Direct-to-consumer is a term not heard every day. Some oversimplify and just say "retail businesses," but retail is a very sophisticated, diverse and complex industry. There are many kinds of businesses that sell directly to the public, each with its own unique success factors. The single challenge that is universal to all retailers is the need to react quickly to changes in consumer behavior without losing their strategic vision. Too many retail executives fail to grasp this delicate balance.

Why use a direct-to-consumer search specialist?

Only a direct-to-consumer executive search specialist knows what to listen for when assessing a client's needs. What it takes to be successful in retail is very different from other industries — and even varies dramatically from one retail segment to another. Knowing the critical success factors and having a clear understanding of the leadership qualities, business vision and management skills needed for direct-to-consumer businesses to succeed is the expertise of Plummer & Associates.

What's the secret?

The secret is really no secret at all. Regardless of the job specification, the ideal candidate must have the soul of a merchant. Merchants are a special breed. They're CEOs, CFOs and CIOs. They're strategists, visionaries, implementers, jugglers, margin growers and profit makers. They know how to plan and how to work a plan. They understand turns, customers, suppliers, timing, combinations, assortments, supply chains and winning. Plummer & Associates knows how to listen to a merchant because we speak the language. Plummer & Associates has in-depth experience identifying and placing successful executives across a broad spectrum of retail businesses. What's more, we possess the special insights it takes to make that happen on a consistent basis.