Testing, learning and pivoting haven't necessarily been retailers' strong points. Right before COVID-19 hit, many businesses were still struggling with legacy infrastructures and disjointed processes. These legacy qualities inhibited them from responding swiftly to new consumer behaviors and competitive forces. That is why Elizabeth Elliott, who is a Managing Partner at Columbus Consulting, believes that retailers shouldn't rush to return to the status-quo. Instead, they should strive for continuous transformation, and adopt new ways of communicated and collaborating that have emerged as new realities as a result of the pandemic.

During this episode, Elizabeth and host Alicia Esposito dig into:

• Top-of-mind trends and challenges for Columbus Consulting clients;
• The "seven edicts of transformation";
• How retailers most pivot the way they engage and empower employees internally; and
• The new rules of customer communication, transparency and value creation.

RELATED LINKS

• Learn more about Columbus Consulting
• Access new consumer research regarding COVID-19
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis management page for more resources