by Jen Johnston I am going to talk about scrapbooking on this health, beauty, and wellness retailing blog. Why? Well, partly because I am an avid scrapbooker and know the industry pretty well. And partly because I wanted to point out that certain scrapbooking product manufacturers really know their end user, and I think that … Read More
Connecting the dots
by Dave Wendland When the biggest retailer in the world recognizes that their out of stock situation is causing shopper frustration what do they do? Begin connecting the dots. Beginning in May 2013 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. addressed its stocking problem by developing a green-dot program whereby key items were flagged to ensure their availability. This intensified … Read More
Destination: destiny
by Dave Wendland Ever heard of or been to Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota? Chances are you have. Visitors from around the country — and beyond — have traversed the largely unpopulated South Dakota plains to reach this unique point of interest. As expressed by the numerous photos adorning the hallways of the store, people from … Read More
Developing a marketing plan is worth the effort
by Megan Moyer It happens every year. We strategize and put our plan on paper and then we get side-tracked, distracted, misdirected – you name it – and we end up creating campaigns or one-off promotions to meet immediate needs. We don’t have time to step back and determine how or if it fits into … Read More
Making 20 minutes count
by Dave Wendland This post assumes you have answered “yes” to these five critical questions about your product. Does the product fill an identified consumer need? Are the packaging and messaging ready for retail? Are there compelling reasons for the buyer to take a chance on your item? Can you handle the production demands if … Read More
Henry Ford, Value Master
by Jenny Kosek I can’t stop thinking about Henry Ford. In 1913, the auto tycoon had a problem. Despite the tremendous boom of the newly hatched auto industry, Ford simply could not get people to work for him. Quickly exhausted and bored by the mind-numbing tedium of assembly line work, men quit as quickly as … Read More
Trade shows don’t have to break the bank
Posted by Amy Kasza It’s a simple fact: if you spend an arm and a leg to get your consumer healthcare product in front of buyers at a trade event, you will be left off-balance when it comes time to support that product’s success at retail. How do you wisely spend trade show dollars and … Read More
The kids want their summer back
by Jen Johnston Ah, summer is finally in full swing. The kids are finally out of school. Time for hot weather, vacations, bar-b-ques, and. . .back-to-school promotions? Perhaps I am just paying more attention in 2013, but back-to-school advertising seems to be happening earlier than ever. In fact, some retailers began their promotions on school … Read More
Why Gen Y?
by Jenny Kosek 80 million people between the ages of 17 and 34 currently comprise the much-buzzed about Millennial Generation. Considering that 40% of shoppers under age 25 purchase no OTC products at independent pharmacy, the industry is lagging behind when it comes to engaging this immensely important demographic. That means independent pharmacy is losing … Read More