Barry Litwin

Hello Retail Friends, I am proud to announce that RELEX is once again designated as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Collaborative Supply Networks, Q4 2024 report. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to enhancing supply chain transparency, resilience, and efficiency for US retailers. Our top scores in innovation, vision, and several key areas, including embedded AI and ML, highlight our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions. These capabilities enable seamless collaboration between retailers and suppliers, ensuring that our customers can anticipate changes in demand and supply, and continuously align production and transportation schedules. This acknowledgment from Forrester reaffirms our mission to drive mutual success through advanced supply chain and retail planning capabilities. We remain committed to delivering the tools necessary for our customers to achieve unparalleled supply chain visibility and operational excellence. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3YJHbFU #SupplyChain #Forrester #AI #Innovation #RetailExcellence RELEX recognized as a Leader for the first time in this report by independent analyst firm, for demonstrating “a superior vision of an adaptive and autonomous supply chain…”…  

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Retail Media Network Basics At A Glance At the Path to Purchase Institute, we've curated all the essential retail media intel, terms, and definitions you need to know. Whether you're new to retail media or looking to refresh your knowledge, this article is packed with valuable resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. Take a look and get up to speed on the latest in retail media. #RetailMedia #Marketing #P2PI #membership #MediaTrends https://lnkd.in/eS4Jnid8

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Hello Retail Friends,   It’s no secret that supply chains have faced unprecedented disruption and volatility in recent years, underscoring the need to address vulnerabilities, improve preparedness, and create innovative strategies.   We surveyed 285 retail, CPG, and wholesale leaders globally in February 2024, exploring the challenges, strategic investment areas, and opportunities for retailers and CPGs over the next 3-5 years.   See how retail and CPG executives are tackling these challenges and planning for the future in our report, State of Supply Chain 2024: Retail and CPG Dynamics.     https://lnkd.in/eQQVdNmN     #supplychain #businesstransformation #supplychainplanning

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With a projected global 2024 gross merchandise value of $3.8 trillion, digital marketplaces are commanding greater investment and attention from traditional retailers and branded manufacturers. #marketplace #retailstrategy

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It's unsurprising that some consultants for retail are still completely missing the boat with new technology -- to argue that retailers need a "war room" for inventory management because retailers have siloed data is ridiculous. Umm, maybe replace the disconnected systems with a modern unified platform instead of adding more labor, inefficiency, and complexity to the retail chain. A unified system like FieldStack running a retail chain will easily, provably outperform a "war room" of people looking at siloed data sets -- the "war room" will invariably induce personal bias, be slower, and much harder to scale... there is a much better way --- fix the problem! #retail #retailstrategy #inventorymanagement

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Thank you RETHINK Retail for this feature. One of the questions I was asked: 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜? ⏺️ Product creation practices tied to over development and excessive physical sampling ⏺️ Merchandising and assortment planning strategies need to be reimagined = more supply does not equal more demand ⏺️ Inventory issues like excess inventory and eroded margins from markdowns ⏺️ Managing customer expectations on the instore and online experience ⏺️ Perfecting personalization, from design to marketing Interested in learning more? Check out the link below. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/edXg5aAf #retail #topretailexpert #RetailVoices #RetailVoicesbyNRF #RETHINKRetail #NRF2025

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Silos in omni-channel retailing? Home Depot recently promoted Jordan Broggi to executive vice president of customer experience and “President of Online,” raising questions about the integration of its channels. Despite being hailed as “…one of the most interconnected retailers in the world” by CEO Ted Decker, this move seems to suggest a separate focus on the online channel. On the other hand, as EVP of Customer Experience, Broggi may very well taking responsibility for customer experience across all chanels while simultaneously leading the online channel. Experts have long advocated for the elimination of silos in omni-channel retailing. The appointment of a president for a single channel at a retail giant like Home Depot sparks curiosity about the company's organizational structure. Thoughts? #Retail #OmniChannel #HomeDepot #OnlineRetail #BusinessOrganization

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Hello Retail Friends, convenience retailers face unique challenges. Small footprints and limited storage space require highly accurate and scalable supply chain planning – especially when charged with supporting aggressive growth targets. We’re proud to announce that OXXO, the largest convenience retail chain in the Americas, recently chose RELEX to optimize forecasting and replenishment as they focus on international growth.    https://lnkd.in/ebaedkfH   #supplychainplanning #supplychainoptimization #supplychain OXXO Internacional Enhances Retail Operations with RELEX Solutions for Forecasting and Replenishment | RELEX Solutions Focused on international growth, OXXO adopts RELEX AI-driven forecasting and replenishment solutions for smarter supply chain and inventory management.

