Digital Future’s Seismic Shift

Dateline: March 21, 2014

Welcome to our Friday WRAP – one thought-provoking idea to think about over the weekend.

Starbucks has been on the forefront of the coffee wave for a long time and, one might argue, also in the lead with innovative ways to utilize digital tools to transform their industry.  We know them for the free wifi in the stores, their loyalty cards, payments from your mobile phone instead of your wallet and even their use crowdsourcing to change their innovation processes (see mystarbucksidea.com) .  Recently Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, stepped away from day to day operations to focus on innovation and the digital future of Starbucks, according to the Wall Street Journal’s article Starbucks Looks Towards a More Digital Future.

Mr. Schultz, during an earnings call Wednesday, said consumers are increasingly using smartphones and tablets to comparison-shop and make purchases. This “seismic shift” in consumer behavior is “going to happen and happen quickly,” he said.

What will be the impact of this shift in consumer behavior to your business?  What do you need to do to be ready?

That’s a WRAP!  Have a wonderful weekend.

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