by Steve Choate When was the last time you started a home improvement project without first understanding the needed enhancements or looking at instructions/directions on how to complete the repair? Being a stereotypical male, I usually do not read instructions before tackling a project. This often results in the wrong approach and additional trips to the store. … Read More
manufacturers
Become a trusted resource
by Cari Sass How much do you dread those annoying sales calls? The ones where you can’t even get a word in to explain that you’re not interested or that what they are selling does not meet your need? As the end of the year approaches, these types of calls seem to ramp up. When … Read More
What do mega-mergers mean for our industry?
by Dave Wendland It is largely considered a good sign for the economy and economic growth when mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity picks up. And so far 2015 has been the most active year since the Great Recession. Certainly we are seeing indications that the big will continue to get bigger across a variety of … Read More
Understanding the pricing landscape
by Sean Grudzinski, HRG Product Research & Analysis Manager Before a company enters a new industry, decides to launch a new product, or tries to determine the best address for a new store location, they invest in understanding the existing landscape. It’s easy to see opportunity and potential by taking an objective view of … Read More
I did not know that!
by Dave Wendland Johnny Carson would often say, “I did not know that,” when confronted with some unusual information or when he felt at a loss for words. This, however, is not an excuse any CPG product manager or respectful sales director should ever get away with. Yet I hear it quite often during meetings … Read More
Standing out in seconds
by Dave Wendland Three to six seconds. That’s the time a typical consumer takes at shelf to locate a product. This inexplicably short amount of time poses a serious conundrum for both the retailer and the manufacturer. Why? Because the consumer is controlling the outcome. That said I believe there are four critical package elements … Read More
Don’t stand still
by Dave Wendland Victor Kiam, former business executive best known for his purchase of Remington Products, once said “In business, the competition will bite you if you keep running. If you stand still, they will swallow you.” Most branded manufacturers are well aware of their competitors – and healthy competition makes companies better. Consumers are … Read More
New package? New planogram
by Julie Bonnell They say a picture is worth a thousand words…And a planogram is worth far more in sharing a vision of increased opportunity in a category. When should you consider a planogram? New product introductions are obvious but also consider using planograms when making packaging changes. Seeing how your new packaging concept will … Read More
The best ad I’ve seen all week – and why!
by Jen Johnston Recently I was browsing the Independent Choice® circular of one of our local natural food stores, Good Harvest Market. Good Harvest Market is a member of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association, which makes the Independent Choice circular possible. Besides the grocery listings and encouragement to celebrate “hemp history week” (yep, that’s … Read More
Looking for a planogram partner? Choose well!
By Julie Bonnell Honesty is the best policy. When I was just starting out in my career, long before HRG, I was responsible for all the marketing materials provided to the sales team. This included planograms. Our planograms made the management team very happy. However, I doubt they were ever executed widely in the field. … Read More