Lori Schafer

The precarious position of CEOs in #retail and #consumer #packagedgoods (CPG) industries stems from the high volatility and rapid changes in consumer behavior. Unlike sectors like automotive or finance, where purchase cycles are longer and more predictable, consumers in retail and CPG make frequent, easily influenced choices. This makes it quickly apparent when a brand is underperforming, and boards are more inclined to replace leadership in hopes of finding someone who can drive the company to the top of its category. The pressure is intensified by stakeholders’ expectations for radical growth, especially when a predecessor achieved success through incremental improvements. New CEOs often face the challenge of balancing strategic renewal with the need for quick results, all while navigating a rapidly shifting consumer landscape. Longevity in these roles hinges not only on having a compelling vision but also on the ability to adapt and execute effectively, seizing the opportunities that change presents. Ultimately, CEOs who consistently deliver value to both consumers and shareholders will be the ones who thrive in these high-risk, high-reward positions!

51

29 Comments

"Artificial Intelligence in eCommerce: Consumer Expectations and Top AI Trends" discusses how AI is projected to impact world economies, consumer views about AI, and the top 5 AI applications in eCommerce. https://ow.ly/nHsn50TnoKn

3

Our research shows that more than 70% of brands & retailers report using manual processes to either predict or react to supply chain disruptions... Be part of the lucky 30% and automate your way to better #supplychain outcomes. Check out our latest piece on omni-market costing >>> protect your margins & mitigate risk in the #retail supply chain. Bamboo Rose | #innovation #technology #strategicsourcing

13

When projects fail, true leaders step up. In the latest episode of the Disruptive Innovators: Champions of Digital Business podcast, David Wright talks to Jason James, CIO of Aptos Retail, about the critical role of technology in retail, leadership and mentorship. Jason emphasizes proactive communication during failures and the importance of mentoring future leaders. He discusses how technology should empower business, not just serve as a cost center. Jason also shares insights on how effective leadership can define a legacy and drive business success. For the full episode, click the link in the comments. #DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

54

2 Comments

Brands are shifting their investment in marketing from social media to in-store retail media platforms. This change is driven by the need to capture interactions and influence consumers in the final stages of the purchase journey. As a result, the ability to deliver targeted and effective messaging at the point of sale has become critical. Stay ahead of the curve by investing in in-store retail media platforms to reach your audience in a more impactful way. #marketing #retailmedia #InStoreAdvertising #sirl

15

1 Comment

Commerce media is quickly becoming a game-changer, predicted to drive over $1.3 trillion in value by 2026. As brands tap into first-party data, we’re seeing highly personalized ads that target customers with increasing precision. Retailers are evolving into powerful media platforms, using customer data not just to boost sales but to create new revenue streams completely. Meanwhile, commerce media is expanding its reach beyond traditional retail, allowing brands to connect with shoppers across multiple touchpoints, from CTV to post-purchase experiences. Data-driven, targeted advertising is the new name of the game, and it's transforming how businesses engage with consumers. 🛒💡 To learn more about commerce media, come join me at IAB's Connected Commerce Summit tomorrow and Wednesday, Sept 17 & 18 https://bit.ly/3KcuThl We have a few tickets left! #CommerceMedia #RetailMedia #DigitalMarketing #AdTech #DataDriven

4

1 Comment

A good conversation on American television regarding the use of ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels) and the impact of dynamic pricing. At Wasteless AI we understand the impact of smart markdowns using stickers and, in a later stage, with the help of ESLs. It is great to see that it is becoming the new industry standard. It makes sense too! Such a transition is not only logical but also indicative of the forward-thinking nature of the retail landscape and the need to do it differently! CNBC Walmart

8

Kismet or Coincidence? You know you’re on the right path when the universe sends a little sign. Today’s #Wordle? It’s AISLE — the exact name of our company. At AisleAI, we’re all about uncovering those hidden insights that transform everyday retail data into actionable intelligence for the CPG industry. Whether it’s optimizing SKU placement or staying ahead of emerging trends, our platform does the heavy lifting so our partners can win in the Aisle. Today’s Wordle? Just a fun reminder that when you’re in the right Aisle, things just line up. 😉 #AI #RetailTech #CPGInsights #Wordle #DataScience #Kismet #RetailExecution #AisleAI #Innovation #SignFromTheUniverse

