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The retail environments we are now familiar with have evolved a lot over time. If you look back, you’ll notice several aspects of in-store shopping that have changed over time, from expanding aisle width to accommodate carts, to interactive displays using advanced technology to grab consumer’s attention. We may be biased, but here at Bish Creative we think the evolution of retail is fascinating, so we decided to share some of the highlights.
Where retail began – 1700s: It all began when “mom and pop” shops opened up in the 1700s-1800s. They were very small drug stores or general stores offering medications, groceries and even fabrics and toys! These stores were family-owned, independent businesses that started the retail and shopping experience we come to love today. Mom and pop shops generally focused on specific categories, products or services, whether that was a pharmacy, a butcher or an agriculture supply shop, so consumer’s would need to visit multiple stores to gather what they needed.
Department Stores – 1800s: As the United States expanded and populations moved west, there was an increased need for retail environments spread across the growing country. Businesses were booming! In response to ever-increasing demand and the ongoing effort to improve the shopping experience, department stores became popular in the mid 1800s to early 1900s. Stores including Macy’s (1858), Bloomingdales (1861), and Sears (1886) began popping up in cities like New York City and Chicago. Curiously, stores back then didn’t just sell items, they also offered demonstrations, lectures and entertainment events to appeal to the wealthy community. Imagine, going into Sears to learn about the new washer and dryer systems – very different from the online appliance shopping many of us experience today! Today the experience while shopping is coming back to the forefront of the shopping.
Birth of the Supermarket – 1850s: Where shoppers used to visit multiple small shops to buy all their food and groceries, and Department Stores grew in popularity, large grocery stores, known as supermarkets, did the same. Jewel Osco (1899), Kroger (1883) and Piggly Wiggly (1916) stores started popping up. These chain stores allowed consumers to visit one location for all their groceries, including fresh meat, produce and dairy, plus packaged food and home goods. These larger supermarkets encouraged purchasing more in one visit, and therefore delivered another iconic shopping feature we all take for granted. In 1937, the introduction of the shopping cart revolutionized the in-store experience. Grocery stores were even forced to widen their aisles to accommodate the extra need of space.
Shopping Malls and Big Box Stores – 1950s: Shopping malls and big box stores made their appearance in the 1950s – 1960s. During this time people went to the mall to socialize, in addition to shopping. A family could enjoy the entire day at the mall – visiting stores, relaxing by the fountain while snacking on lunch and finally going to the movie theater.
While people loved the experience and social aspect of shopping malls, there was a growing need for big box stores which offered all the essentials, oftentimes at a discounted price. Walmarts, Targets and K-marts grew in popularity and added new locations, generally in close proximity to populated cities.
The Age of Technology – 1990s: As technology continued to advance, the consumer experience evolved with it. E-commerce sales became popular in the 1990s and have only continued to grow with the introduction of smartphones and mobile tablets. Amazon started in 1995 merely as an online bookseller, but has grown into the preeminent online store experience, offering almost every product imaginable. A number of retailers have since jumped on the e-commerce bandwagon for many reasons, one of which was to continue growing brand visibility and awareness. The convenience factor and efficiency to compare prices, read reviews is hard to beat.
Today – 2021: Today, we see more retail innovations that leverage a physical display and also utilize technology, sometimes referred to as phygital, or physical with a digital presence. We saw growth in interactive store displays and experiences. While many of us have not experienced the product demonstrations that were popular back in the 1950s, we are very used to reviews and influences or research the consumer on the brand website or social networks.
As a result of an increasing number of online stores, and in the context of the COVID Pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in e-commerce for consumers globally and a new mostly digital normal for the retail world. Once the dust settles, we can expect that much of this new online activity to remain, but brick and mortar stores will always have the distinct advantages. In many segments, shoppers want to touch and feel the products and also yearn for a destination experience and currently a reason to get out of the house.
While we fully expect that brick and mortar shopping experience to always be superior, we’d be ignorant to think the evolution of retail ended there. There will also likely continue to be more hybrid experiences, where products will be promoted and discovered online and then progressed into a store visit for the final review and purchase. With the increase of virtual reality, interactive videos and 360 views, we are most likely going to see this continue to grow, and here at Bish we’re excited for it.
