Internet TV Focuses on Smart Retailers
Scott Kreisberg, chief executive officer of Glendale, Calif.–based software distributor One Step Retail Solutions, grew frustrated hearing all the doom and gloom coming from the retail sector over the past several months, so he decided to do something about it.
A former retailer himself, Kreisberg last month launched Smart Retail television (www.smartretail.tv), an Internet-based TV program that profiles retailers that are having some success during the economic downturn, looking at how they have overcome obstacles and challenges.
One Step distributes Retail Pro, a popular point-of-sale software system that manages inventory, sales and other aspects of a retailer’s business. Surprisingly to some, the five-minute weekly “webisodes” have nothing to do with Retail Pro. And most of the profile subjects are not One Step clients.
Kreisberg and producer Cyndi Seidler will be visiting apparel boutiques, salons, jewelry stores and gift boutiques for upcoming webisodes that are added to the site every Monday. The feedback has been positive. Retailers and people in general react strongly to visuals, Kreisberg said.
“With the way the Internet is going, video is the way to go, and I believe that the Smart Retail show rides on the wave of video entertainment on the Web and gives insight to both retailers and shoppers alike,” he said.
Technology will be an underlying theme during several shows, as it can be a key enabler during tough times, noted Marketing Manager Donna Wesley Rogers.
“Scott talks about technology and what can be done with it, but none of it is a sales pitch. You have to be smart to get through this recession. Technology enables you to be really smart and strike better deals with vendors and manage inventories better. It becomes vital, and we’ll be seeing some amazing things that retailers are doing to attract new customers and see why they are doing well even during these tough times,” Rogers said.
The company has been featuring the show on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit www.onestepretail.com. —Robert McAllister
