling online orders that it's difficult for an in-store customer to get to the merchandise.
- Carts. They're too small. A typical family would have to shop several times a week.
- Posted on: 02/03/2023
Ahold Delhaize USA’s Retail Business Services CIO talks IT’s place at the table and the need to work differently
One key problem with the waterfall approach is delay, and business moves too fast for that now. Kudos to Mr. Kosla. - Posted on: 02/02/2023
Do stores have a place as vocational tools inside high schools?
Both of my kids worked at Starbucks in high school, and discovered a real sense of competence and accomplishment. Working during high school also provides experience with working with adults as peers. Everyone wins. - Posted on: 02/01/2023
Should retail seek a middle path between being pro- or anti-union?
We have a major societal problem with gross income inequality, unprecedented in the US. It is grotesque for CEOs who make multiple millions of dollars per month to criticize efforts to raise workers above the poverty line. - Posted on: 02/01/2023
Pacsun to stick with its co-CEO model as one leader prepares to depart
My friend Michael Relich is an outstanding leader who is happy with the current arrangement, so it must be working. Two heads are better than one. - Posted on: 01/31/2023
What does Amazon know about delivering groceries that others don’t get?
It will be interesting to see if Prime users push back on this ... they seem willing to absorb cost increases so far. At what point does frugality win over convenience? - Posted on: 01/30/2023
What will David’s Bridal gain from its wedding vendor marketplace?
Most people who are getting married have not been married before and won't be familiar with processes and vendors. It makes perfect sense for DBI to create a knowledge source that provides partner revenue. - Posted on: 01/26/2023
Will ChatGPT supercharge chatbot conversations?
Have we all forgotten the infuriating results we've gotten from other chatbots? - Posted on: 01/25/2023
Will consumer anger drive down inflation?
Despite brands' hand-wringing about inflation, consumers know that profits are at record highs and CEOs continue to get huge raises. Consumers will have limited patience for this. - Posted on: 01/24/2023
Amazon looks to undercut rivals with monthly Rx prescription plan
The numbers don't add up here. In order to best rivals like Mark Cuban's pharmacy, Amazon would have to add hundreds of other medications. Let's revisit this when it's ready for Prime time. - Posted on: 01/09/2023
Stitch Fix’s woes reflect a broader subscription box problem
Another reason: people who work from home don't need cool new outfits. Working remotely means professionals can wear that sweatshirt from junior high. The pandemic has savaged apparel retailers across the board. - Posted on: 01/03/2023
Rite Aid looks to become an Rx oasis inside ‘pharmacy deserts’
Dollar stores figured out a long time ago that small towns could be immensely profitable. Kudos to Rite Aid for addressing these very real needs, and coming up with a strategy to serve these communities profitably. It would be interesting to see how the merchandising mix evolves. - Posted on: 12/30/2022
What’s up with the stalled Amazon Fresh openings?
Amazon Fresh has serious structural issues. Its staff, picking orders for delivery, impede the aisles for in-person shoppers. Smart carts hold only two bags. The technology turns off older customers. In-stock positions can be weak. I'm not sure it's ready for prime time. - Posted on: 12/30/2022
Will Walmart customers ‘Text to Shop’?
Shopping has never been more ubiquitous or convenient. Shoppers can purchase items by watching Roku now. Like water seeking the lowest point, expect shopping to get still more convenient through the use of technology. - Posted on: 12/29/2022
Should Ames be making a comeback?
Dropped ceilings? Carpet? Are we bringing back frost-and-tip kits and blue eyeshadow too?
