IRCE 2009 Session Descriptions

Listed below is the individual session description. To view a speakers' bio simply click the links inside the session description.

Day Two—June 16, 2009: Track D: Small Retailers

Small Retailers: Beating the Big Guys Without Breaking the Bank
Track Chaired By: Ina Steiner, Editor, AuctionBytes.com
The current economic environment is making this a bracing year for the small retailers. With the economy suffering from a high level of consumer uncertainty, big retailers are sure to bring their resources to bear on the only retail channel that promises growth—the web. That will force everyone to compete better. And small retailers who might have been able to create a niche and operate successfully on an ad hoc basis will find themselves forced to invest to keep up. At the same time, small retailers may find themselves in a better competitive position because of their ability to operate lean and be more nimble than big retailers. This track across two days will help small retailers pinpoint where they can make improvements and identify where they can excel—without making large investments.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

To socialize—or not to socialize

Tom Cox, President & CEO, Golfballs.com

Brian Walker, Senior Analyst, Forrester Research

The rise of social networks—where consumers meet and swap information—has created the biggest online buzz in the past few years. This session will look at what social networks can and can't do for small retailers, the costs of participating and not participating, and how to participate on a budget. Our speakers will lay out the issues that retailers need to take into account when analyzing a social network strategy and analyze the costs and payback.