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: 02/19/2020
Shoppers have a love/hate relationship with self-checkouts
My grocer installed lots of self-checkout, with associates available only for express lane purchases. Big mistake. While customers were scanning their purchases, the system was yelling at them to start bagging "Remove Items From BELT!" then demanding payment while the cart still had items in it. Self-checkout is fine for a customer who wants to buy a magazine, but it doesn't work in all situations. - Posted on: 02/19/2020
Will store associates become the ultimate personalization tool at retail?
I attended a presentation last evening from the COO of Marriott. She said that Marriott gave across-the-board raises to hotel personnel that have improved both performance and retention. Let's not forget those who interact with our customers. - Posted on: 02/14/2020
How will Jetblack lessons inform Walmart’s conversational commerce efforts?
Part of the story here is Walmart's willingness to try new things, and pull back when an effort fails. The more they learn, the less time they'll spend on ideas that are ultimately fruitless. - Posted on: 02/12/2020
Will the FTC redefine anticompetitive behavior after its big tech acquisition inquiry?
If anything, the FTC has been asleep most of the past few years. Beyond that, it's hard to imagine that the current administration would complete an action against Big Tech when it knows that horse-trading for favors is now apparently OK. I wouldn't read too much into this very preliminary inquiry. - Posted on: 02/11/2020
Will Staples’ new concept Connect with small business owners?
There are some great ideas here, but the collapse of WeWork should provide some cautionary advice. That said, this looks like Kinko's for the modern age and it could be a hit. - Posted on: 02/10/2020
H-E-B gives $100 bills to all its employees for top grocer ranking
Frontline associates are everything in the store (ask Publix). That $100 "attaboy" shows appreciation, and that leads to retention. Smart move. - Posted on: 02/07/2020
7-Eleven tries out an Amazon Go-like store
This pilot should provide 7-Eleven with some valuable learnings, but the price point of the merchandise makes me question whether the infrastructure cost can provide profits. - Posted on: 02/06/2020
Should retailers brag about doing good?
It's more important than ever for customers to know what a brand stands for. Pet food companies that donate to animal shelters should brag about it. Some customers may want to avoid patronizing a company that donates money to a candidate they oppose. Let's put it all out there. - Posted on: 02/05/2020
Retailers share how they make the most of their trade show visits
Add NETWORKING. Shows are an opportunity to find out what colleagues at other retailers are doing and thinking. Tap into that network and come home with great new ideas. - Posted on: 02/05/2020
Will Macy’s cut its way to improved margins and future growth?
I'd take another tack: reducing the amount of merchandise in the store. Each aisle is cluttered, the music is too loud, and there are clothes on the floor. Let's all inhale and try to create a more soothing store experience. - Posted on: 02/04/2020
Is Forever 21 a wise investment for its new mall landlord owners?
Forever 21 has two major issues: inventory problems (imagine a whole store where the only size available is XS), and a belief that its customers are all teenagers. New owners, whoever they are, will have to start there. - Posted on: 02/03/2020
Is Amazon’s speed killing the competition?
Sure speed is important, but so is the fact that 89 percent of sales are still made in a store. It's too early to talk about killing anything. Let's keep focusing on the customer at all stages, and creating nimble organizations that can respond to changing realities. - Posted on: 02/03/2020
Which commercial won the Super Bowl?
Amen, sister! - Posted on: 01/30/2020
Is it ethical for resellers to raise the price of Kobe Bryant merchandise?
Retail companies that do this will be eyed warily by consumers from now on. Stay classy. - Posted on: 01/27/2020
Is IT insourcing critical to omnichannel?
Target is an interesting company to watch on the subject of insourcing IT, because at one point they had thousands of developers working in India. Every retailer will have to be agile to compete; insourcing is one way to achieve that.
