George Minakakis

Today's food for thought comes from #Canada and Loblaws Inc announcement of its opening 3 #NoName" discount stores in Canada. With 1300 SKUs, a high bargain-oriented private label and simple operations/limited opening hours it is an interesting way for Loblaws to try and reach a more discount oriented shopper. Some key points to keep in mind (especially for anyone reading this less familiar with Loblaws or Canadian retail in general (I can already feel the WHY DON'T US RETAILERS DO THIS? posts forming in the inter-ether :)...that may or may not be a good idea, but let's understand this one completely first). 1) No Name is not a new brand - Loblaws launched this discount private label in 1978 and for a short time in the 1980s it was the single largest consumer brand in Canada. Despite all of the well-deserved fame of President's Choice, No Name was Loblaws first super successful private brand - so this is not introducing a new brand to Canadians, just a new box. 2) The location of the stores is interesting - all 3 are in border towns that experience a lot of cross border shopping - Windsor (Detroit) and St. Catherine's (Niagra/Buffalo) abut large cities but the Brockville store is 15 miles from an Aldi near the Ogendsburg-Prescott border crossing in NY state). 3) Canadians are increasingly using the US as a value destination for grocery (exchange rate permitting)...I'll post a TikTok of some Canadians discovering Aldi in the comments. As US interest rates seem set to fall other things being equal that means a weaker US$ and more cross-border arbitrage opportunity. 4) Loblaws is coming under fire from shoppers for their pricing - in some categories they're over 50% of the Canadian market. A Reddit-centered boycott of Loblaws based on pricing was kicked off in July. 5) Everyone over 35 just rolled their eyes at the words "Reddit boycott" but it's not just that - the Canadian government is apparently actively courting international grocers to set up operations in Canada to challenge Loblaws (including Aldi and Lidl - Lidl almost entered Canada 20 years ago but scuttled the plan). Link to that article in comments as well. So what we have here isn't a retailer launching a new brand but a retailer taking a well-established brand and crafting a format to meet a range of shopper, reputational and political objectives. At Retail Cities our goal is to help you understand what to learn from global retail, but also what not to! No food for thought tomorrow - have a great weekend! https://lnkd.in/eaHpAxFa

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Shoppers Drug Mart’s decision to phase out electronics is a bold move in retail strategy. Avy Punwasee and I break down what’s driving this change—think product mix optimization, profit margins, and evolving customer behaviors. Is narrowing the focus on core products the way forward, or does diversification still hold its value? We’d love to hear your thoughts — let’s discuss in the comments! #ProductMix #Retail #PricingStrategy #Electronics

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Retailers Need A New Perspective: What If a Retail Brand Were a Piece of Clothing? How Does It Remain Appealing? Imagine if a retail brand were a piece of clothing. Over time, it would inevitably wear out in appearance and lose its fashionable appeal. To remain in business, you would have to innovate that piece of clothing in ways unimaginable. Of course, it might seem absurd to think that one brand could survive on a single piece of clothing. But what if it could learn to grow its business on that one item, becoming the best at it and increasing its sales? Expanding to other lines of clothing would then become a substantial path to survival. I strongly believe that the majority of retail brands today become out of touch within a generation. A consumer generation typically spans 15 to 20 years because by the time consumers are 35 to 40 years old, they start focusing on other challenges, such as paying off debt, family, and retirement. Therefore, unless a brand has the ability to renew and reposition itself to target the next generation, it usually becomes outdated within 20 years if it is lucky enough to last that long. To succeed in this competitive landscape, there are basic rules you learn in your first year of a marketing co-op. For example, retailing in Quebec is not the same as in Ontario, nor are British Columbia or Alberta relatable to the Maritimes or the first two. However, variances in merchandising and pricing will make little difference if a brand serves an overcrowded segment or has been impacted by disruptions it could not adapt to. These factors will have only a marginal impact on growth. But there is another critical aspect to consider. I don't believe that many brands today are creating trends in the fashion world. Full Stop! So, let’s return to the analogy that a brand is a piece of clothing. If your friends like it and it makes you feel the way you hoped, it would be aspirational, confident, and purposeful. You would wear it like a badge of honour. How many brands out there can you say are a badge of honour that you would be proud to wear? That is the question every retailer needs to ask themselves. Thanks to Susan Krashinsky Robertson for reaching out. Always great reporting. #retailing #strategy #ceo #technology #innovation #TedBaker #BroooksBrothers

