Don “eCommerce” Brett

DTC/Digital Native Brands struggle to achieve scale. CPG portfolio's are stagnating. Consumers are trading down, and retailers owned brands are disproportionately growing. Target, Costco, Trader Joes, and Aldi owned brands are winning. Now Walmart has launched a formidable new elevated basics brand, BetterGoods. The best way to beat the Amazon/Temu/Shein/TikTok marketplaces is to sell products they don't have.

47

5 Comments

Hello Retail Friends, I am proud to announce that RELEX is once again designated as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Collaborative Supply Networks, Q4 2024 report. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to enhancing supply chain transparency, resilience, and efficiency for US retailers. Our top scores in innovation, vision, and several key areas, including embedded AI and ML, highlight our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions. These capabilities enable seamless collaboration between retailers and suppliers, ensuring that our customers can anticipate changes in demand and supply, and continuously align production and transportation schedules. This acknowledgment from Forrester reaffirms our mission to drive mutual success through advanced supply chain and retail planning capabilities. We remain committed to delivering the tools necessary for our customers to achieve unparalleled supply chain visibility and operational excellence. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3YJHbFU #SupplyChain #Forrester #AI #Innovation #RetailExcellence RELEX recognized as a Leader for the first time in this report by independent analyst firm, for demonstrating “a superior vision of an adaptive and autonomous supply chain…”…  

31

2 Comments

Walmart Marketplace Sellers Summit 2024 I like to go to all of the sessions and take a few days to think about the things that rise to the top in my brain. 1. Walmart is committed to growing and PARTNERING with #walmartsellers. (Partnering is the key differentiator here). I still have people that call or email and want me to tell them how to get marketplace to go away. This 👏 is 👏not 👏going to happen. Listen to quarterly earnings for the last few years. Listen to shareholders meeting. Listen anytime Walmart leadership discusses the eCom business from Doug McMillon down…they mention marketplace EVERYTIME. Why? Because they can expand assortment PROFITABLY. #letsgrow isn’t just a hashtag, friends. 2. They are listening to their sellers and rolling out all kinds of levers to help them grow. This includes expanding across countries, more WFS capabilities, more Walmart Connect options, Seller Center enhancements, and more verticals (automotive, premium beauty, collectibles) 3. Not a theme, but this summit was HUGE. It was the best Expo, general session, breakout content that I have been to in a long time! 🟪MB FREE ADVICE🟪 If you don’t have a plan, you should be working on one ASAP as to how to grow your business and use ALL fulfillment channels available to you. Don’t just scroll by this. MB Omni Solutions Meritt Brothers Jon Marrs #omnicommerce #marketplace

31

5 Comments

As we enter Q2 of 2024, I have been asked about key trends relative to the current strength of the consumer in the U.S. Despite headlines showing endless resiliency, we have seen some softness in purchasing behavior on the consumer front, especially in January and February, with a rebound since March.   Q1 also brought dynamic changes in the consumer goods sector's M&A landscape. Key highlights include:   Health Focus: Significant deals like Medbase's acquisition of Zur Rose Group reflect a growing emphasis on health and wellness. Luxury and Efficiency: Firms like Tapestry are strategically acquiring to enhance luxury portfolios and operational efficiency. Tech Integration: Investments in AI and digital capabilities are driving better consumer engagement and operational agility. Strategic Consolidations: Companies are optimizing their portfolios by focusing on core areas and divesting non-core assets. Global Investments: Cross-border M&A remains strong, targeting regions with high growth potential.   Despite economic uncertainties, these trends show the sector's resilience and strategic focus on long-term growth.   #ConsumerGoods #MnA #BusinessStrategy #HealthAndWellness #DigitalTransformation

10

"The concept of Affordable Indulgence is gaining traction" - the Premiumization trend is expected to grow in 2025, with consumers willing to pay for gourmet ingredients and unique flavors - Kathy Risch, SVP Acosta. We've seen this play out with our consumers, as they are willing to pay more to upgrade from a flavored seltzer, and the appreciate the complex and full, natural taste that comes from premium ingredients. The 5 predictions in Acosta's article may not sound new, and it's because it's evolution and not revolution, which is normal. I've heard talk about lack of innovation in consumer products & food & bev, but innovation is only worthwhile if it's what the consumer wants. Looking forward to 2025!