We’ve gone a long way since the 1700s, and there’s always room for improvement as technology advances. We’re excited for innovation and imagination to push retail experiences and environments further than ever before.
Resources:
https://www.flexengage.com/blog/the-evolution-of-retail-a-look-back-and-a-look-ahead/
https://mi9retail.com/evolution-retail-last-millennium/
https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/retail/#the-history-and-evolution-of-retail-stores
Job Title: Marketing Solutions Associate
Job Category: Project Management
Department/Group: Display
Bonus: Annual
Location: Lake Zurich, IL
Travel Required: 5% – 10%
Level/Salary: Range
Position Type: Full Time
Reports To: Director of Account Mgmt
Bish Creative has a deeply established reputation for award winning merchandising and marketing execution with recognizable brands, in all retail segments. Bish Creative’s core values and pillars for excellence (Customer Service, Innovation and Technology), provide a culture where breaking barriers is fun, creative solving is welcomed, and nothing is impossible!
As a Marketing Solutions Associate, this professional has ownership for all aspects of the production of a project. The Marketing Solutions Associate will be a member of the Vice President of Acct Management’s Staff and will assist various members of the Account Management team. This position is a stepping stone to our Account Manager position.
· The MSA works closely with the Logistics Manager and the warehouse team to coordinate shipping, tracking, and costs of the outgoing freight.
· Once the project has been shipped, the MSA will work with accounting to complete accurate invoicing.
· Complete occasional project estimates under Account Manager’s guidance.
· Complete all other duties as assigned.
· The chosen candidate will office at Bish HQ in Lake Zurich, IL. Frequent face-to-face interaction with the team is key to success. A hybrid model of 3 days in-office and 2 days work-from-home is available after a training period.
· Strong project management and team player skills required along with an ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
· This individual should be a self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction.
· Background in displays, printing, creative, or promotional merchandise is preferred but not required.
· The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to switch gears fast whenever required.
· Candidates should have excellent organization and planning skills as well as the ability to manage priorities effectively.
· Netsuite experience is preferred but not required.
· Associate or Bachelor’s degree required
· Entrepreneurial spirit, ability to work as an owner of the company, driven by total results
· Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed
· Technically savvy with Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook
· Proven ability to build relationships outside, and within, the company
Job Title: Account Manager
Job Category: Account Management
Department/Group: Display
Bonus Based on Personal and Company Performance: 10% target
Location: Hybrid – Office in Lake Zurich, IL / Remote
Travel Required: 10%
Level/Salary Range: Acct Mgr: Based on Past experience
Position Type: Full Time
Reports To: Sr. Director of Account Mgmt
Date Posted: 6/17/24
Bish Creative has a deeply established reputation for award winning merchandising and marketing execution with recognizable brands, in all retail segments. Bish Creative’s core values and pillars for excellence (Customer Service, Innovation and Technology), provide a culture where breaking barriers is fun, creative solving is welcomed, and nothing is impossible!
