CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 04, 2014) â" Mobile Internet devices that have led to greater access to communication have changed the overall retail experience for shoppers, shifting power away from merchants and manufacturers to the consumer
(Media-Newswire.com) - CORAL GABLES, Fla. ( March 04, 2014 ) â Mobile Internet devices that have led to greater access to communication have changed the overall retail experience for shoppers, shifting power away from merchants and manufacturers to the consumer, Stephen Sadove, former chairman and CEO of Saks Incorporated, told a group of University of Miami School of Communication students on Thursday.
Speaking in Shoma Hall on the topic âWhatâs Going On with the Retail Consumer Today?â Sadove discussed the evolution of âomni-channel retailingââ the experience shoppers have with retailers through computers, brick-and-mortar stores, television, radio, direct mail, and even shipping.
Sadoveâs talk also touched on issues ranging from branding and consumer trends to cyber security, mobile Internet usage, consumer purchasing power, and marketing innovation. His remarks were preceded by a private luncheon with UM President Donna E. Shalala, trustees, School of Communication Dean Gregory Shepherd, and members of the schoolâs Visiting Committee.
Sadove, who joined Saks as vice chairman in 2002, became CEO in 2006, and successfully steered the Fortune 1000 operator of high-end department stores through a global recession, provided students with firsthand knowledge of the retail and consumer sectors while also giving advice on effective leadership.
âWhat differentiates people in their career is coming up with new products and new ways of doing things,â he told students. âDonât focus on wanting to be a CEO; focus on learning about the field. Learn as much as you can in that field.â
Nicole Saunders, a sophomore journalism and public relations student interested in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries, described Sadoveâs visit as an âenriching experience.â
âMy two biggest takeaways were when Sadove spoke on the importance of brand positioning and the importance of an office culture,â Saunders said. âI also loved when he said, âAs a CEO you are a quarterback. Your job is to make sure youâre on top of it.â
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