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: 12/12/2019
Will IHOP fans flip out over its new fast-casual breakfast foods concept?
And Royal Farms' chicken is crazy delicious! - Posted on: 12/12/2019
Will IHOP fans flip out over its new fast-casual breakfast foods concept?
I wouldn't have tested this concept in Atlanta (D.C. or New York City have way more foot traffic) but this concept will be a winner. IHOP is all but absent from cities, so the menu will be fresh and new. Looks like a winner to me. - Posted on: 12/11/2019
One of the best Christmas commercials ever cost almost nothing to make
Wow. Like all of the very best commercials, this one has heart, wit, and a message that's crystal clear. Bravo! - Posted on: 12/10/2019
Did Aviation Gin just make lemonade from Peloton’s lemons?
Loved the Aviation Gin ad. Social media has changed everything about how brand messages are received. I'm just sorry that Twitter wasn't around during the '50s. I can only imagine women commenting "I never wear pearls when I vacuum" and "if our white laundry isn't white enough, I doubt my husband will leave me." - Posted on: 12/09/2019
Canada Goose brings snow but no inventory to new concept store
What a destination! - Posted on: 12/09/2019
Why do so many people say ‘no’ to retailer loyalty programs?
The biggest turnoff is a loyalty program that requires a customer to literally buy in. What could be more off-putting than sale signs in Whole Foods advertising discounts for people who have paid for Amazon Prime? - Posted on: 12/06/2019
Will Rent the Runway‘s hotel concierge deal change how people travel?
Renting a wardrobe for $69 sounds like a true game-changer for W Hotels. If this takes off (and I'm sure it will) other hotels will be pressured to add this amenity as well. I'm sure the people at Le Tote and Lord & Taylor will be watching this closely. - Posted on: 12/04/2019
The holiday season promises many unhappy returns for retailers
Returns were an issue before e-commerce, but the problem is exacerbated now. Better descriptions, sizing information and customer reviews can help customers make better selections. - Posted on: 12/03/2019
Why are brands so bad at identity resolution?
The idea of half of brands being able to identify their customers seems wildly idealistic; even identifying an IP address provides next to no insight into the customers at that address and their motivations for purchase. Brands might want to provide clearer incentives. - Posted on: 12/02/2019
Will its ‘culture of recognition’ be a game winner for Dick’s Sporting Goods?
This is the future. The mantra among operations leaders last year was "customer engagement" but now "associate engagement" defines the retail experience. Let's see how creative other companies can be in retaining the best associates. - Posted on: 11/25/2019
Is secondhand gifting a holiday disruptor?
Giving a secondhand gift used to be unthinkable, but those days are well behind us. Kudos to retailers who embrace the change. - Posted on: 11/21/2019
Should Starbucks stick with its open bathroom policy?
I can't speak to the bathroom issue, but I can't have been the only person who boycotted Starbucks during Howard Schultz's short-lived Presidential bid... - Posted on: 11/20/2019
Will a hack ruin Macy’s Christmas?
This won't affect Macy's holiday sales, but it may affect Macy's performance on Wall Street. Let's hope this is the last such story we hear during the season. - Posted on: 11/20/2019
Should Santa be a loyalty program perk?
This is a huge public relations blunder. Harrods should rectify this by hosting a few evenings for less affluent children and making that gesture particularly festive. Without that, this is a huge Scrooge move. - Posted on: 11/18/2019
Will a purpose-driven site do good for Zappos?
There's a significant swath of socially-conscious customers who'll be drawn to this site, which poses some real upside for Zappos without much risk. Why not?