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Hello Retail Friends, I am pleased to announce the release of our latest Pricing and Promotions research report, developed with Incisiv. This report, surveying 179 retail executives across the US and EMEA, will be presented at Groceryshop in Las Vegas this week - be sure to come see us at booth #A610 to learn more.    Key findings include:   🔹 93% of shoppers demand more value: With 84% citing price as critical, 87% of retailers have adopted aggressive discounting strategies to sustain sales and loyalty.   🔹 $1 trillion in sales driven by promotions in 2023: Amid economic uncertainty, promotions are essential. 87% of retailers plan to maintain or increase promotional efforts in 2024.   🔹 Low adoption of advanced analytics: Only 12% of retailers use real-time data, advanced algorithms, and AI, impacting their agility.   🔹 Critical challenges in data quality and integration: Effective promotional strategies require accurate, unified data, yet cultural resistance also hinders progress.   🔹 Reliance on outdated systems: 37% of retailers still use spreadsheets, lacking the agility needed for dynamic market conditions.   The report highlights the need for integrated pricing and promotional capabilities. By leveraging advanced technology, retailers could achieve an additional $450 billion in incremental sales.   I encourage industry leaders to explore this report for strategic insights to drive growth and innovation.   #RetailLeadership #PricingStrategy #Promotions #MarketResearch #RetailInnovation #Groceryshop #GroceryForum #RELEXSolutions   https://lnkd.in/eSjYKxqC

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Walmart’s new research on the state of adaptive retail points to a new era of retail where customers expect to be advised and guided throughout their shopping journeys. Shoppers want retailers to be ready for them – ready with hyper-specific recommendations, ready to adapt offerings to match needs, ready to deliver.    The systems and platforms the Global Technology Platform team builds are essential for enabling many of these dynamic experiences, from our clouds which power everything across our ecosystem, to platforms like Element that enable teams across Walmart Global Tech to leverage the data they need to innovate faster.   Check out the report to understand the trends shaping the future of retail and how retailers can adapt to meet customer needs.   https://lnkd.in/g_GXHywS   #walmart, #walmartglobaltech

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Dear Retail Friends,   If you’re a wholesaler, access to data from suppliers and retail customers is critical in enabling optimal service levels with minimal inventory. But getting that data, and acting upon it, can be challenging.   While there are many hurdles to this kind of collaboration, it can be done. And the benefits are numerous – not just for wholesalers, but their suppliers and retail customers as well.   https://lnkd.in/dbxub36v   #supplychain #supplychainoptimization #wholesaledistribution The future of wholesale supply chain collaboration | RELEX Solutions Unlock insights on boosting wholesale collaboration for supply chain efficiency and profit in this expert interview.

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Retail sales reported by the National Retail Federation Retail Monitor indicated consumer spending slowed in June compared to May. Excluding automobile and gasoline, sales were up 0.47% from May, slower than the 1.35% growth reported in May. However, retail sales grew 3.42% from June 2023, which was the highest gain for total sales since last November. Retail sales were only slightly higher than the 3% inflation rate for the same period. #retailsales #nrf

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Breaking #RetailNews: Macy's has ended talks with ARKHOUSE and Brigade Capital Management, LP 🔔 Macy's Board decided to end discussions after months of negotiations failed to result in a solid proposal (The latest of $24.80 per share lacked sufficient financing). The Board will focus on its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to enhance shareholder value. #MacyInc #BusinessNews #CorporateStrategy #ShareholderValue #Retail #DepartmentStores #MergersAndAcquisitions #Macys

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Retail’s biggest season is approaching, but many retailers might not be feeling the cheer. In September, total US retail sales in Bain-defined categories grew by just 2.3% year over year, extending the slowdown that began in July. Both in-store and nonstore sales have lost momentum, aligning with our forecast for a more sluggish holiday season. Discover the full outlook in our latest retail sales update. https://bit.ly/4e0IDIs

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🍊 Supply chain friends, join me Monday on the Blueberry 🫐 stage at Groceryshop 2024 for the track keynote, "Building Flexible and Efficient Supply Chains". This discussion features industry leaders who are reshaping the future of supply chain management:  🫐Nitin Murali, VP, Supply Chain Excellence, Gallo   🫐Bret Celmer, COO, The Rounds    We will discuss insights on creating agile and responsive supply chains that can meet the demands of today’s dynamic market. This session will provide valuable perspectives on leveraging technology and innovation for enhanced efficiency.   📅 7th Oct, 2024  📍Location: 🫐 Blueberry Stage at #Groceryshop2024   Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the business!   #SupplyChain #Innovation #RetailExcellence #Capgemini

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How can you best maintain your focus through the holidays and end-of-year? 𝗡𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀. 💡   Wait ... what? I know this sounds radical, but hear me out.   Convenience Store News just published a piece on the innovation agenda for convenience retailers, citing five strategic initiatives that will never get old.   1️⃣ The Store Experience 2️⃣ Foodservice Innovation 3️⃣ Customer Engagement 4️⃣ Data-Driven Decision Making 5️⃣ Workforce Optimization   "𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤-𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴."   These are not new concepts, but rather well-known ideas put into action. Take a look at this work from Melissa Kress, Danielle (Romano) Rowan, and Tammy Mastroberte to see how the winners keep winning, even despite "no new ideas."   📕 Read on: https://lnkd.in/g5wwrenK #convenience #cstore #innovation #roadmap #digital

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Retailers would be wise to think of self-checkout as a way to allow associates more time to offer fantastic customer service - not solely as a means to cut costs. Read more in the Retail Dive article by Daphne Howland!

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Oh Target...you got distracted by #ecommerce and #grocery which hurt your profits...and the store experience suffered as a result (items locked up, stores look tired, poor stock, closed dressing rooms.) On the other hand, it's time to face that your #shopper is changing, and fun/fresh/new isn't quite enough anymore. You need a broadened health/household/beauty assortment to cover more core needs. Agree/disagree? #retail #stores #target #commerce

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