Page 1 Retail Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009

Retail Education Today www.acraretail.org President’s Corner

Inside this It is difficult to Association (RILA). The With higher teaching imagine that another changes which will result loads, larger classes, issue: school year has slipped are not yet known. The higher expecta- by. joining of these two tions and/or little or no groups, however, will pay increases, many of us Make plans today greatly increase the pres- are feeling overworked. President’s Corner 1 to attend the AMS/ACRA ence of the Don’t let our situation conference in New Or- and may open new ave- affect the quality of our leans this fall. In addi- nues for involvement. teaching, however. The Undergraduate Case Competi- 2 tion to exciting papers tion Results students deserve our best and a chance to meet Given the econ- efforts. Continue to focus with AMS members with omy, this has been an on your students and let Call for Papers 3 interests in retailing, it eventful year in retailing ACRA help you. Even should be a memorable and in academia. Both with reduced (or nonexis- conference. A number of retailers and colleges and tent) funds, don’t Announcements 3 interesting activities and pass up the opportunity venues have been sched- to take a break from your uled which will give us a AMS/ACRA Conference Infor- 4 teaching this fall with a mation good “taste” of New Or- trip to New Orleans. leans. As an added plus, the top 6-8 papers from Also, as exam- 2010 Winter Conference Infor- 5 the conference will be ine today’s retail situa- mation considered for a special tion, keep focused on the issue of Plan- fundamentals of retailing. ning and Intelligence . As it relates to retailing, Papers are due June 1! the news media is often not accurate. Retailing ACRA Charrette Results 6 Next year will as we know has not fun- mark the final year that damentally changed. the NRF (and hence, the (Remember when the me- winter ACRA conference) are scram- was forecasting that will be meeting in New bling to adjust to changes all store-based retailing York! Beginning in 2011, ACRA Contacts 8 in the environment. would be gone by the year the NRF convention will What is most interesting 2000?) Indeed, the be held in Washington in both sectors is to com- changes forecasted by DC. So, make plans to- pare the most during the last large day to attend the NRF which were prepared and economic upheaval that Convention/ACRA Winter were ready to adapt to we had (the 1970s) did Conference next year the changing not take place. The sub- (January 2010) for the with those that were not urbs were not depopu- final meeting in New prepared. Indeed, likely lated as the population York! Also, anticipate many of us are in the moved to the inner changes in the confer- midst of personally ex- to save on fuel. Auto- ence. The NRF has re- periencing the effects of matic transmissions in Happy Summer! cently merged with the the lack of planning at automobiles were not Retail Leaders our home institutions. abandoned. And indeed,

Page 2 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009 President’s Corner, Continued

leisure suits were not a part of new -term . the swine flu “crisis” of 1976 where one person died from , including retailers, that get focused on the swine flu, but hundreds became seriously ill from the sensational lose touch with their customers. and several dozen died).

Yes, changes in the environment prompts This is the kind of environment that our stu- changes in the marketplace that retailers must adapt to, dents will be entering. Our students will become em- but they need to do so correctly, based on retail funda- ployed within a hyper-political environment where cri- mentals. Remember, all of the coastal cities were sup- ses are manufactured and marketed like laundry . posed to be under water by the year 2000 due to global warming. (Interestingly, a recent report stated that the Crises do exist. Are we providing our students with the original “forecasts” were incorrect – the coastal cities ability to 1) anticipate crises and respond proactively, will be under water several years earlier. At the last and 2) be able to identify which instances are not at cri- NRF meeting in New York, however, I did not require a ses stage, or are full-blown faux crises? As retailers, our bathing suit while I was in ). Similarly, the students will be on the frontline of interacting with the cries about the inevitable pandemic that several have and with individual customers. Are we prepar- been “promoting” for the past several years have led to ing them? the present day swine flu media frenzy. (Is anyone else besides me bothered that several media sources were virtually celebrating with the first death of an individual David Burns in the US with swine flu (H1N1)?). With the Vice Presi- dent calling for individuals to avoid plane, subway, Xavier train, and even some automobile travel as a result, how should retailers respond? (This makes me remember

ACRA Undergraduate Student Retail Analysis Results

The Port of Subs case study competition was a success. We received 24 papers sponsored by 7 ACRA faculty members. Eighteen reviewers helped review the papers. Below are the top three win- ning teams. Congratulations to the winners. A big thanks to the sponsors and all who helped with the competition!

