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Target SVP Marketing Talks Digital/In-Store Convergence

Posted by on 10 April 2013
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More than a Store'It's a Medium

By Marc Dresner,
IIR, FUSE Radio
Permit me, please, to begin by editorializing a tiny bit'
I've come to believe that the term 'consumer' is generally
unhelpful.
Our efforts might instead be better spent focusing on 'customers''and
I believe that by and large they're still surprisingly misunderstood in marketing circles.
This is in part due to the fact that, until recently, branding has primarily belonged to CPGs and manufacturers who do not typically sell directly to the people who consume their products.
But retail (private) labels have become powerful brands, and retailers
have always specialized in customers.

At the same time, the advent of the Internet and the proliferation of
communication channels and devices have posed unique challenges and
opportunities for retailers.

Shawn Gensch

Shawn Gensch understands that the customer today is a
moving target and he's capitalizing
on the convergence of digital channels and the brick-and-mortar environment to connect
with the customer in ways that amplify the discount giant's brand and shopping
experience.

'We've been a brand that has always
delivered an amazing social experience in our stores,' Target's SVP of
Marketing told FUSE Radio. "Our stores are a great catalyst for that continuity of the digital experience."
The possibility for retailers to interact with and engage customers
is unprecedented, Gensch noted.

'This gives us that
opportunity on a whole new level'The convergence of media'whether it's purchase
channel or messaging channel'can actually come alive in the store,' he said.
In this special podcast
interview with FUSE Radio, Gensch discusses:
' How Target is tackling
media convergence
' What new data streams
add to the equation
' The future of retail:
what it may look like a few years out
And much
more'

Editor's note: Shawn Gensch will deliver 'The Target
Point of View' at FUSE 2013 taking place April 15-17 in Chicago.
For
more information or to register, please visit www.iirusa.com/fuse


ABOUT THE AUTHOR/INTERVIEWER
Marc Dresner is IIR USA's senior editor and special communication projects lead. He is the former executive editor of Research Business Report, a confidential newsletter for marketing, media and consumer research and insights professionals. He may be reached at mdresner@iirusa.com. Follow him @mdrezz.

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