Gina Goetter

Some good news on the US economy this Wednesday, as retail sales exceed expectations. 1) Retail sales in July exceeded expectations, signalling strong consumer spending and economic resilience. The Commerce Department reported a 1% increase from the previous month, surpassing the anticipated 0.4% rise. This boost, partly driven by a rebound in auto sales, also saw a 0.4% increase in sales excluding autos and gasoline. 2) Consumer spending, a key economic driver, remains robust, accounting for about two-thirds of the U.S. GDP. The positive retail sales data has eased recession fears and propelled stock markets, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both rising. 3) Walmart also reported better-than-expected sales and raised its annual forecast, further boosting market confidence. Additionally, a drop in unemployment claims indicates a resilient job market. #RetailSales #EconomicGrowth #ConsumerSpending #MarketTrends #EconomicResilience #StockMarket #JobMarket #Economy #Business Please read more at https://lnkd.in/dpdaEgrZ

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Big news! Our very own Steve Zurek, VP of Analytics Thought Leadership, has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, providing expert insights into the changing dynamics of grocery shelves. To read Steve's in-depth analysis and discover how NIQ data is helping quantify these significant changes, check out the full article below.

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Another consolidation event in the CPG brokerage industry... 🙄 As brands today are seeking high-value strategic broker partners who can provide significant customer expertise and more importantly the ability and the capacity to deliver on expectations, we continue to see the large national brokerage firms march down the path of consolidation - a direction that over the last decade has proven to push brands *away* from this model and towards more customer-focused, best-in-market brokers. I, for one, welcome our consolidated broker overlords.... One thing I know for certain is that brands want (and need) a broker they can trust; a partner that can help solve pain-points and remove the obstacles impeding their growth - a broker that will fight for their business everyday as if it were their own. but what do I know 🤷‍♂️

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The energy at Advantage Solutions has been electric as we roll out our reimagined brand. This isn’t just a new logo or color palette (though we’re pretty excited about those, too!) It’s about embracing the full scope of who we are today: #TeamADV. From sharpening our business intelligence to mastering the art of brand and retail execution, we’re more aligned than ever.   We’re also reimagining how products come to life on the shelf and online and weaving it all together with top-notch omnichannel and experiential marketing. Here’s to the next chapter of innovation, collaboration and, yes, a lot more fun along the way!

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Strength in numbers isn’t always the key; often, quality outshines quantity. However, it’s worth noting that CA employs over 1,700 Associates across the Omni-Channel in North America. In our 76 years of operation from Metro New York, home of the Empire State Building, we’ve made significant strides. While we don’t claim to have an empire, we’re certainly more than just a battalion. If you're competing for market share, shelf space, trends, and consumer loyalty, we’re a formidable force to reckon with! #NumbersCount

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Parag Shah (merchant x-The GIANT Company, Wakefern Food Corp.) & I had the chance to break down the Walmart earnings last week. To say we are in awe is shortchanging the #omnichannelretailer. With the size and scale it has, the results are phenomenal. What do we attribute it to : 1.) 'Nimbleness' : how does an organization of this scale pivot so fast? 2.) Dedication to #omnichannelretail. While many other merchants are learning the 'speak', the majority here have embraced and executed. 3.) Understanding their was a right time to lead with #privatelabel and letting results speak for themselves. 4.) In stock - over the last 18 months, I personally rarely experienced the depth of stock challenges others see to the day. 5.) Pride of their customer. Ready to willing and assist in store. Listen to the video for more highlights.

