Suppliers were a lifeline and information source for retailers.

. . . Retailers are "doing for themselves" and are closer to their customers than ever before.

National brands ruled.

. . . Retailers are incubating, sourcing, creating, and marketing their own brands an an unprecedented pace.

Buyers had clout and they stayed put; connections were everything.

. . . Retail decision-making is spread out, process trumps tenure and retailer HQ is a revolving door.

Retailers were forgiving; business was predictable and seasonal, and everyone liked it that way.

. . . Predictability is death.

Suppliers went first. Retailers followed.

. . . Retailers aren't waiting for sure bets. They're jumping in and course correcting.

Retail was about collecting . . . brands, products, suppliers

. . . Retail is curation. Less is more.