Posted by Megan Moyer Just what is it that makes your product package stand out on the shelf? Can you pinpoint the elements that help consumers decide to choose it over a competing product? We’ve worked with multiple manufacturers that successfully secured distribution and were accepted into stores but then had problems selling their product. Of … Read More
marketing
Brandvocates can promote your brand at retail
Posted by Jen Johnston What’s a brandvocate? Quite simply, it’s a brand advocate – a consumer who is passionate about your product’s efficacy and eager to share your brand message with others. Savvy suppliers are relying on their brandvocates to share their brand messages with their peers. That’s a great idea, but if consumers can’t find … Read More
Retailiation
by Dave Wendland It seems that virtually every retail format is gunning for independent and regional chain pharmacies. Dollar stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General, etc.) have broadened their assortment of health, beauty, and wellness products significantly. Mass merchandisers (Target, Wal-mart) continue to build new promotions and programs around their wellness and personal care initiatives. Convenience stores … Read More
What not to Tweet
Posted by Jen Johnston I want to offer you some advice about what not to tweet. My message is simple: If you are a brand, do not tweet the exact same message day after day for four years. Yes, I actually know of a CPG brand that has been doing this since at least 2009. They … Read More
Blurred lines
posted by Dave Wendland Robin Thicke’s mega-hit skyrocketed to the top of the music charts. With a pulsating beat and lyrics that literally get stuck in your head, “Blurred Lines” hypnotically takes listeners to new heights. It offers a juxtaposition of reality with fantasy and begs the question “what if?” What does a pop song … Read More
Don’t let the forest block your view of the trees
by Amy Kasza I once worked with a small manufacturing account that was new to the OTC field. They had big dreams, like most brands. In their minds’ eye, they saw multiple facings of their blockbuster product on every Wal-mart, Walgreens, Target, and CVS shelf from coast to coast. So convinced of their product’s value to … Read More
Some products make it, some fail
by Megan Moyer I consider myself an early adopter when it comes to personal care items, so working at HRG might be viewed as my destiny. Believe it or not, our analysts reviewed an average of 205 new HBW products each month in 2012. There are always new products coming to market that I probably need … Read More
Ye olde marketing is still good marketing
by Jenny Kosek Ever been to a Renaissance Faire? Every summer, I am among the fearless and dorky who don upholstery fabric and corsetry to enjoy a day of contrived historical fantasy at my local faire. One of the main attractions of any such festival is the many vendors who set up shop to sell … Read More
The Fresh Revolution
by Jenny Kosek Like so many communities, we have an omnipresent grocery chain in our area that, quite simply, everyone shops at. You know the one: the chain with an inescapable number of locations, the chain so ubiquitous that when people say, “I’m going to the grocery store,” there’s no question which grocery store they’re headed … Read More
How is your brand holding up?
by Megan Moyer At what point in its lifecycle is your product? Introduction, growth, maturity, or decline? If you’re in maturity or decline, it may be time to conduct a brandformation – an assessment of consumer perception of your brand. Once you’ve reached the maturity stage, that’s the time to explore how consumers view the brand … Read More