Strategy Services

Business Strategy

We work with our clients to improve performance by defining and executing pragmatic strategies that work in real life.

Our team brings expertise in all aspects of retail business functions and across all retail operating models. Our methodology engages all stakeholders on critical strategic variables including growth, financial stability, operating models and technology enabled change.

Benefits of working with Cambridge Retail Advisors:

• Additional perspective on challenges and opportunities from retail experts free of internal bias and group-think
• Awareness of industry trends across multiple segments and markets
• Impartial coordination of issues and priorities from multiple constituencies including management and the Board of Directors

Examples of our strategy work:

• Coordinated a Strategic Goal Setting and Planning Workshop for a $1b omni-channel retailer to analyze and approve the proposed corporate strategy. Workshops included executive management and the Board of Directors
• Developed a Customer Experience Strategy for a specialty retailer operating 1,400 stores. Directed a series of direction setting and visioning workshops to define the desired customer experience

IT Strategy

We have the people, methodologies and relevant experience to work with our clients to develop a business-driven IT strategy.

Our approach is designed to align IT services, IT capabilities and actionable initiatives to successfully execute the business strategy

Benefits of working with Cambridge Retail Advisors:

• Experienced resources following a proven methodology accelerate the analysis and reduce management disruption
• Awareness of trends and innovations from multiple retail segments
  Pragmatic prioritization of future initiative and investments

Examples of our IT strategy work:

• Conducted an Enterprise Retail Application Portfolio Assessment for a specialty retailer. Planned and managed all phases of work including the discovery, direction setting, future state design and transformation planning. Deliverables included detailed transformation roadmap with supporting business case and ROI justifications.
• Developed an enterprise IT strategy for a national specialty retailer. Scope included assessments of the application portfolio, infrastructure, IT organization, governance and risk management.

System Selection

There are many software package options for every aspect of a retailer’s application portfolio.

Given that software underlies all critical business processes selecting the best option is a complex challenge. In many situations the basic functionality will be comparable across leading alternatives. Having a clear understanding of the unique processes and capabilities that are important to your business makes it possible to select the best solution and vendor. This also begins to build internal alignment and support for the changes enabled during the implementation.

Benefits of working with Cambridge Retail Advisors:

• Insight into vendor trends and key points of differentiation among similar solutions for POS, merchandising, supply chain, omni-channel operations and all other retail functions
• Access to our database of 1,000s of specific functional and technical requirements to prepare targeted RFP details
• Comprehensive understanding of potential business benefits and project risks can be incorporated into the financial analysis to ensure achievable ROI estimates

Examples of our system selection work:

• Managed the selection and implementation planning of an omnichannel POS system for a global specialty retailer
• Conducted the selection of solutions for demand planning, allocation and replenishment for a regional non-profit retailer
• Managed the selection of supply chain solutions (WMS, TMS, YMS, LMS) for multiple retailers operating in apparel, furniture, hardlines, and other retail segments

Market Opportunity Assessment

A market opportunity assessment combines data and industry insight to determine the feasibility of launching a new product or entering a new market.

We have conducted comprehensive assessments for hardware vendors, software vendors, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking insights on the market potential for new products and solutions for the retail industry. Our proprietary research can help you evaluate many factors including the target market and market size, competitive landscape, revenue models, solution requirements, market entry strategies, and more.

Benefits of working with Cambridge Retail Advisors:

• Experienced resources gather insightful market data by leveraging executive relationships with retailers and vendors across the retail landscape
• Awareness of trends and innovations from multiple retail segments

Examples of our market opportunity assessment work:

• Assisted a major POS device manufacturer assess the market for self-checkout technology. Developed the go-to-market strategy for the US market by analyzing market trends and the current and future competitive landscape
• Retained by multiple private equity investors to assess potential investments in retailers and vendors targeting the retail segment