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BBC News dives deeper into the who, what and why of Canadian Couche-Tard proposed takeover of 7-Eleven in Japan. 7-Eleven has 85,000 locations across 20 countries to Couche-Tards 17,000 locations in 31 countries, half in North America. 7-Eleven has also been on the acquisition trail buying back franchises in Australia and buying 200 stores from Sunoco LP for $1B in Q1 2024. The deal may revolve around the deflated value of the yen to dollar. #mergers #convenience #cstores #canada #japan #retailnews

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Our Voice of the Consumer—Canadian insights is here! Explore how consumers' mindsets are evolving in 2024 and the imperatives for retailers to build consumer trust. #ConsumerInsights #ConsumerTrends

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The rise of online shopping has transformed the retail landscape, with e-commerce sales doubling over the past five years. Yet, the convenience of home delivery comes with hidden sustainability costs that many consumers are unaware of. US. e-commerce alone contributes to ❌500 million pounds of plastic packaging waste, ❌the loss of one billion trees for cardboard, and ❌30% of landfill tonnage, alongside ❌4.4 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. A thought-provoking study suggests that omnichannel retailers can compete with Amazon by emphasizing sustainability. How? 👉By educating consumers on the environmental and social impacts of home deliveries. Surprisingly, when provided with information on the benefits of store pickup in reducing waste, emissions, traffic congestion, and accidents, …. …🥁🥁🥁 60% of participants shifted their preference from home delivery to store pickup. It's clear that consumer awareness and education play a vital role in shaping sustainable choices in #retail. As the industry evolves, embracing sustainable practices is not just a trend but a necessity for retailers looking to capture market share and drive real sustainability-performance. #Ecommerce #Sustainability #Retail #ConsumerBehavior

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The The FMCG Guys and I sure covered a lot in a quick 15 minutes! 🩵 A bit of background on Albertsons Media Collective and how far we’ve come … 🩵 A little slice into our #culture 🩵 A discussion on what Retail Media needs to consider as Google depreciates the 3rd party cookie. 🩵 How Brands and Retail media networks should think about expanding into #awareness channels. 🩵 How AI can be used as a tool for #retailmedia and the importance of data cleanliness and data fidelity. 🩵 Looking to Europe as to how to do in-store well.

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, September 9: 🏪 Alimentation Couche-Tard has told Seven & i Holdings that it wants to work together to agree on a friendly takeover, after the Japanese convenience store operator pushed back on the Canadian company’s initial proposal. 🚫 Discount retail chain Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and has agreed to sell itself to an affiliate of private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. Nexus will serve as a stalking horse bidder. 💄 As part of its expansion strategy, E.l.f is partnering with top global retailers and distributors to drive demand and excitement in new markets. Notably, in Germany, the brand is launching in 1,600 Rossmann stores. 🍓 Kroger which reports quarterly results on Thursday. Those results will arrive right as it tries to defend itself and its planned $24.6 billion merger with rival Albertsons in court. 💊 GLP-1 drugs are booming among consumers. That means Americans are downsizing in fitting rooms and grocery aisles. One in eight U.S. adults have tried a GLP-1 medication and about 6% currently have a prescription. 🧴 Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop will slash nearly 20% of its workforce as it scrambles to pivot away from its image as a wellness and lifestyle brand to focus on peddling its beauty products, according to reports. 📱 Costco Wholesale has quietly rolled out a search warehouse inventory tool on its mobile app for some customers. The feature is in Beta testing. It can be accessed by clicking "warehouse" on the bottom of the screen. 🧵 Boston-based startup Galy says it has found an alternative that avoids the environmental issues of cotton production by growing it in a lab. Its process reduces water use by 99%, land use by 97%. 🚚 UPS is facing a backlash from extreme heat incidents. Driver Chris Begley’s death in August underscores a list of alleged heat-related incidents across Texas. 👩🏽‍⚖️ California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed emergency regulations to address the manufacture and sale of illegal hemp products containing intoxicating cannabinoids like THC. 🇬🇧 Nearly 70% of UK adults have purchased Fairtrade products like bananas, tea, or coffee in the past year, driven by concerns over how the climate crisis could raise food prices, according to a poll. 🏥 Toronto-based private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners says it has signed a deal with McKesson to buy Rexall Pharmacy Group and online retailer Well.ca. 🚢 International shipping costs have surged by 244% since the onset of the Red Sea crisis, driven by attacks on vessels by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and global supply chain issues. 🖥️ If you reserve big-ticket purchasing for your laptop, you are a Millennial. Gen Zers will happily buy anything on their iPhones. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Arc’teryx: Lessons in Craftsmanship, Authenticity, and Sustainability 🏔️🍁 Arc’teryx, the premium Canadian outdoor brand, has earned a devoted following thanks to its commitment to quality and innovation. But beyond their impressive gear, there are valuable lessons for retailers who want to build a strong, trusted brand. Let’s break down what makes Arc’teryx special and what others can learn from their success. 🌟 1️⃣ Precision Craftsmanship & Innovation Arc’teryx is known for its exceptional attention to detail and advanced materials, such as their unique lamination technology. Their gear isn’t just built for style—it’s designed to endure the toughest environments. This level of innovation keeps their products top-tier, setting them apart from competitors. Lesson for Retailers: Invest in product innovation and quality. Customers will pay for superior craftsmanship and reliability, knowing they’re getting value that lasts. 2️⃣ Authenticity Rooted in Purpose Arc’teryx’s origins in the rugged Canadian Coast Mountains give them unmatched credibility in the outdoor space. Their gear reflects a deep connection to the environments they serve, and this authenticity resonates strongly with their customer base. Lesson for Retailers: Authenticity matters. Customers want to engage with brands that live and breathe their mission. Build your brand around real experiences, not just marketing. 3️⃣ Sustainability & Longevity Arc’teryx champions sustainability through durable, long-lasting products. Their ReBird program, which focuses on repairs and recycling, helps extend the life of their gear, minimizing waste and promoting a circular economy. Lesson for Retailers: Sustainability is not a trend—it’s a long-term business strategy. Focusing on product longevity and repairability not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers. 💡 The takeaway for retailers? Arc’teryx’s success shows that craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability can form the foundation of a premium brand experience. Retailers that prioritize these values will not only stand out but also build stronger connections with their customers. #RetailLessons #Arcteryx #OutdoorGear #SustainabilityInRetail #Craftsmanship #RetailInnovation

