BATTLING THE BEHEMOTHS: IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT PRICE. SPECIALTY RETAILERS ADAPT NEW STRATEGIES IN THEIR CONSTANT FIGHT TO COMPETE WITH DEPARTMENT STORES.

From: WWD | Date: January 13, 1999| Author: | Copyright information

ATLANTA -- Department stores, with their size and big pencils, are daunting competitors for any specialty store. But with the right tools -- strategic buying and relentless customer service -- David can give Goliath a good fight.

Department stores have sheer numbers and name recognition -- and often generous advertising budgets -- on their side, but shoppers often complain of bland, repetitive inventory and lack of service.

"At Macy's, I had to take an item out the door to set off the alarm, just to get a salesperson's attention," said Jan Martinez, president of ...

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