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: 11/30/2020
Was Black Friday a bust?
In-store traffic isn't the big story this year -- online sales are. Many retailers rewarded customers with amazing deals (Old Navy slashed every price by 50 percent). Things aren't worse this year, they're different. - Posted on: 11/25/2020
Retailers show essential workers their appreciation with promotional perks
Thumbs up to Krispy Kreme. While those of us who toil from home are warm and safe, there are countless people out there working to keep our economy moving. They deserve a warm doughnut and more! - Posted on: 11/24/2020
To furlough or not to furlough?
When associates were merely folding clothes or stocking shelves, heavy turnover was the norm. Now that the store is far more important investing in associates becomes far more important. If you can afford to keep them, do! - Posted on: 11/23/2020
Big chains are raising pay and more retailers are likely to follow
These big chains -- which have been on the front lines of digital and omnichannel - understand that experienced and enthusiastic associates are EVERYTHING.This is no time to skimp on wages. Engage associates, celebrate them, and win. - Posted on: 11/20/2020
How can retailers avert a holiday returns catastrophe?
I've been saying for many years that unpredictable sizing is a major problem here, and it has never been addressed. What, exactly, is a women's size "small?" A "small" at a teen retailer will bear no similarity to a "small" at Talbots. Until customers can be confident in what they're purchasing, we'll have margin-sapping problems with returns. - Posted on: 11/19/2020
Do masks and social distancing matter in 2020 Christmas spots?
Both ads are nice -- and people understand that ads are small fantasies designed to inspire purchases. They don't represent real life. - Posted on: 11/17/2020
Are retailers cutting their way to profitability or slowly bleeding to death?
Savvy retailers are in the process of doing everything they need to do to survive in this environment -- opening stores, closing stores, switching formats, deploying technologies, and re-examining their competition. The retail companies I worry about are the ones that are acting like it is still 2019. - Posted on: 11/16/2020
Costco makes everybody mask up
The U.S. is now experiencing another million COVID-19 cases every TEN DAYS. his exponential spread threatens our economy and our national security. Surely asking people to protect themselves and others is a good idea. - Posted on: 11/13/2020
Should C-suite execs keep their opinions to themselves on store visits?
Associates are working really hard right now under potentially dangerous conditions. The last thing they need to hear is criticism from the CEO. Please visit stores, ask a lot of questions, get an honest assessment of how things are, and smile a lot, please! - Posted on: 11/12/2020
Target reopens looted store as a symbol of its pledge to do better for Black communities
Target just keeps doing everything right... - Posted on: 11/10/2020
Are grocers downplaying curbside pickup at their own expense?
Retailers: you can figure out the financials later. Now is the time to listen to customers and give them the socially-distanced experience they desire. If you're there for them, they'll be there for you. - Posted on: 11/09/2020
What will President Joe Biden mean for retail?
Where I live, most of the retail stores have closed. Our former bustling shopping-scape has been reduced to boarded-up storefronts and thousands of lost jobs. Surely the new administration can do better. - Posted on: 11/05/2020
Did Gap just learn that no good tweet goes unpunished?
Wow. Our country is deeply messed up. - Posted on: 11/04/2020
Grocery workers continue to be at a high risk from COVID-19
The only difference between March and now is that there is much more COVID-19 now. Grocers need to redouble efforts, and customers should avoid peak shopping times when social distancing isn't possible. - Posted on: 11/03/2020
Sorry, Virginia, there will be no Santa at Macy’s
The pandemic is still here, so Santa isn't. End of story.