First Place Second Place Michigan State University East Carolina University University of Alabama at Birmingham Faculty Sponsor: Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christy Ashley Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lauren Skinner Patricia Huddleston, Professor

Travis Harmon Amber Atkins Natalie Flessland Nicole Flanary Katie Mozingo Laura Hammer Jennifer Bobbitt William Drescher Julie Hirshey Stephanie Parker Diven Patel Patrick Tatum

Page 3 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009 Call For Papers

Conference or Due Description Contact Publication Date

Retailing 2009: Strategic June Each chairperson will recommend Barry Berman, Hofstra University, Challenges and Opportu- 1 one to three papers in his/her track as [email protected] nities in Uncertain Times suitable for inclusion is a special issue on Retail Strategy in Marketing Intelli- Charles McMellon, Hofstra Univer- Sponsored by ACRA and gence and Planning . Six to eight papers sity, [email protected] the Academy of - will be selected for inclusion. ing Science Michael Pearson , Loyola Univer- The chairs have planned exciting events sity, [email protected] New Orleans, LA and have negotiated excellent room rates at a 4 Star . Sept. 30—Oct 3, 2009 Special Issue of the In- June The editors of the Special Issue (Leigh It is recommended that prospective ternational Review of 30 Sparks and John Dawson) are looking contributors contact Leigh Sparks Retail, and for papers on any aspect of retail- ([email protected]) in ad- Research on ing and retailing research over the last vance of submission in order to dis- Twenty Years of Retail- 20 years. They have already invited cuss the proposed contribution. All ing Change. The Special commissioned articles from a small se- contributions will be refereed in the Issue will be published lection of authors to cover retail change normal fashion. as issue 20(1) of the Re- in , North America and Asia. In view in February 2010 addition however, and the ma- jority of the papers in the Special Issue, they wish to receive focused articles around topics, issues and companies. 2010 Winter ACRA Con- Sept See Article on Page 5 Paul McGurr ference 5 School of Administration Held In Conjunction with Fort Lewis College The 2010 NRF Conven- 1000 Rim Drive tion and Exposition Durango, CO 81301 (O) (970) 247-7543 New York (F) (970) 247-7205 [email protected] January 10—13, 2010

FULL TEXT on CALL FOR PAPERS available at www.acraretail.org

Position Announcements

University Position Rank To Start Review of Appli- cants Begins Columbia Col- Full-time Lecturer Aug. 16, 2009 4/20 until filled lege fashion lecturer ()

Page 4 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009

AMS/ACRA 2009 Fall Triennial Retailing Conference

Hilton Riverside Hotel—2 Poydras Street, New Orleans LA 71049 (504) 561-0500; (800)–HILTONS) ( www.riversidemeetings.com ) September 30, 2009-October 3, 2009

Destination: New Orleans

Conference Tentative The AMS/ACRA 2009 ners (except Wednes- Barry Berman, Charles Program Fall Triennial Retailing day September 30 th ). McMellon, Michael Pear- Conference will be held We have also negotiated a son, and Donna Smith Sept. 30—Oct. 3, 2009 September 30—October very favorable rate of will review each track Wednesday, Septem- 3, 2009 at the $139 a night chairperson’s recommen- Hilton River- – This rate dation and select 6-8 pa- ber 30 side, the larg- is available pers for possible inclusion - Registration est hotel in for three in this special issue. Au- - Welcome New Orleans. days before thors of these articles Reception and after must agree to fulfill the - Dinner (on your own) The Hilton the confer- editorial requirements of Riverside is ence. the guest editors and to Thursday, October 1 connected to - Morning Sessions submit their revised pa- the Riverwalk MARKETING per as of October 15, - Lunch at Harrah’s Ca- INTELLI- Cen- 2009. sino ter and to the GENCE & PLANNING - Walking tour of Fulton New Orleans After Conference Ac- Street SPECIAL Convention Center. The ISSUE tivities - Presentation by Harrah’s Aquarium of the Ameri- on cas, Harrah’s and Each track chairperson You are certainly encour- - Afternoon Sessions the Place Shopping will recommend one to aged to spend an extra - Dinner at New Orleans Center are within one three papers in his/her day or two before or after Cooking School block of the hotel track as suitable for in- the conference. There are clusion in a special issue all the great , Friday, October 2 The conference fee of on Retail Strategy in music, festivals and - Morning Sessions $290 will include all Marketing Intelligence & events. - Lunch at Mother’s Res- sessions, Proceedings, Planning. The guest edi- taurant lunches, and all din- tors of the special issue: - Afternoon Sessions - Grazing Dinner at Lou- isiana Museum of Southern Join Us in New Orleans! Food and Beverage New Orleans welcomes and do. For example, the clubs, churches and con- Saturday, October 3, visitors with genuine hos- historic French Quarter is cert halls. Don't miss a 2009 pitality and promises an comprised of over 100 beat! And the food - ex- - Morning Sessions experience that will not square blocks of art, din- perience America's most - Conference ends at noon be forgotten. (no lunch provided) ing, shopping, entertain- delicious city! You'll won- For those that come to ment and architectural der why everyone doesn't the AMS/ACRA 2009 Fall treasures. The city is celebrate life this way. Note: Unless otherwise Triennial Retailing Con- known for music….no city Come and join retailing noted, all events are in- ference, in addition to the loves music more than colleagues for a great con- cluded in registration great conference program, New Orleans. The ference in a delightful fee. there will be plenty to see rhythms fill the streets, environment!