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In this WD Partners POV, we explore how DICK'S Sporting Goods has embraced innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From redefining the in-store experience to meeting evolving customer needs, there's much to learn from their approach. Check it out! #ecosystem #experiencestrategy #retailinnovation

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Have you voted yet? If you've been living under a rock or completely off the grid, I'm here to let you know that election day is tomorrow, November 5th. If you haven't voted early, make sure you have a plan to get to your polling place tomorrow to cast your ballot. Many people before us have risked their lives, fought, and even died to ensure you have the right to vote in every US election so don't let their life's work be in vain! And, what would an American moment be without a few marketing promos to go along with it? Once you've gotten your voting plan together, you might need a ride to the polls...if so, Uber and Lyft have you covered with 50% off your ride. All that voting got you hungry? Have no fear, there are tons of election day deals from donuts to delivery to keep your anxiety-enduced snacking urges satisfied! Or, if your school district is like mine and has canceled classes for the day to allow all faculty and staff the flexibility to get out and vote then you might want to take advantage of the Dave & Buster's Inc. election day special. It seems as if there's an election day deal whatever your need (craving?) might be. So, while I fully appreciate the gravity of this moment, I'm going to do my best to keep the mood light and enjoy a free donut while doing it (thanks Krispy Kreme)!!! Just remember...the sweetest reward is casting your vote!!! #ElectionDay2024 #YourVoteMatters #ElectionDayDeals #Freebies #VotingPerks #FoodDeals #CommunityEngagement #SupportingDemocracy #BeInformed #GetOutAndVote #BrandAwareness #MarketingStrategy #CustomerEngagement #RetailMarketing #BrandLoyalty #CauseMarketing #CommunityMarketing https://lnkd.in/gX8kRMXC

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Is anyone else excited about the holiday catalog season? There's something relaxing and nostalgic about flipping through the annual Nieman's holiday catalog pages or watching my kids stop arguing long enough to circle everything they want in the Target Holiday mailer. And while my shopping mode of choice is online, I will absolutely take a moment to look at the catalogs laying in that stack of mail and use it to decide which dot-com site to visit-click-buy from first! Looks like I'm not the only one that feels this way. A Harvard Business Review study saw a 49% lift in sales and a 125% increase in inquiries from those customers receiving both email and catalog mailers. I'm sure there's a whole host of marketers out there digesting that data and building it into their 2025 marketing plans as I type this. I look forward to seeing the evolution of the catalog and how it helps build brands and retailers in the age of all things digital and e-commerce. So how do you feel about catalogs and commerce? Love it or hate it? Share your comments below. https://lnkd.in/ghZrqQFB

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Diageo doubles down on non-alcoholic spirits with the acquisition of Ritual Zero Proof & now owns three of the five world's largest non-alcoholic spirit brands Ritual Zero Proof was founded in 2019, and became the #1 non-alcoholic spirits player in the US after joining Diageo’s accelerator program in 2020. Five reasons why this deal makes sense: 1) Fast growing: The US non-alcoholic spirits has been the fastest growing category with +31% L5Y CAGR. 2) Incremental: 94% of non-alc buyers in the US also purchase alcoholic beverages, spending on avg $292 more than households exclusively purchasing alcohol demonstrating the incrementality of the category to beverage alcohol. 3) High Right-to-Win: Ritual is already a #1 non-alcoholic spirits player in the US, with a strong market position and tailwinds 4) Synergistic: being a #1 player globally in both alcoholic and non-alc spirits Diageo is well positioned to build on Ritual’s current success and scale it up further leveraging its GTM muscle and category expertise 5) Close to the Core: being a part of Diageo’s accelerator (Distill Ventures) since 2020, Ritual already knows what it takes to make cooperation with a spirits giant successful, limiting risks of integration challenges Exciting times for Diageo 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘀: FF&A solves the most complex strategic problems of the world's largest FMCG companies across Corporate Strategy, Organic Growth, Digital RTM (eCommerce, DTC, and eB2B) and M&A. 14 out of the world's 20 largest FMCG companies are repeat Clients 𝗧𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗰𝗳. 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗠&𝗔 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄: https://lnkd.in/efD5RNWX 𝗧𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 & 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/ea4gy65y #fmcg #cpg #mergersandacquisitions https://lnkd.in/dXAZQ242 Pernod Ricard The HEINEKEN Company AB InBev Carlsberg Group Campari Group William Grant & Sons The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo

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Very impressive results from Walmart last quarter: Walmart this morning reported that its third quarter total revenue was $169.6 billion, up 5.5 percent from $160.8 billion during the same period a year ago. Operating income for the period was up 8.2 percent to $6.7 billion. Same store sales for the period at Walmart's US stores were up 5.3 percent, while Sam's Club same store sales were up seven percent, and Walmart International sales were up 12.4 percent. Walmart's e-commerce sales were up a whopping 27 percent globally. The retailer's global advertising business was up 28 percent, including Walmart Connect in the US, which was up 26 percent.