4

Walmart has reported strong earnings in the first quarter, with a 6% year-over-year improvement in sales and growing profits. The retailer has seen traction among higher-income shoppers, although it is not specifically targeting this demographic. Walmart is investing in renovating its stores and building new locations to create a more inviting shopping experience. The company is expanding its product selection, including the launch of its premium private label brand Bettergoods, and has seen a significant increase in third-party marketplace sellers. The convenience of e-commerce, particularly through delivery and curbside orders, is contributing to sales growth. Walmart's combination of nicer stores, upscale merchandise, and convenient services is making it resemble Target. Target, on the other hand, has projected a decline in sales and has faced criticism over its handling of its annual Pride celebration. Walmart's success in emulating Target is surpassing Target's success in emulating Walmart. Walmart continues to be effective in its core business while also improving its performance in areas traditionally associated with Target. #walmart #target #retail

1

July US Retail Sales were the most robust growth of the year, with Core Retail sales (Retail minus Gas, Auto, and Restaurants) up 5.2% over July 2023. Year to date, Core retail is up 3.4% over last year, which is a bit slower growth than the historical average of 3.9%. The bulk of this growth is going to a handful of retailers (Walmart, Amazon, Temu, Shein, and Tik Tok Marketplace), which means lean times for many other retailers.

92

12 Comments

The digital revolution has transformed every aspect of the CPG and retail business. However, has it truly impacted category management? This question frequently crossed my mind during my time in retail, but I never received a resounding affirmation from industry practitioners. There are variety of reasons that we could ponder over on why that is the case. However, I am more focused on how do we evolve this space to what the customer shopping behavior is today and what is the experience customers expect of their shopping experience (both physical and digital). At Think Blue we have come up with a list of key items that can help you develop a deeper and meaningful process that helps category management be effective: 1. Is Category Management embedded around consumer centricity? 2. Does Physical retail still drive the decision making with digital business being a bolt on? 3. Are your category roles defined by your #CustomerValueProposition? 4. Do these category roles properly understand the Omni- customers? 5. Are right data inputs being used by practitioners to make the appropriate distribution decisions? 6. Do you have a universal expectation of your category teams to deliver physical and digital shelf at the same time? Or is digital shelf a function of a different team? 7. Pricing Tactics - Are they defined by channels and customer or by store groupings and regions? 8. Promotional Tactics- Do you innovate promotionally by using new digital tools to build loyalty? 9. Tech and Digital Capabilities- Are you embedding your teams with the latest tools around Space Planning and Promotional effectiveness 10. Partnerships- Are you building the right partnerships with your CPG/retail partners to create Joint Value! #categorymanagement #digitaltransformation #thinkblue Sri Rajagopalan Manish Sharma

34

4 Comments

It’s All About The Experience At SGG and Associates, we are well into Q1 Earnings Season and our review of the 250 consumer facing companies that are competing for share of the consumer spend, loyalty and “mindset”. Especially striking is the extraordinary and growing divide between Walmart and Target. Walmart U.S. Comp Sales (x Fuel) were +3.8% while Target Total Comp Sales declined 3.7% There is no question that both retailers have broad appeal and audiences and offered a sense of value.  But their approaches to the consumer have dramatically changed. Target was always known as the “cool” big box store, with incredible designer capsule collections that created lines before store opening and sold out immediately. Walmart built their following on the promise of “always low prices” and incredible value. Their roles have changed dramatically.  Target just announced thousands of price cuts in their recent earnings report, a clear nod to the impact inflation has had on their customers, and an attempt to reverse their sales trend. A trip through Target will illuminate their almost complete shift to private labels. Walmart has introduced a balance of designer and private label brands. In their pilot “stores of the future” concept, these brands are showcased in “shops” complete with lifestyle presentations. Newness is continuously introduced into these stores. This concept test has worked and Walmart is now rolling the concept out nationally. But even more striking is the dramatic difference between Walmart and Target in the “customer experience”. At a recent visit to a newer Target store, we were greeted by an expansion of categories that were locked behind glass doors. This included everything from laundry detergent to Men’s socks and underwear. Pressing a red button on the case would supposedly summon an associate.. who never came. During the same week at several Walmart stores, associates were folding inventory, and refreshing displays. And, when asked about the location of a department, associates ( on numerous occasions) escorted us to the correct aisle. Indeed, it’s no wonder that Walmart Doug McMillon reported in last week’s earnings report that Walmart gains were coming from higher income customer. It’s not just about price.. it’s about creating a comprehensive and compelling customer experience that includes price, presentation and service. 