Page 5 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009 2010 Winter ACRA Conference Held In Conjunction With The 2010 NRF Convention and Exposition Jan 10—13 2010

Page 6 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009 ACRA Charrette: A Great Learning Experience

By Hyunjoo Oh, the David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research, University of Florida

The David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research at the Warrington College of Business Admini- stration, University of Florida hosted the 3 rd ACRA (American Collegiate Retailing Association) Charrette during the week of March 17 th -21 st , 2009.

A Charrette is an “apprentice” business competition comprised of an interdisciplinary process in which students placed in diverse teams solve a complex problem. Selected students from 13 universities in multi-disciplines (marketing, retailing, finance, , development, , etc.) worked together in teams to reach a resolu- tion for a challenge presented by a client. This year's client was Ron Jon Surf Shop . Participating universities were as follows:

1. Albright College 8. Tampa Art Institute 2. Brunel University (UK) 9. University of Alabama at Birmingham 3. Florida State University 10. University of Arkansas 4. Southern University 11. University of Florida 5. Indiana University 12. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 6. Michigan State University 13. University of Wisconsin-Madison 7. Ryerson University ()

The challenge was to develop a business plan utilizing marketing, communication, merchandising and finance to open a new store in Destin, FL, and design a retail environment that embodies the image of Ron Jon Surf Shop to optimize the opportunities the store can provide in a new location. This competition provided the students with an opportunity to express creativity, apply learned skills and knowl- edge to transfer ideas into actionable plans, and on real business/design issues with the executives of Ron Jon Surf Shop and leading industry experts.

With tears of joy, the Orange team accepted the first place certificate along with a $250 provided by Steve Keith Platt from the Platt Retail Institute.

Page 7 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009

The Orange team commented, “Charrette was a unique experience because it allowed all of us to work with a di- verse group of students not only from other universities, but more importantly, of other disciplines of study. Our team was composed of students from different educational backgrounds: Stephanie Becerra, Ryerson Univ., Canada; Lauren Conner, Albright College, Pennsylvania; Paola Cruz, Georgia Southern Univ.; Yunfei Jia, Univ. of Wiscon- sin; and the Gators: Laura Maria Santiago, Shannon Struth and James Wall. We’ve come to learn that a suc- cessful team is one that understands the weaknesses and differences they have, but also recognizes the strengths and positive diversity. For us, we combined all of those elements and turned them into our biggest challenge. Re- specting each other’s ideas and being able to be amica- ble, yet professionally objective, allowed us to deliver a very thorough project.

University of Florida student Shannon Struth said, “I feel that we all have a better understanding and appreciation for what each field can bring to the table and contribute to a shared goal. I would gladly do this again.” Yunfei Jia, a Univer- sity of Wisconsin student and appointed group leader, mentioned that he truly understood the essence of working as a team thanks to this experience. “It is not just about sitting together and working non-stop in a confined room; it is about having fun and enjoying the process. We built trust and learned to count on each other by playing together, shopping together and working together. After all, we were not a group of individuals, we were a team! For me, the team process happened on its own. We broke the ice by sharing not only our educational and professional experiences, but also anecdotes and personal jokes. It was a marvelous opportunity because we got a taste of the real world. We had the feeling of being part of a . We spent quality time working and respected each other’s expertise. I mean, me as a marketing and international business student wouldn’t dare tell the fashion merchandising experts what to do. Rather, we shared opinions as to what the outsider might think of each department. Furthermore, at a personal level, even though the team agreed to appoint me as a “group leader”, I felt that I was more of a checkpoint position. I did not want them to feel I was their nagging boss or that they could not do anything without my approval or presence. It was essen- tial for them to be as autonomous as possible, while achieving a group consensus as to the decisions that were made.” Others commented: “It was a very educational experience because the case was very realistic. We got great information from Ron Jon's and everyone was very helpful. I've done quite a few case competitions and this was very well organized and very useful. It's a little unfortunately that the prizes were not as great as last year's, but it's a tough economy.” --- participating student (Liuyin Song, University of Wisconsin-Madison)

“ I enjoyed my day at the competition. Being around students is always energizing and I enjoyed their questions.”... by participating industry panel (Bill Alcorn, Former Sr. VP, Controller and CPO, JCPenney)

“It is rare to have such an opportunity to both teach and learn at the same time.”... by judge (Don Nieman, Director of Merchandise Buying, Ron Jon Surf Shop)

“What a fabulous charrette! I know the participating students benefited tremendously--they scale a steep learning curve in such a short period of time. Seeing the comprehensive quality of the proposed solutions was truly inspirational.”... Meg Portillo (Interior Design Department Chair)

The David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research would like to express deep gratitude to Ron Jon Surf Shop, industry panels and judges, and all participating students and sponsoring faculty. The presentation videos can be viewed at http://wwwdev.cba.ufl.edu/mkt/retailcenter/charrette.asp ). Congratulations to all participants!