10

1 Comment

In today's competitive marketplace, creating a unique shopping experience is more crucial than ever. Every grocer should consider, "What are the one or two areas where I can excel, and how can I ensure everything else meets the standard?" While this may sound straightforward, it demands extensive shopper and competitive analysis. Columbus Consulting International is here to help if you need assistance defining your Shopper Value Equation. #Grocery #Retail #Consulting #Shopper

2

Thanks to the National Retail Federation for featuring Sizeo in their recent blog post. If you are attending The Big Show next week- please visit The Innovators Showcase. You'll get to see me, but also a hand-selected cohort of the most interesting technologies working to transform retail. #thebigshow #inventoryoptimization #retailai #sizeo #NYC

10

1 Comment

Check out the top five most powerful ways retailers are using Gemini models to transform their businesses and accelerate growth.

RELEX Solutions recently surveyed over 1,000 U.S. consumers on extreme weather shopping habits. The survey found, among other things, that 53% of the respondents choose in-store shopping when it comes to weather-related shopping, and only 33% found retailers’ services and stock management satisfactory in these situations. Read more and get in touch with us to find out how we can help you manage your inventory and optimize your demand planning, rain or shine: https://lnkd.in/etgZ7Aev #Survey #ExtremeWeather #SupplyChain

5

The landscape of grocery shopping is changing...again.   Recent insights from The Wall Street Journal reveal a significant shift in consumer preferences. They are no longer content with one-stop shopping but are actively seeking convenience and specialized products.  This trend is compelling retailers to diversify their product offerings by introducing meal kits, prepared foods, and niche items. We're already seeing this response to consumer sentiment with our customers on how they're prioritizing new product development.  Check out TraceGains recent report on NPD for 2024 and coverage from WSJ. 2024 NPD Report ->https://lnkd.in/gFyTJhtf WSJ ->https://lnkd.in/g2KgSnAd 

4

Different demographics have different motivations and habits. It's always interesting to learn how consumers are likely to act. #ConsumerBehaviors #RetailInnovation

4

1 Comment

All bread fanatics and home bakers out there know how important it is to get the conditions just right for that perfect loaf. Temperature, time, hydration, and technique are all crucial factors that allow the dough to raise and bake to fantastic results.   In the same way, companies must cultivate an innovation culture, fostering the right conditions for business AI to flourish in their organizations.   Innovation culture is a major driver of successful AI adoption, granting a company-wide AI mindset to gain a competitive edge. By prioritizing investment in research and development as well as digital technologies, companies can prewire their operations for successful AI deployment. As always, the human element is a crucial part of creating any company culture, including asking good questions, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and promoting rapid learning.   Learn how to cultivate an innovation culture and embrace AI by checking out this podcast: https://lnkd.in/eHK_Wwev   #DigitalTransformation #AI #Innovation 

115

1 Comment

This is an interesting read. Obligatorily, I asked Copilot to provide a 200 word summary. Here you go: "The Adaptive Retail Report 2024 by Walmart explores several key trends that are transforming the retail landscape. One major trend is the rise of next-gen conveniences, such as personalized recommendations and auto-delivery services, which are designed to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. The report also highlights the emergence of multi-tasking shoppers who make purchases while engaged in other activities, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards more efficient and integrated shopping experiences. Another significant trend is the increasing demand for a seamless blend of online and in-store experiences. Consumers are looking for a unified shopping journey that allows them to move effortlessly between digital and physical retail environments. This trend is closely linked to the concept of channel indifference, where shoppers prioritize price, quality, and trust over the specific platform they use to make their purchases. The report also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in retail, noting that consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their shopping choices. Retailers are encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices to meet these evolving consumer expectations and build long-term trust and loyalty."

4

1 Comment

AI could cause a $1.6 trillion impact by the end of the decade for the top retailers 🤯 Check out the latest insights in @Dan Berthiaume's recent @Chain Store Age article around the "2024 AI Readiness Index" from analyst firm IHL Group. Retailers...now is the time to ensure your online experience is seamless so you can join these top retailers and see the best financial impact in the future. With Algolia's AI-powered search, you can do just that! More here:

5