19

2 Comments

How well is your customer value proposition positioned for future, long-term market success? Our dunnhumby 8th Retail Preference Index for US Grocery assesses over 70 of the largest grocery retailers across Supermarkets and neighborhood stores ; Superstores and hypermarkets ; Club and Cash & Carry; Food discounters; Pureplay. 🎯Identify which customer perceptions are most important in driving better financial and emotional connection outcomes 🎯Track strengths and weaknesses in those customer perceptions, for your banner, relative to the competition, over time These valuable insights help guide intelligent resource allocation where you have the most opportunity to win at an enterprise, region, or store level. Access the report and get in touch for your own personalised assessment vs your desired competitive benchmarks. #customerfirst #datascience

3

PepsiCo is driving omnicommerce excellence by blending trend-hunting with strategic partnerships and shopper insights. Key trends include value-driven shopping, first/last-of-month behavior shifts, and demand for functional, nutritious options. Innovation meets personalization! #OmnichannelStrategy #ConsumerInsights Cara Keating CGT - Consumer Goods Technology The article here: https://lnkd.in/eVPn8XC7

25

Some great insights from this rare interview with Doug McMillon, Walmart's CEO. Here are my top 10: 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: "At the root of it all, though, it's a people business and it's a merchandising business. Today, it's increasingly a technology business. The supply chain is critical, of course, and real estate still plays a key role." 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: "Don't take your current job for granted, the next job doesn't come if you don't do the one you've got well. The second piece of advice was be a great teammate... And then the third one was volunteer for something extra, volunteer for something hard." 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: "We've always thought that a blend was best, and there are probably times where that blend is 80/20 instead of 70/30, depending on the moment that we're in. But Sam Walton would bring in great people from the outside to help build the retail business." 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬: "The e-commerce store is the interesting one. We've seen it all and done it all. We operate around the world in different formats, different brands. We've got large stores, small stores, all these different formats. So we know that space pretty well, but the e-commerce business was different." 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭'𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞: "There was a period of time when there was too much debate inside the company about the significance of e-commerce, there were leaders who believed it would never be any bigger than the catalog business, there were leaders that believed it would never be profitable." 💥 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐦𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥: "It's always been clear to me that this was an 'and' — there are going to be stores, there will be store curbside pickup, there will be delivery of various forms, there'll be stores and e-commerce." Continue in the comments... 👇 Thank you Karl Haller for sharing this!

28

5 Comments

Target’s inventory levels increased faster than sales in the third quarter, but the retail giant reassured shareholders in its latest earnings call that it’s employing new metrics to balance inventory across in-store and digital channels. #supplychain #inventorymanagement #omnichannelretail #target

19

3 Comments

Playing an ever-growing role within the aisles of dollar stores are private label products. Leading retailers in the channel have grown their respective assortments in recent years by developing items that are something other than name-brand equivalents. This continued effort is not only providing high-value items to consumers but also offering points of differentiation for each retailer. #dollarstores #privatebrands

3

Great Issue from MMR!

7

Ulta Beauty has some big plans for Holiday 2024... 🎄 What is the #1 retail beauty destination prioritizing through Q4? 🤔 🧴 Categories on the Rise - Ulta has invested in in-demand categories such as body care and wellness to ensure it remains the go-to destination for trending products. It's also positioned itself as a leader in the Gen Alpha skincare craze. 🤩 Bringing Joy to Stores - With cultural sentiment seeming to always be negative, Ulta has an initiative to bring more joy to stores, and the gifting season presents the perfect opportunity to communicate this to customers. 👂 Listening to Customers - With 44 million loyalty members, Ulta has an incredible opportunity to learn about trends and get feedback on initiatives. This enhances a sense of community and ensures that retailer continues to deliver what customers truly want. My bet is that Ulta Beauty will continue its beauty dominance through the holiday season and grow as a major retail beauty destination through 2025. #ultabeauty #beautyretail #giftingretail #beautygifts New Ground

5

1 Comment

Black Friday Starts Early! Walmart and Best Buy are already rolling out early deals ahead of Black Friday! Walmart's 3-part sale began Nov. 11, with special offers for Walmart+ members starting Nov. 25, while Best Buy’s official Black Friday sale kicks off Nov. 21. Both retailers are offering exclusive online and in-store deals, with early access for members and virtual shopping help. #BlackFriday #RetailDeals #Walmart #BestBuy #HolidayShopping Conversations On Retail, Chain Store Age, Dan Berthiaume

6