Tell Me Something Good About Retail Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

The be-back bus travels in one direction and it's not to your store. You have a choice every time someone comes in the door: There's a chance to just get a transaction on the register or to help someone improve their life. Although rooted in the mattress industry, this wide-ranging discussion has implications for all retailers.

What lens should retailers use when reading so many different messages about the consumer economy? With retail stores being vindicated as not just viable but critical in 2021, where should retailers look for 2022?

What does a consumer want when visiting a retailer? How can retailers hold onto employees? What can a guy who writes poetry tell us about physical retail?

Data is all the rage but what does it actually tell retailers? Our guest today has been on a quest since his early days with NCR and others. Hear what he believes the next big battle will be in retail.

There is a certain intimidation factor when customers see all you offer. This especially true with footwear. Hear how this onetime customer became an advocate for cutting edge technology used in brick and mortar stores.

Robert Christie is President of A&G Central Music, a school service company with two stores in Southeast Michigan. Robert received degrees in music and business from Valparaiso University and was a NAMM Music Business Scholarship recipient. He is an active member of NASMD and has served on the association's board of directors. Robert is deeply involved in his community serving on the boards of several arts organizations and is a vocal advocate for area school music programs. Before purchasing Central Music, he worked as an educator, touring musician, jingle writer, and retail manager. Robert lives with his wife Peggy in suburban Detroit.