As an Account Manager for Display, this professional has ownership for all aspects of design, manufacturing, and delivery of displays customized to each client’s needs. Building relationships with the assigned clients (generally 4-6) is critical, as is detailed project management of up to 100 projects per year. The display business is core for Bish, and as such is in a critical position to drive success for the entire company. The Account Manager will be a member of the Director of Acct Mgmt Staff, which meets bi-weekly
• Accountable for the profitability of the account by delivering outstanding customer service, presenting ideas for growth, securing efficient pricing, and ensuring on time delivery by utilizing experienced project management skills
• Ensure that orders are properly scoped by the customer, including dimensions, budget, artwork, quantities, and other details in order to instruct Bish Design to render the idea
• Work closely with the Bish Design Team, to ensure the project is designed to the client’s expectations, while also staying within budget
• Obtain vendor quotes for individual projects, secure PO from customer, and initiate orders in a timely manner. An important responsibility of this role is to source your own materials for each of your projects
• Drive collaboration across Customer and Bish Resources thru disciplined use of prescribed communication tools
• Update the Bish or Client website with pictures, pricing, specifications, etc, as new items are added. Also perform basic web-related services as required (password resets, credentials, etc)
• Work closely with Logistics to ensure items are priced competitively, and delivered on-time
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly inventory, sales order, and other reports as needed
• Coordinate semi-annual Customer Business Reviews (CBR’s) with Sales to ensure that joint KPI’s are met, and future strategies outlined
• Exceed annual revenue and margin targets by delivering projects on time and within budget
• Assist with refining the Display process, updating as needed to meet your client’s needs
• Complete projects, and all other duties as assigned
• Based upon customer needs the chosen candidate may office at Bish HQs in Lake Zurich, IL, or remotely near the account’s facilities. Frequent face-to-face interaction with the client is often a key to building a strong and enduring business with them
• Strong project management, cost estimating, sales, and team player skills required
• This individual should be a self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction
• Background in Promotional Merchandise and CPG experience is preferred
• The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, and thrive on change
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience in Project Management, Account Management and Sales is strongly preferred
• Entrepreneurial spirit, ability to work as an owner of the company, driven by total results
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed
• Technically savvy within Excel, Client Websites, NetSuite, MS Teams, Zoom, and Outlook
• Proven ability to build relationships outside, and within, the company
Embark on your journey with us, where we breathe life into your idea. Through collaborative partnerships, we employ avant-garde design tools and CAD expertise to materialize your concepts. Each detail is meticulously refined in our prototyping phase, ensuring that your displays are not only visually captivating but also strategically impactful. Our passion lies in transforming your creative vision into practical and ultra-engaging designs.
At Bish Creative, we’re dedicated to orchestrating your vision into a tangible retail reality, offering and all-encompassing array of services that guide you seamlessly from concept to consumer engagement. From initial creative through the finishing touches, distribution and robust reporting. You can trust Bish Creative to deliver pioneering and inventive solutions that will put the spotlight right where it belongs, on your brand.
Elevate your brand with our unparalleled manufacturing prowess. Our elite team translates the approved designs into tangible realities with utmost precision and expertise. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and premium materials, we craft displays that epitomize quality and endurance, ensuring your brand’s message resonates vividly. We take pride in our artistry and unwavering commitment to delivering superior manufacturing solutions.
Immerse your customers in a sensory experience with our meticulous packaging and signage solutions. Our design team ensure your products are presented in a manner that embodies your brand’s essence, captivating attention and etching an indelible impression. Packaging transcends mere protection—it’s an art form that enhances your brand’s value. Empower your brand’s visibility with our tech-driven print management and print-on-demand services. Seamlessly adapt to evolving market dynamics while upholding brand consistency and quality. Our dynamic solutions keep your brand at the forefront, ensuring an enduring presence in consumers’ minds.
Navigate the complex retail landscape with ease. Our warehousing and fulfillment solutions optimize inventory management, ensuring efficient storage and prompt delivery. Mitigate excess inventory costs and minimize stockouts with our agile systems, empowering you to meet market demands swiftly and seamlessly.
At Bish Creative, we offer robust reporting capabilities to keep your brand team informed and empowered. Our detailed monthly reports cover every aspect of the fulfillment process, from inventory management to delivery performance. These comprehensive insights enable your brand to make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and achieve strategic goals with confidence and clarity.
As a Project Manager for Bish Creative, this professional has ownership for all aspects of design, manufacturing, and delivery of displays customized to each client’s needs. Building relationships with the assigned clients (generally 4-6) is critical, as is detailed project management of up to 150 projects per year. The display business is core for Bish, and as such is in a critical position to drive success for the entire company. The Project Manager will be a member of the Director of Acct Mgmt Staff, which meets bi-weekly.
Designs interior spaces in new and renovated buildings; meets functional and aesthetic goals; researches and purchases furnishings and fittings; and establishes corporate or individual client base.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Creativity, Spatial Skills, Attention to Detail, Multitasking, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Teamwork, Mathematics, Budgets, Research, Negotiation, Interpersonal Skills, Written and Verbal Communication, Knowledge of Local Codes.