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Ted Baker has been through the ringer. And it's not the first time this brand has been in hot water. Authentic Brands Group was thought to be the one to save this iconic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 brand but it seems that ABG added a lot of fuel to this fire. My comments were featured in Retail Insider: It seems the root cause of the demise of Ted Baker is ABG failing to make payments to suppliers. But that can’t be the full story. ABG has a lot of brands under its portfolio so why the delinquency of payments to Ted Baker’s vendors? If vendors aren’t paid and are holding shipments, their own stores would be empty and wholesale accounts would be furious. Something doesn’t add up. The WSJ quoted: A decline in sales and a technology transition that occurred in the midst of the company’s busiest selling season were also to blame, according to the court filing by Adams and a filing by Alvarez & Marsal, the monitor appointed to oversee the Canadian insolvency. Why risk reputation and retail partner relationships just to close Ted Baker’s doors? Last year, Ted Baker expanded their North America merchandising team and leveled up staff to scale the US/Canada business. Hiring merchants would improve product assortments and increase revenues and relevance in the market. In fact, just 8 months ago, the NYC team was looking for buyers and planners to join the team. If an unsuccessful technology transition was to blame, why didn’t ABG work with OSL, who has a Canadian investment in the brand, to work on these issues? OSL is a technology solution provider. Again, something just doesn’t add up. The Wall Street Journal Mario Toneguzzi OSL Retail Services #retail #retailnews #tedbaker #ABG #fashion #stores #merchandising

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Interesting move by Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard for possible take over of Seven & i Holdings, the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores. As of Fri, Seven & i's market cap was approximately USD31.1 billion and this acquisition would be the largest of a Japanese company by a foreign one. Alimentation Couche-Tard has stores in North America, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Poland and other countries with brands Couche-Tard and Circle K - approximately 17,000 stores in about 30 countries worldwide. Compare that to 7-Eleven with 85,000 CVS in 20 countries and regions, and with plans to expand to 100,000 stores in 30 countries and regions by 2030. 7-Eleven, Speedway, C-T, and Circle K comprise an imposing portfolio.

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Our most popular post from last week. And for good reason. If you're in #retail, you already know you're only as good as your District and Store Managers are. It's (finally) time to give them the training they need to succeed. Without hesitation, I can say these are the best #training programs we've ever developed. The secret sauce? A creative, effective and impactful learning journey each week. Learn. Apply. Accountability Sharing.

