GUTENBERG MOMENT
The phrase Gutenberg moment has been around
for several years, but my colleague Greg Buzek of
the IHL Group has picked it up recently and run
with it. The phrase refers to a new medium that
dramatically changes the world. In chronological
order, it’s been used recently to describe the im-
JOE SKORUPA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
pact of the Internet, iPad and smartphone.
The context of the Gutenberg moment, as I see
it, is the convergence of smart devices and social media. This con-
vergence is changing the rules of the game in retailing and opening
new opportunities we are only just beginning to envision.
RIS did a survey in December and found 100 percent of respon-
dents were involved in social media at some level during the holiday
season. If I had predicted that level of involvement 18 months ago
I would not have been believed.
An equally fast rate of adoption is taking place in the mobile
channel through text messaging, mobile browser-based sites, and,
of course, mobile apps.
I call this combination of forces Engagement-Centric Retailing. I
believe it’s time to retire the phrase customer-centric retailing and
move to a higher level of interaction, listening and personalization.
It’s time to engage shoppers the way they want to be engaged. Some
say the way they demand to be engaged.
Dave Weinand, publisher of RIS NEWS, offers a sneak peek
into forces that are driving the industry toward Engagement-
Centric Retailing, the fast-moving imperative this special
digital supplement is entirely focused on.
RIS MOBILE APP OF THE YEAR
RIS News is now accepting nominations for the second annual RIS Mobile App
of the Year Awards, which will be presented at the Retail Technology Conference, April 13-15, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. The 2011 Mobile
App of the Year Award recognizes retail companies for outstanding achievement
in delivering technological, operational, functional and overall excellence to
both shoppers and the retail enterprise through the mobile channel.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A RETAILER FOR
A 2011 RIS MOBILE APP OF THE YEAR AWARD.
