Results Count ... everything else is conversation.: 5,280 … Miles (Not Feet) From Home

IMS Retail University Heads to the Ukraine

In retail we usually talk about feet, that is, square foot metrics of a retailer. And, you could say we have walked miles touring retail store fronts and sales floors worldwide. But not this week, the IMS Retail U “professor” found himself 5, 280 miles from his homeland. IMS Retail University had the opportunity and pleasure to facilitate several different workshops in Kiev, Ukraine.

The “professor” always learns more from the class

On my journeys I always get the question: Isn’t retail the same worldwide? My answer is always, yes and no. The core principles and rules of retail are the same worldwide, but every region, and country, has their own set of issues and idiosyncrasies. The Ukraine isn’t any different from European retail, and yet has its own challenges as an emerging market. I will explore those challenges and the learnings from the Ukraine, in a future post, once I back log all of the 5,280 miles home.

While in the Ukraine, I had the opportunity to speak to a number of different retailers, as well as participate in 3 group meetings. One very intriguing and energized group I presented to was a Professional Women’s Luncheon. It was a very engaging session and was one of the many highlights of my trip.

For this session, we focused on the “art” of retail instead of the “science”. While we discussed the “sexiness of retail” and the CPO of the household, it is always interesting to me how connected women are. Even in emerging countries, women are connected via social media on a variety of platforms. And, if they haven’t been introduced to something, like Pinterest, they are eager to learn more. Thank you for allowing me to take a deep dive into the retail world with you.

Chris Petersen presenting to Opening Windows: The Professional Women Initiative

Opening Windows - The Professional Women Initiative Luncheon

As I always say at the end of the day…

In the U.S. we like to “Eat and drink about it”. Actually, I have found through all my travels that that saying translates well to every language and nobody has disagreed with me yet. It was a very intense four days—packed full of retail tours, meetings, presentations, and discovery. But, we want to take a moment to thank our gracious hosts Vadim, Irina, and Olena, as they made the “big guy” feel very welcome. At the end of the day, we all came away with some great teachings. It’s always insightful to “get out of your comfort zone” and see how retail is changing, developing and progressing worldwide.

My gracious hosts… Vadim and Irina “We are eating and drinking about it.”