When we then look at the breadth of sectors and industries, organisations and agencies that we are honoured to have as our customer Trailblazers, it can be argued that the sector that is the litmus test for innovation and the effectiveness of our complete capabilities in customer success management, is retail and consumer goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is where we see super-critical use cases emerging. It is perhaps the sector in which a one-on-one relationship is most vital. It is an environment of immediate feedback \u2014 both good and bad. This feedback, whether offered voluntarily or identified by data, is central to the success or otherwise of an operation. That\u2019s what we do best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA)<\/a> is known as the voice of the Australian retail community, but it\u2019s so much more. It doesn\u2019t just advocate for retailers<\/a> every day. It has deep insight into what it is that retailers need, particularly during times of intense change in consumer behaviour. It represents the collective knowledge and experience of retailers across the nation. And it offers support and guidance. The ARA then, is the soul as well as the voice of Australian retail. It is a unifying force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why I believe Salesforce\u2019s strategic partnership with the ARA is important, exciting and points to a bright future. It creates the potential for retailers to deliver exactly what their customers need and want during a very challenging period. That\u2019s good for the sector, for the retailer and for the customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retailers have faced an enormous challenge over the past 12 months. Long closures of shopping centres, sharp drop-offs in foot traffic when centres have been open, and new rules around customer numbers in store, have combined to issue a hammer blow to the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many retailers have shown why they\u2019re so good at what they do by quickly adapting, innovating and getting on with business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The single commonality amongst all retailers that have successfully shifted their focus is technology. The digital imperative<\/a> has never been clearer. It\u2019s a trend that was already revealing itself prior to 2020, but that was dramatically accelerated by the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve seen the market shift, in some cases overnight. It means a retailer can have the best products and the best locations, but without the technology it\u2019s less likely to be a long-term proposition. Technology is playing a lead role in helping retailers remain viable and relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow retail has adapted so far<\/h3>\n\n\n\n