By Colleen Volheim, category research & analysis manager, as seen in Chain Drug Review Planning for new product launches, existing product growth, or expansion — of a product line or into a new channel, market, or region — is best guided by market research, consumer feedback, and performance data. Extensive market research isn’t always easy … Read More
Beauty consumers seek richer in-store experience
By Dave Wendland, vice president strategic relations, as seen in Chain Drug Review According to a study released earlier this year by Kline and Co., “Cosmetics and Toiletries USA,” the U.S. beauty and personal care market surpassed $85 billion in retail sales in 2021, a rise of $7 billion from 2019 sales levels. This marks the … Read More
Focus on “Better For” Pet Items
by Dave Wendland, vice president strategic relations, as seen on the IndiePet website. The importance of maintaining personal health has most definitely translated to the pet space, and owners are looking for brands to provide quality products with transparent claims and clean ingredients. Have you considered what wellness means to your shoppers? I like this … Read More
Find unique pet products to make your assortment a differentiator
by Megan Moyer, corporate marketing manager, as seen on the IndiePet website. It’s not always easy for independent retailers to find their niche in the community. Many aren’t sure how to begin to figure this out. A place to start is to review your product assortment. Start by looking at your competitors, customers, and community. … Read More
Manage the product journey tightly to the very end
By Sean Grudzinski, product research & analysis manager, as seen in Chain Drug Review Controlling the product journey all the way from planogram to the shopping basket isn’t easy but, to deliver the shopping experience you want for your customers, you must find a way. With the right resources (internal or trusted partners) you can … Read More
5 Keys to Success in an Omnichoice and Unboxed Retail World
By Dave Wendland, for Forbes Agency Council, as appeared on Forbes.com I began talking about the concept of unboxed retail about five years ago. You may be scratching your head wondering what I mean by “unboxed retail.” The fact of the matter is that shopper behaviors have changed dramatically from their reliance on brick-and-mortar storefronts. Today’s shoppers are … Read More
Differentiate From Your Grocery Competitors by Offering Unique Products in Your Assortment
By Megan Moyer, corporate marketing manager, as seen on National Grocers Association website Finding a niche in your community is a good way to build a competitive advantage. If you and your competitors carry many of the same brands and items, bringing in products that are unique to your store can be a strong differentiator. … Read More
Online brand integrity is paramount to e-commerce sales
By Julie Bonnell, vice president operations, as seen in Mass Market Retailers As the focus on e-commerce has been heightened the past few years, manufacturers and retailers have, in many cases, invested in their websites. In some cases, functionality needed streamlining, in others, content needed updating and/or improvement, and in others still, e-commerce had to … Read More
The inspiration for innovation
by Megan Moyer, corporate marketing manager, as appeared in Inside Beauty for Drug Store News There’s no question innovation is a driver in retail. New, innovative products drive sales by drawing shoppers to a store — and sometimes a category — that they may not have shopped before. In the consumer packaged goods industry, and now … Read More
Are You Catering to the Wellness Shopper?
By Dave Wendland, vice president, strategic relations, as seen on National Grocers Association website. What does wellness mean to you? I like this definition from the McKinley Health Center of the University of Illinois: “Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential.” If we then consider the definition of … Read More