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Scottsdale, Ariz. — Sept. 10, 2015 — The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management (FM), released its annual review of the state of retail facilities management and key trends impacting the industry’s leading retailers.
The report was released last week at PRSM’s Mid-Year conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. A record number of North American retailers and suppliers are attending the conference.
The Internet of Things (IoT) tops the five retail industry issues impacting store maintenance professionals and suppliers managing multi-site facilities. While FM cannot control market conditions, they can shape the retail environment they operate within by using advanced technology and data management and developing the diverse set of skills needed for the future.
“The retail industry continues to rapidly evolve and as facilities maintenance professionals and suppliers, we have to be aware of, and rapidly adapt to, changes in retail trends, technology, and newer, more efficient ways to operate.” said Patricia Dameron, PRSM’s executive director.
“From using mobile devices to manage systems, to hiring, recycling, and skilled labor shortages, today’s FM professionals have to elevate their game every day, just to stay in the game. This report highlights the key trends impacting retail FM."
Included in this year’s report are Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Niemen Marcus, and Staples, with support from Waste Management, Manpower North America, Prestige Maintenance, and Daikin Applied. Trending are:
• The Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT has launched a new wave of innovation that promises to unify the disparate systems that facility managers use daily to operate and plan for the future.
• Distribution centers — new challenges for FMs: Experts predict an ongoing buildout of distribution centers across North America as brick-and-mortar retailers go head to head with online competitors. These new massive facilities present unique FM challenges.
• Waste management — retail’s responsibility to reduce and recycle: For decades, retailers have led the way in recycling paper products. With the fluctuation of paper prices, however, which strategy will best drive sustainable materials management?
• Skilled workers — increased demands drive shortages: As the demand for skilled technical tradesmen accelerates, facility managers have to develop strategies to ensure that the skilled labor market keeps up with industry demands.
• Minority and female-owned suppliers serving retail: The retail industry has a long history of embracing diversity and today, special notice is being given to the expansion of women-owned businesses serving the industry’s growing needs. The report explores the value proposition of working with all types of suppliers.
For more information about PRSM, visit prsm.com.
