Ideas & notes.
Field notes on brand, demand and retail marketing, plus lessons from 25 years in the business.
Claim Your Business in ChatGPT. Do You Still Need a Website?
ChatGPT now lets you claim your business in its new Business Hub. Here's what it does, the catch, and whether you still need a website.
Show, Don't Tell
Tesla's new Roadster went upside down, flipped through the air, and hit 60 mph in under a second. That's the reminder for marketers.
AI Is Everywhere. So Why Are People Buying Flip Phones?
I use AI every day. But I think we're underestimating people. So I went looking at what people are reaching for while AI takes over everything else.
Two Letters Gone
The Shoppes at Chino Hills just sold for $157 million. That's not the part I care about. What I care about is the new name.
You Can't AI Your Way to an Experience
Electric Pickle just broke ground at The Resort, and it got me thinking about where the moat is now.
Nobody Asked Who Closed the Street
Nobody at the event asked who closed the street. That's usually how you know an event went well.
Great Partners, Great Results
Great partners deliver great results. The best partners don't just take the brief. They push back on it.
My Takes on ICSC Las Vegas 2026
ICSC Las Vegas. A few takes, from the team and PropTech Connect to the valet line at the Wynn.
The Middle Is Dead
The retailers that win will pick a side. Fast and cheap, or worth the trip.
Cracker Barrel Didn't Have a Logo Problem
Everyone had an opinion about the logo. I pulled more than 200 Cracker Barrel reviews to see what customers were actually saying. The logo barely came up.
Bringing My Dad Back for 14 Seconds
My dad passed away 33 years ago. I took four old photos, used AI, and somehow brought him back. Just 14 seconds.
How Do You Put 40 Years of a Family Business Online?
Old companies have a specific website problem. They have decades of good work. Their site doesn't show any of it. That was us.
ICSC Western: A Panel and a Talk with Matt Dean
The ICSC Western Conference was a great event, and I had a lot of fun on the social media panel.
How a $10 Contest Nearly Tripled Our Email List in Four Days
Back in 2018 we added 999 email subscribers in four days. We spent $10 on ads to do it. Here's exactly how, and how any local business can copy it.
The End of an Era: 99 Cents Only Closes Every Store
99 Cents Only Stores is closing all its locations. Foot traffic never fully bounced back after COVID.
California's $20 Fast Food Wage: A Double-Edged Sword for Businesses and Landlords
California's new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers is a landmark change, but its impact goes beyond paychecks. Here's how it might affect businesses and retail landlords.
I Thought Direct Mail Was Dead. Then I Checked the Numbers.
When I suggested direct mail to a store owner, he looked at me like I was crazy. So I went back to our old campaigns. 94,000 pieces. A 9% response rate.
The Local Ad Gap Hiding in Plain Sight
Some of the best opportunities are right under our noses. Local pay-per-click advertising is one of them.
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Is the Future of Business Website-Free?
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Show, Don't Tell
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Why Are People Buying Flip Phones?
Read post Two Letters Gone
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You Can't AI Your Way to an Experience
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Nobody Asked Who Closed the Street
Read post Great Partners, Great Results
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My Takes on ICSC Las Vegas 2026
Read post The Middle Is Dead
Read post
Cracker Barrel Didn't Have a Logo Problem
Read post Bringing My Dad Back for 14 Seconds
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A Website Built for What's Next
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ICSC Western and Matt Dean
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How $10 Nearly Tripled Our List
Read post 99 Cents Only Closes Every Store
Read post
California's $20 Fast Food Wage
Read post I Thought Direct Mail Was Dead
Read post The Local Ad Gap Hiding in Plain Sight
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