When asked what piece of advice they would offer to an up and coming merchant (or a longtime merchant who needs an energy boost), consumer anthropologists Rich Kizer and Georgeanne Bender say “Retailing is all about the customer, what they want and how they want it. Consumers can buy what you sell in any number of places so the experience with you has to be a stand out, every time. Your brand must be consistent instore, online and on social media, consistently telling the same story.” That sums up the message that Kizer & Bender have been sharing since 1990.
This dynamic duo are frequently keynote speakers, they are consultants who have helped thousands of businesses in the retail, restaurant, hospitality and other service industries. They are contributors to MSNBC’S Your Business, they made Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s list of Meeting Planners Favorite Keynote Speakers and they have been names two of Retailing’s Most Influential People.
Best advice received: “The great Tom Peters once told us as speakers to always be ourselves, to never lose our freshness or our unique perspective. Too many people –and businesses– try to be who they aren’t. Do you and do it well.
The website for Kizer & Bender features their Retail Adventures blog which was named the number one retail blog in the U.S. by PR Newswire Media. Other features include presentations they have given in addition to information on their seminars, consulting and store design. “Fresh Ideas” is a newsletter that reaches more than 10,000 subscribers. Check out their comments on all things retail as Brain Trust panelists at retailwire.com.
Contact Rich Kizer and Georgeanne Bender at kizerandbender.com
We’re excited to offer a few great FREE products from Kizer & Bender in the AQR shop—take a look!
