We've facilitated several sessions lately with merchant groups. It's always fascinating to see themes emerge across markets and business models.

One that we are seeing is how merchant groups are handling the swings in commodity prices. For example, transportation costs have skyrocketed in the last year. Many margin plans just didn't account for this change. So, its more important than ever for buyers to rework the plan and find ways to hit those margin goals.....especially since raising prices for the consumer might not be the best competitive option.

Almost every retailer we talk to is anxious about Holiday ’08. With economic uncertainty, rising prices and Wall Street volatility, it’s hard to be certain. Here’s what we do know:

The best retailers aren’t waiting for Santa to deliver; they are working hard to make their own holiday success.

That means a retailer who is focusing right now on how to work in innovative ways with vendors to get just the right product mix at the right price.

We hear again & again that its the managers that are closest to the customer that have the biggest impact on your sales, profits and customer satisfaction.

We've just launched a new program: Effective Floor Supervision that's part of our overall Retail Store Leadership series. Its focus is on those individuals that make it happen (or don't) everyday.

We know you'll see immediate impact as you head into the critical retailing season ahead. I hope you call us now to schedule your time to learn more about Effective Floor Supervision.

We've been working with retailers on how to improve service to customers for over 20 years. When shopping online emerged, many of our clients thought they were at a distinct disadvantage because of the ease and efficiency of internet shopping.

We offered several arguments as to why shopping in a retail store had real advantages over online shopping. For one, you can use all of your senses in making a decision. You can feel the 'hand of the fabric' or actually sit in the chair, or even taste some of the food that the appliance cooked. And there's more...

People learn more and remember far longer from the mistakes they make than the things that worked perfectly. Unfortunately, letting your managers run their business into the ground may help them learn but isn't practical for your business.

Unless, the retail business they're running is a simulation.

Several clients have mentioned a new challenge many of their managers are facing, keeping their younger, GenX employees focused and motivated.

One client said, "They come in expecting to be CEO but they can't even meet a simple deadline!" Another lamented, "Who the heck are they IMg all the time? It's taking away time from their productivity."

"We need to do a better job at setting expectations" said another. We agree, sort of...