Ron Johnson is out as CEO of J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP). Although his ambitious turnaround strategy for the ancient retailer floundered, Johnson can still fall back on his previous experience. Ultimately, Johnson could add value to a number of organizations, but in particular, Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could most use his services.
Ron Johnson is down, but not out
Although many people may be quick to use his brief tenure at J.C. Penney as evidence of his incompetence, Johnson can still lay claim to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s retail strategy — prior to running J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP), Johnson spearheaded Apple’s retail operation from 2000 to 2011.
No matter what one thinks of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) or its products, its retail dominance is unquestionable, with its stores continuing to lead in the important metric of sales per square foot.
While Johnson had the luxury of selling stylish, quality products, he did so in an impressive manner. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s retail operation surged over the last decade — other tech stores like Best Buy and RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) struggled. Some, like Circuit City, went under completely.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s retail stores have been a key component in the company’s resurgence, as Apple’s stores provide an interface between the company and its customers. Would Apple’s products be considered so reliable and easy to use without the company’s famous Genius Bar providing on-demand tech support and repairs?
Johnson may have failed when it comes to selling budget clothing. His ability to sell tech products, however, remains intact.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) has already begun to borrow Johnson’s strategies
Last week, Best Buy announced that they would open small, self-contained “Samsung Experience Shops” within larger Best Buy stores. With this strategy, Best Buy will be borrowing a number of Johnson’s ideas.
First, the actual Samsung shops themselves are likely to borrow heavily from concepts pioneered at Johnson’s Apple stores. Early images of Samsung’s shops reveal remarkable similarities to Apple’s stores, including modern-looking tables for displaying Samsung’s devices and what appears to be a copy of the Genius Bar.
Secondly, the concept of the shop within the larger Best Buy store was one of Johnson’s biggest initiatives at J.C. Penney. Johnson believed these shops would drive higher sales than endless, poorly organized rows of merchandise.
Other electronic makers such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) or HTC could be interested in having their own mini shops within Best Buy.
Hubert Joly is still new on the job, and since taking the position, Best Buy’s stock has been on fire. Regardless, Best Buy’s future would look far brighter with Ron Johnson at the helm. As the man who pioneered the concepts Best Buy is currently attempting to copy, he would be the most qualified to implement them.
Johnson could lead Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s push into retail
Best Buy isn’t the only company copying Johnson’s ideas. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is also working to replicate Apple’s stores with its own retail operation.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Surface tablet is the company’s first foray into the PC market. The company rolled out pop-up shops throughout the US last year to help sell the device, and is currently working on creating more permanent establishments.
In addition to Surface, Microsoft’s stores could also become the go-to location to purchase the company’s next Xbox, and if the rumors are true, the company’s first smartphone.
Many consumers have been baffled by Windows 8, the company’s most ambitious redesign of the popular Windows operating system since 1995. Windows 8 adoption has been poor, and Microsoft’s hardware partners have been vocal in their disappointment.
Microsoft, then, needs its own stores to educate consumers about its products and revitalize the Windows brand. Who better to bring Apple’s strategy to Microsoft other than the man who created it?
Apple should consider bringing Johnson back
Johnson was lured away, not fired, from Apple. His former employer would do well to bring him back.
Since Johnson left Apple in 2011, the company’s retail operation has struggled. Last October, Apple fired the man it brought on to replace Johnson, John Browett.
While head of Apple’s retail stores, Browett made changes to the company’s staffing policy — cutting hours and reducing new hires. His decisions may have lessened employee morale. Recently, Browett admitted he was a bad fit with Apple’s company culture.
Apple has not named Browett’s successor. Bringing Johnson back would be the smart thing to do. Of course, it may be unlikely — Johnson left Apple for a reason; as Fortune points out, he wanted to create something new.
Ron Johnson’s value
After his exit from J.C. Penney, Ron Johnson remains a high-profile executive. He could take his millions and enter retirement, or, still in his early 50s, he could move on to other endeavors. With his success at Apple still on his resume, he would be a great asset to any tech retailer, or a tech company with retail ambitions.
The article 3 Companies That Should Hire Ron Johnson originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Salvatore “Sam” Mattera.