Sponsors: Platt Retail Institute and Body Central

Page 8 Retail Education Today Volume 29 No. 4 May 2009

Editor Denise T. Ogden E-: Associate Professor [email protected] Penn State - Lehigh Valley ACRA Contacts 8380 Mohr Lane Fogelsville, PA 18051 (W) 610 285-5156 President Vice President Past President

David J. Burns Paul McGurr Donna Smith Department of Marketing School of Business Administra- School of Retail Manage- A quarterly Publication of the American Collegiate Retailing Williams College of Busi- ment tion Association - www.acraretail.org ness Ryerson University Xavier University Fort Lewis College 350 Victoria Street 3800 Victory Parkway Toronto, ONT Canada M5B Cincinnati, OH 45207-3214 1000 Rim Drive 2K3 (O) (513) 745-3956 Durango, CO 81301 (O) (416) 979-5000 Ext. (F) (513) 745-3692 (O) (970) 247-7543 4827 [email protected] (F) (416) 979-5324 (F) (970) 247-7205 [email protected] [email protected]

Secretary Treasurer Membership Chairperson

Carol Kaufman-Scarborough JungKun Park, Scarlett Wesley School of Business Consumer Sciences & Retailing Merchandising, Apparel & Tex- Rutgers University Purdue University 227 Penn St. 812 State St University of Kentucky Camden, NJ 08102 Matthews Hall 314 Erikson Hall Opinions expressed are not (O) (856) 225-6592 West Lafayette, IN 47907 Room 315-B (F) (856) 225-6231 (O) (765) 494-6662 Lexington, KY 40506 necessarily endorsed by ACRA [email protected] (F) (765) 494-0869 (O) (859) 257-7778 or its officers. [email protected] (F) (859) 257-1275 [email protected]

Retail Education Today is ICSC Liaison RF Liaison ew York Conference Liaisons distributed free of charge to Martin Topol Sandra Forsythe Hofstra University ACRA members and the Department of Marketing Department of Consumer Hempstead, NY 11550 Lubin School of Business Affairs leadership of associated Pace University Auburn University Barry Berman 1 Pace Plaza| 308 Spidle Hall 144 Weller Hall organizations, sibling New York, NY 10038-1502 Auburn, AL 36849 [email protected] organizations, and interested (O) (212) 618-6452 (O) (334) 844-6458 (O)516-463-5711 (F) (212) 618-6410 (F) (334) 844-1340 retailers. The to the general [email protected] [email protected] Chuck McMellon 223 Weller Hall public is $5.00 per issue, [email protected] payable to the ACRA Treasurer. (O)516-463-6450 Student Initiatives Member-at-Large Archives Coordinator

Submit address changes to Doreen Burdalski Leigh Sparks Carol Kaufman-Scarborough Fashion Department Institute for Retail Studies School of Business JungKun Park, ACRA Albright College University of Rutgers University Thirteenth and Bern Streets Stirling, Scotland 227 Penn St. Treasurer. Do not send changes P.O. Box 15234 FK9 4LA Camden, NJ 08102 of address to the editor of Retail Reading PA USA, 19612-5234 :44-1786-467384 (O) (856) 225-6592 Office: 610-921-7811 Fax: 44-1786-465290 (F) (856) 225-6231 Education Today! [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Director of ACRA Hall of Fame Conferences ACRA Charrette Copyright 2009 ACRA and Susan Fiorito Ann Fairhurst Denise T. Ogden and Consumer Sciences Dept of Retail, Hospitality and Hyunjoo Oh Florida State University Center for Retailing Education 312 Sandels 110 Jessie Harris Building. and Research Publication Deadline for Vol. 30 College of Human Sciences University of Tennessee – University of Florida Tallahassee, FL 32306-1492 Knoxville 200 Bryan Hall No. 1 (O) 850 644-9883 Knoxville, TN 37996-1900 Warrington College of business Aug 20, 2009 (F) 850 645-4673 (O) (865) 974-6609 Administration [email protected] (F) (865) 974-5236 Gainesville, FL USA 32611 [email protected] Office:352-392-7166 ex 1269 Fax: 352-392-4379 Position listings, ads and Doreen Burdalski [email protected] Fashion Department feature articles can be submitted Albright College for review at anytime. Send 13th and Bern Streets PO Box 15234 Webmaster submissions in electronic format Reading, PA 19612-5234 (O) 610 921-7811 Jordy Lucier to the editor. [email protected] Ryerson University [email protected]