You know that quote, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?” Yeah… no. That’s not how it works in this game. What it really means is someone had an original idea that was so good, their competition couldn’t keep up – so they just copied it. In retail, imitation isn’t flattery. It’s survival instinct. A way to stay just close enough to the leaders without ever taking the first step yourself. But predators don’t imitate. They hunt. And if you want to lead in this industry, you can’t just play the part… you have to think like an APEX predator. Top of the food chain. Eyes forward. Unafraid to move when no one else will.
So, let’s add value here, because calling for innovation without helping to build it isn’t leadership either. If you’re looking to move from imitator to innovator, here’s a quick punch list to start shifting your mindset:
3 Ways to Start Innovating Without Burning Down the Building
- Flip the “Pilot” Script
Instead of waiting to test solutions from vendors, build your own mini pilot ideas internally. Use one location as your lab. Treat associates like partners. Prove your point with data, then scale.
- Borrow Like a Thief, Build Like a Leader
Draw inspiration from outside the LP world, such as tech, gaming, psychology, logistics. Just don’t copy. Remix. Reframe. And always credit the origin, even if the execution is your own.
- Start a Shadow File
Keep a folder of “crazy ideas” you’d never pitch in a meeting. Review it monthly. Share the best one with someone you trust. Over time, you’ll develop a sharper lens for what’s possible.
When you’re the one with the original idea, you’re the target. Everyone’s going to pick it apart, question it, maybe even mock it. But if it works? Suddenly everyone’s doing exactly what you’re doing. They’ll rebrand it, claim they “adapted” it for their organization, maybe even act like they thought of it first. But you’ll know. And more importantly, the real leaders in this industry will know.
So, what’s it going to be? Will you be loyal to the imitators or stand behind the true innovators? Better yet – will YOU be the innovator? Because this industry needs more people willing to step into the arena with original ideas, not more people waiting in the wings to see what everyone else does first.
