IRT Is The New ISR
By Matt Pillar, chief editor
September 2015 Innovative Retail Technologies
Our name is new, but the concept that precedes it is not. Long before we made the decision to rebrand, we began a concerted effort, driven by Executive Editor Erin Harris, to challenge our story subjects, our editorial contributors, and ourselves to push the innovation envelope.
Since its inception more than 15 years ago, Integrated Solutions For Retailers has been committed to the development, organization, and presentation of the information necessary for both the C-suite and IT/operations users to improve their businesses and create more profit. But, 15 years is a long, long time in IT. When we launched the magazine, merchants were differentiating their businesses by adopting new technologies like broadband and e-commerce. Back then, the road to distinction was simpler. It was paved with stuff like quicker transactions, faster printers, ecommerce, and maybe a little CRM.
Today, success in retailing is even more dependent on even more technology that’s far more complex. But it isn’t predicated on the adoption of technology alone. It’s predicated on the innovative application of technology, integrated and applied in creative ways.
So, long before this formal introduction to Innovative Retail Technologies, we started digging a little deeper for stories that exemplified innovative tech approaches to modern retail challenges. We asked more probing questions, conducted more research, invited more innovators to contribute, and generally committed to raising the bar for the consumers of our content.
That effort bore fruit. It resulted in a fresh and extremely engaged editorial board. It secured partnerships and editorial contributions from the brightest luminaries and association leaders in the industry, including The CMO Council, FMI, IDC Retail Insights, PCI SSC, Planet Retail, RSR, RVCF, and many more. And it brought you stories about the pack-leading mobile strategy coming out of the Game- Stop Technology Institute (November 2014), an insider’s view of the innovation lab at Neiman Marcus (May 2015), the innovative omni-channel strategy at Ulta (July 2015), and this month, the incredibly innovative approach Kroger is taking to gather video and telemetry data to improve LP and operations in its 3,000 stores. These stories don’t just highlight retailers’ tech road maps. They dig deep into the why, the how, and the people who are getting innovation done.
Put simply, we recognized that preserving our relevance as your source for both information and inspiration meant doing the same thing you must do to preserve your relevance to the consumer. It meant innovation.
The word innovation is defined by Merriam Webster as simply, “the introduction of something new,” and, “the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods.” With the introduction of Innovative Retail Technologies, we’ve done just that. We’ve refreshed and modernized the look and feel of the magazine to better align with our core editorial mission. With the new title comes a new logo, a new website at InnovativeRetailTechnologies.com, and new digital opportunities to learn from your peers at your convenience via daily newsletters, webinars, and a steady flow of fresh content. It also comes with a new Chief Editor.
Business icon Lee Iacocca once advised corporate leaders to hire people brighter than them, and then get out of their way. Back in January 2008, we took that advice to heart when we hired Erin Harris onto the editorial staff of Integrated Solutions For Retailers. Erin’s astute take on the retail landscape and incredible work ethic are the driving forces behind the changes we’re making today. Hers are the brains behind Innovative Retail Technologies, and it’s the perfect time to put her name at the top of the masthead. She’s earned it.
But that’s enough us. Welcome to Innovative Retail Technologies, which is about you. Be sure to visit us at InnovativeRetailTechnologies.com.