Retail Systems Research (“RSR”) is the only research company run by retailers for the retail industry. RSR provides insight into business and technology challenges facing the extended retail industry. RSR Research’s latest report, “Twenty-first Century Merchandising Takes Hold” is based on a survey of 82 retailers in the summer of 2011.
Last year, 58% of the aggregate respondent base identified the ability to integrate planning with cross-functional teams as very important – a top two opportunity. Just one year later, 67% say it is vital. It has become the most important merchandising opportunity for retailers today.
Retailers increasingly understand that the days of the “Merchant Prince” have passed, and successful Merchandising truly resides in a combination of technology AND the informed opinions of not only merchants, but also marketing, store operations, ecommerce personnel and other Line of Business executives. The best performers place an even higher priority on cross-functional teams’ effectiveness: 76% of Retail Winners identify it as very important.
