Tag: Retail

Digital Transformation: All Talk and no Walk?

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Traditional digital transformation consultants produced too much of said glazed expression. The dialogue was confusing and the results patchy. The other issue? It can cost the big bucks…understandably putting off many a retailer. It was a little too much talk and expense for our tastes. So, in 2013, we decided to do it ourselves. Only better.

Retailers know the value of successful digital transformation but struggle to connect the dots and elicit real tangible value both quickly and incrementally. Whether you are buying a sofa or some new shoes, life is digital. Bricks and mortar stores have been in steady decline for years – this isn’t news. But Coronavirus was a sucker punch for those who hadn’t already made the successful digital leap. From retail and hospitality to gaming and transport – 2020 has not been kind. Many have scrambled reactively and suffered financial losses but conversely, those in a strong, agile and diverse position have thrived.

Successful digital transformation is the difference.

Having spent 20 years within retail and eCommerce, we have created, led and delivered digital transformation for some big brands. From cost savings and increased revenue YOY through to increased market share and launching overseas – there is no doubt digital transformation can get you where you want to be.

So, is it all modern tech and digital platforms? No.

Real digital transformation focuses on three key areas:

YOUR BUSINESS MODEL | PROCESS CHANGE | SMART TECHNOLOGY

From board to store level, real change needs real support. Stalled projects, time constraints, expense and lack of expertise are just a few of the hurdles. So, how do we do it better?

Well, firstly we know our stuff. From change management, board presentation and setting up agile processes through to waste elimination and implementing the right tech – we have you covered. But it is our values and approach that set us apart. Our emphasis is on a bit less talk and a lot more execution. Execution derived from real experience, understanding and expertise. Offering a competitive and holistic service, we only provide resources where you need them, when you need them. Our engagement is productivity-driven not time-driven. We 100% believe in what we do and have witnessed exceptional results for the leading brands we have transformed (we shamelessly namedrop below). We take accountability throughout the execution of your project to ensure its success and deliver a digital transformation that is simple, strategic and valuable. For a little more detail on the how and who, please click here.

The retail environment is unforgiving, highly competitive and highly changeable. Customer expectations, trends and technology are ever-changing. As 2020 continues to twist, turn and test us – Digital Fabrique Development can help diversify, fortify and future-proof your business so that you are not only ready for the next twist, but prepared and bulletproof.

We have delivered successful digital transformation for River Island, Missguided, Arcadia, Jack Wills and more.

For a bit less talk and a lot more value, why not give us a shout?

Under the Hood of Successful Digital Transformation

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Let’s be honest, we would all like to reach more customers and build a business model that stands strong when faced with COVID-19 and the many other challenges thrown our way… 

From getting products quickly to market and waste reduction through to conquering new markets and diversified revenue streams; there are compelling reasons why retailers are looking at the bigger picture.

As we bounce back and adjust to the twists and turns of 2020, retailers are keen to review the store experience, safety measures, how they can learn from customers and ultimately encourage spend and satisfaction.

The digital experience is king (or queen), both online and in-store. Aligning the digital and the physical with your audience, their needs and your brand builds a formidable customer base and attracts more happy customers. Just look at McDonald’s. How many of us still pay with a person? They aligned the digital and in-store experience, met customer demand and improved the ICX. But what about a more complex model? Introduce production lines, supply chain, a blurred brand and leaner budget, and real expertise is needed to pull everything together.

Does the big picture mean big bucks? It can do. But it doesn’t have to. What it should do is improve your entire business model and release value at pace. However, not all digital transformation is equal. We have seen the good, the bad and the downright expensive. Without clear knowledge, experience and (super importantly) execution – the results will spend not save. So, what does a successful DT look like?

Your Digital Strategy

Essential to success, your digital strategy allows you to reach your target market effectively, use the platforms they prefer and wave goodbye to the competition. Analysing your data, business model, behaviours and goals; DFD translates the results into actionable intel and measured initiatives via product-driven methodology. In simple terms, your digital strategy and its execution are flexible and tested at every step of its journey to ensure it delivers.

Agile Programme Management

Agility; bandied around a lot but with good reason. Changeable environments such as social distancing (no one predicted that one), new launches, new customer trends and endless competition require the agility to revise your initiatives as and when the market demands it. Our agile delivery management provides the knowledge and infrastructure to proactively respond with that much-needed agility.

Business Capability Analysis

Fresh digital competition is always emerging which begs the question, is your tech meeting your existing requirements and future goals? But focus purely on shiny tech and you miss a critical step: process analysis. What obstacles are within your organisation? What is wasting time and resources? From leading tech to working processes, we produce qualitative data on how your processes are performing and make and lead robust recommendations for change.

Cultural Change Agents

Dave is one of the best ops managers you have had, but he is adverse to change and happy with his existing methods. Plus, what’s in it for him? Change is just upheaval he can do without. The hypothetical Dave is rarely alone in this thinking. Real change needs real support and is an essential element of successful Digital Transformation. We help you to drive real change within your organisation in a structured, educational way so that ‘Dave’ and all staff are change advocates and the magic has no blockade.

Digital Fabrique Development blends the right knowledge, experience and execution to DT that big brands such as Missguided, River Island and Arcadia have trusted to conquer fresh markets, improve YOY growth, wipe waste and enhance the ICX. From EPOS and in-store Wi-Fi through to customer analysis and modern store initiatives – we can help you release value quickly and incrementally without alarming your FD.

For a bit less talk and a lot more value, why not give us a shout?