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Great leaders provide learnings that stay with you. Here is one such leader for me.

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How can you stay ahead of the evolving retail landscape? Circana's frequent shopper program data can help you understand consumer behavior, personalize marketing efforts, and optimize pricing and promotions. See how loyalty data can improve your campaigns: https://bit.ly/3zQ5HeU

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After a couple down years for some key hardware segments, things are looking up for 2024 and beyond. The latest report from the Consumer Technology Association shows hardware representing $341B in value last year alone - and projecting growth in 2024. Everything related to hardware is also tracking UP - gaming, video, smart home, audio, health & fitness - which makes quality hardware more important. Personally, I think your TV is the most important piece of quality hardware you need for your home. Agree? I’m headed to the CTA CEO Summit in Sweden next week to talk to some amazing leaders about the future of tech – and I’m sure we’ll discuss what this growth means for innovation. Will report back!

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The “nose-to-tail” trend, using every part of animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, is gaining ground in U.S. retail and foodservice. 🥩   Traditionally more common in non-Western cultures, it’s now catching on thanks to rising interest in ethnic foods, health trends, and home cooking. Cuts like offal and giblets are seeing new demand at the meat counter. I spoke with Meatingplace Magazine about this shift. Check out the full article, “Nose-to-Tail Makes Inroads with U.S. Consumers,” here: https://lnkd.in/grrmrQ9W. Circana

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Key stat: 84% of US adults believe #privatelabel foods are more #affordable. #Privatelabels make up nearly a quarter (23.8%) of total #grocery units sold. While #Aldi is the No. 1 #privatelabel #retailer in the US, with private label representing 80% of its total units sold, #Kroger’s #SmartWay is the fastest-growing private label, increasing its unit volume 135% YoY, per Numerator. https://lnkd.in/eciRmeWc

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“I thought it was absolutely essential to carve out our hard discount in a separate division” Bank told investors Thursday (Feb. 22). “I want to really operate the hard discounters as hard discounters.” Assortment strategy is one of the most important topics for CPG brands. Aldi, carries about 1400 SKUs. No Frills carries many many many more. If you don't know A) What are the two SKUs you need No Frills to carry, B) How to optimize that assortment for efficiency in labour and shoppability, 2026 might be painful. It's a long way away. But not that far away. (I have no actual knowledge on timing - but guessing that a transformation in a multitude of categories to a much more ltd assortment will take time. Some categories will likely face the pain much earlier). I'm looking forward (?) to hearing if Loblaws shares more on Hard Discount strategy at the supplier summit next week.

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Consulting by Kantar Ernie Tedeschi has written a great report with even better charts on grocery prices in the US. But I suspect that he was never responsible for pricing in retail, which is not an economist position. The drivers of cost do not generate higher prices, competition movement does. Complex to an extreme, grocery pricing reflects permission to raise (competition has generally done so) or reflection on lowering (which means finding a price to raise elsewhere for a blended margin). Love the charts though Simon Johnstone Erik Bergeman Walter Holbrook Steve Dennis https://lnkd.in/gf4bdaz4

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The attached article shows some basic but impactful examples of integrating technology within the physical store layout; real time pricing and product communications updates - hands free changes. #shoppermarketing #consumerbehavior #consumerinsights #omnichannelretail #innovation #consumergoods #shopperinsights #shopperexperience #futuremarketing #retail #retailmarketing #retailexperience #brandbuilding #branddesign #branddevelopment #brandidentity #brandimage #retailexperience #retailmarketing #shoppingexperience https://lnkd.in/e6FC6AGy

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