Not Being Sarkari

Adage came up with their analysis on some retailers who are doing well in these tough times.

"With the economy in a tailspin, the retailers that are flourishing -- and floundering -- may surprise you. ...look at varied categories for common threads and found a few that point to higher sales: Keep spending, target your marketing and look for ways to offer value."

Couple of retailers are targeting its customers through "personalized conversations." They are investing their marketing dollars in building relationships with customers.

Most of the retailers do have loyalty cards but they are often clueless on how to use them. Loyalty programs do not go beyond offering extra points, additional discounts and special promotions.

They are hardly used for:

• relationship building
• to learn what your customers really value
• experience that customers are looking for