Distribution - The Future of Retailing

"Distribution"... I want to share a word that stood out to me yesterday by a very sharp business woman, Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford and I quote "I love Distribution, that's all today - was a good day." When I saw Autumn's post on Facebook it reminded me of something I recently read where the Shopping Mall was turning 60, and they were dying (The Shopping Mall Turns 60...). Did you know not a single enclosed mall has been built in the US since 2006?

At the mall’s peak popularity, in 1990, America opened 19 of them. But we haven’t cut the ribbon on a new one since 2006.) 

Then there was the Business Insider report E-Commerce and the Future of Retail" where in the first paragraph they state:

The retail industry is undergoing a dramatic shift: E-commerce is capturing a larger share of sales than ever before. 

So, where is this all leading? Right back to Autumn's quote and distribution which is where it's at. But it's not just in the entertainment industry. The way people shop is shifting dramatically with more convenience in doing everything off the internet however, not all e-Commerce outlets are doing great either.

Anyone heard of Amazon.com? In an article by International Business Times dated December 18, 2013, Amazon has been in business nearly 20 years yet the company is still not profitable! How can that be, and why do investors continue to sink money into a non-performer? They are a distribution company aren't they and leveraging e-Commerce, so what's the problem?

And what about malls... they are filled with smaller companies distributing products and services... so, what's the takeaway? What was it that I saw that tied Autumn's quote, mall closures, and the failure of companies like Amazon in being profitable? It is the way and more importantly, "HOW" products and services are being "distributed".

It all comes down to relationships. Autumn develops and builds upon relationships. Malls and Amazon do not! In today's social media frenzy, consumers are looking for convenience but they also like a "personalized" connection. They are looking for the convenience of internet shopping along with someone with whom they can have a more personal relationship with, someone they may be able to trust or relate with. And guess which industry provides the quickest way with which to draw consumers? The music industry! What better way is there to get that "personalized" connection than through a fan base!

The bottom line, businesses whose goal it is to be successful in today's economy will adjust and leverage the many social media outlets out there, some of which are Conquer Entertainment and SHOP.COM in concert with various Social Media Channels. This is leveraging at its best where everyone wins... Consumers, Entertainers, and Business Owners (large and small).

It was just that one post from Autumn that brought it all together for me... I never gave it much thought in the power of that word "distribution" even though we use it all the time. What a brilliant idea it was for a company to integrate the Music Industry with Social Media, and an online e-Commerce Consumer Purchasing Website along with providing a "Personal Touch" to the distribution of millions of products with "Shop Consultants".

And given the biggest change that has occurred over the past decade has been in the music industry, the biggest opportunity is for musicians. They are in the right place at the right time to leverage off the "Future of Retailing". People love good music, and when they follow an artist they will listen to their recommendation to products and services. Now that's a beautiful way to develop distribution!