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Ho Ho Hum? Bain & Company is predicting a slower-than-normal growth rate this #holidayseason at 3% versus the 10-year average of 5.2%. This is reflective of the cumulative effect of inflation as shoppers continue to seek #value and trade down indulgences to affordable indulgences. Retailers can still create pockets of wins though by focusing on a few key areas – read here for more details: https://lnkd.in/gYQ8TAZd

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Making the leap from DTC into retail can be make or break. It can be the spark that triggers hockey stick growth for some, or the beginning of a long-winding road to bankruptcy for others. Brands that execute the transition successfully all have the same North Star…..VELOCITY (how fast a SKU moves). Maximum velocity requires packaging that almost pulls the product off the shelf. Unfortunately, some brands don’t consider the fact that what works in a DTC environment doesn’t always translate in a retail environment. Some things to consider: 1) Storytelling: There’s plenty of opportunity to tell your brand’s story throughout the digital  discovery and purchase process. In a retail environment, you have to assume the first time a consumer meets your brand is on shelf. Storytelling has to be conveyed directly on pack. 2) Unboxing Experience: A unique and well thought out unboxing experience can lead to valuable (and free) social content from DTC consumers. Not as much in a retail environment. 3) Shelf Appeal: When a consumer makes an online purchase their face is inches away from the screen. It’s much easier to see every little detail of the packaging. Brands can get away with smaller typography, detailed iconography, etc. At retail, this isn’t the case. Consumers are typically standing at least a few feet back from the shelf, with a plethora of competing brands sitting right next to yours competing for their attention. Bold and big typography, vibrant colors, unique form factors are a few things that help a brand stand out. 4) Replenishment & POP Displays: Packaging that’s easier to restock than most, and shippers that can be converted in POP displays (vs brands that use separate displays), should help ensure that your inventory is always on shelf vs. sitting in a corner at the back of the store. KitPrint client: Wandering Bear

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A very timely summary of current underlying trends in the luxury business. This article is even more relevant in the Canadian market, which is characterized by a (relatively) large middle class and high level of home ownership, leaving these middle class shoppers with less disposable income in the wake of increased interest rates and inflationary pressures.

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Good post on the broader context of pricing. Informative, insightful.

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Aritzia is consistent. From in store experiences to product. One thing The Business of Fashion did not highlight was the store associates. They are by far some of the best. Product and customer obsessed. A winning combination as Artizia continues to grow and capture the market across generations. #retail #fashion #stores #TRE #merchandising

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Loblaws Supplier Summit. Very positive tone from Loblaws. A signal of this: They're ready to sign the Grocery Code of Conduct. Lots of language around partnership. Before some notes, 3 key take aways for brands: 1. No Frills & Maxi is growth engine and true Hard Discount strategy is going to take shape. 2. Price price price. 3. Loblaws is (also) going to grow revenue through mechanisms outside of retail (freight as a service, storage, Retail Media). No Frills growth is probably the biggest opportunity with pressure that suppliers face. Shelf ready packaging is a must for high velocity categories/ brands/ SKUs. A consideration: can brands adopt a top SKU shelf ready strategy? Key is less touches from brand warehouse to their shelf. LCL macro strategy: Retail Excellence, Drive Growth, Invest for Future. underpinned by Fight Climate Change, Embed ESG in everything we do, Advance Social Equity. Galen Weston's comments were clearly from his heart - w sincere intent to transform the supply chain on plastics (reduction, recyclability), and energy efficiency (ahead of their commitments, and aggressively pursuing Net 0). The steps to joint success: 1. Demonstrate Value 2. Grow Together 3. Lower Cost to serve 4. Address Shrink. When I asked Per Bank, what is the #1 challenge that suppliers can help with, he emphasized shrink is the concern. And Per Bank's message to the supplier community was "can't increase margin to cover shrink". I've got no ideas.... this is a tough one, but being at the table and open seems like the right approach. They're opening a lot of stores and mostly smaller stores. Lots of No Frills (+25 by end of this year, total of 305, and Maxis too +28 total of 188 by eoy) and SDM store count growth too. Contrary to the impression from selling off medical clinics, they're radically expanding Pharmacist led clinics to over 250 SDMs by end of 2025. Significant opp for OTC Growth? Connect dots to pharmacist (pharmacy conferences, targeted media at pharmacists). Advance (retail media) will have 600+ stores with screens by end of the year. They have significant capabilities both on site and off site media with high degree of targeting (17M active Optimum users = sophisticated). Lots to do for sales teams calling on Loblaws. Top ones for me at a macro level: Food and household should lean in at Hard Discount (with preparedness on assortment challenged). Simplicity and value. OTC lean in on pharmacy knowledge. Product/ Brand Solution orientation. Beauty. Optimum and Advance. Targeted, precise.

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