This is a recording of a live panel discussion conducted Friday, May 8, 2020.
In this episode, we talked with respected leaders in retail with diverse business models and perspectives.
Our panel for Episode 3:
Carol Ai May, President, Simply Organized; Vice President, City Mill Company, Ltd.
Tanna Dang, Co-owner, Eden in Love
Tina Yamaki, President, Retail Merchants of Hawaii
Michelle Kirk, Senior Executive, ProService Hawaii
Timestamps:
[0:00-3:54 ] Welcome and introductions
[03:55-9:04] State of the retail industry (RMH)
[09:05-11:53] Covid experiencee from essential retailers (City mill)
[12:06-15:28] Covid experience for small shops (Eden in Love)
[16:09-18:53] Online vs. brick-and-mortar
[19:01-21:43] Handing shifting priorities, inventories, new categories
[22:30-28:22] Shifting people strategies
[28:23-32:15] New consumer trends and behavior
[32:16-35:34] Recommendations for reopening
[35:43-40:06] Operational checklist
[40:15-43:40] Customer experience, brand personality & voice
[44:22-48:12] Connecting with customers
[48:42-49:07] Q&A: When and where will the retail guidelines will be available
[49:18-50:36] Q&A:Do you think that retail businesses will continue to want to pay the high rent for real estate vs. moving to more online?
[50:48-51:29] Q&A: Are you planning to reopen fitting rooms or allowing customers to try on apparel?
[51:31-1:03:13] Q&A:How are you dealing with employees who feel it's too soon to come back?
[1:03:18-1:05:39] Q&A: How to deal with vendor and supply chain issues?
[1:05:44-1:07:15] Q&A: Has the association provided any guidance for rent negotiation?
[1:07:18-1:10:40] Conclusion and key takeaways
