Shelley Bransten

Highlights from last week's NYC #RetailSafari -- focus was the intersection of #technology, #customers, and #operations, primarily in specialty apparel and fashion. Key themes: 1. Technology goes backstage – Brand new formats / concepts at H&M, Banana Republic, Zara, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC., lululemon, and J.Crew and none come across as tech-forward w/ regard to customers. On the other hand, associates were all mobile enabled and doing most of their work leveraging phones / tablets. 2. Old tech; new tricks – Widespread use of #RFID and #QR codes (both generally on the price ticket), with a mix of internal and external use cases -- self-checkout, RFID-assisted full-service checkout, inventory counts, inventory finding, #BOPIS, etc. 3. Apps are an entry point – #Retailers without a clienteling / selling culture are using apps to drive customer capture. #Lulu uses app-based membership to enable exchanges on sale items; UNIQLO offers special discounts to app members. 4. Unified is still a unicorn – Despite a decade of focus on #omnichannel and unified commerce, many gaps exist. Very few #retail apps recognize when you’re in store, send a notification, and/or assist in the shopping experience. Many didn’t even have their newest stores listed as an option for #BOPIS (despite in-store signage).  5. Video is the new visual – ultra-large format (8-10ft x 12-16ft) video screens were a common feature of many new stores, and really helped to bring the brand lifestyle to life.  6. It’s hard to (re)teach people how to shop – Across all stores except Bonobos, Glossier, Inc., and Reformation, the shopping process is the same as it’s been for the past 50+ years. The ones that don't are focused on a niche customer with a unique product offering. IMO, the product is the driver and consumers "accept" the experience. 7. The "future" is not here yet, but you can start to see the shape of it – Demoing the Apple #VisionPro, we could think of multiple use cases (mostly internal / operational), and while it’s too early (and too expensive) to fully commit, it’s certainly worth considering a pilot as part of an #innovation lab. It's also worth noting there was no apparent use of #AI by customers or associates. Curious to hear comments, feedback from other markets. #ibmretail

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BRILLIANT RESEARCH: Five 2024 Holiday Shopping Predictions https://lnkd.in/emwXStw7  Holiday shopping will look different for retailers this year.  After remaining largely resilient throughout four years of economic uncertainty, consumers are finally feeling the pinch.  Nearly a third of global shoppers (32%) reported using alternative credit services like buy now, pay later (BNPL) more frequently this year #retail Digital Commerce 360

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#HotTake: Retail stores aren’t a shortcut to success. Retail offers bigger POs, visibility, and cash flow Yet, it doesn’t ensure brand sustainability Case in point: JLo Beauty Despite celeb status and prime placement at Sephora, She faced challenges resulting in a US exit Retail alone doesn’t secure loyalty or repeat sales Placement isn’t guaranteed forever For lasting success, think beyond the retail PO Some markers of a sustainable brand include: Authenticity, community, differentiated formulas, and true fans Building a lasting brand legacy requires more than a retail presence – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale at big retail. If you are ready to scale and invest, book a discovery call, and let’s see if we can work together.

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The psychology of shopping for fashionable swimwear is fraught with challenges. See my comments in this Huffington Post article for key retail insights. https://lnkd.in/emKjq5rh #fashion #swimwear #fashionbusiness #fashionretail #fashionconsumer

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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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The Path to Purchase Institute hosted P2PI LIVE & Expo (Nov. 12-14), bringing together commerce marketing leaders to explore topics like omnicommerce, retail media, AI, and more. Discover key takeaways in this summary, sponsored by Blue Chip where CMO Dan Eisenberg introduces “Creative Commerce,” uniting brand building and conversion. 📖 Read now at https://lnkd.in/emf-ZVYf #RetailMedia #CommerceMarketing

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Putting yourself in the shoes of your dream retailer can yield an understanding for their priorities. Each year, major U.S. retailers open a crucial window to evaluate new and established brands. This is your golden opportunity to pitch to buying teams. Retail Insight: Product resets in retail are both time-consuming and costly for retailers. Store teams continue to do the things they always do: – Restocking shelves – Serving customers – Maintaining store cleanliness Buying teams are also inundated with extra work: – Creating new blueprints for stores to lay out the new items – Meeting with 100+ brands that all have exciting newness to share – Landing on a strategy that will yield growth Major resets also involve: – Printing new shelf labels – Rearranging product placements – Managing discontinued items – Communicating big bets and strategy from corporate to stores These resets can evoke mixed feelings among retail teams: • Excitement about new products and the potential growth they bring. • Anxieties over the additional workload. Why am I sharing this? Because timing is important, you get one window annually to pitch your brand at big retail. So when you approach the retailers treat it like this is your one shot. Prepare your pitch → Nail it. Share your brand purpose → Inspire them. Understand what it takes to be successful →  Make them believe in you. Take this opportunity to show buyers all of the things your brand has done. Shine bright. PS - Have you pitched to a retailer? Share your experience in the comments. – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale at big retail. If you are ready to scale and invest, book a discovery call, and let’s see if we can work together.

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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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🚨 New Podcast Alert! 🚨 In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, Anne Mezzenga and I dove deep into the top retail headlines shaping the future of omnichannel experiences. From Amazon’s groundbreaking move with AI-powered ads to Zara’s bold entry into the secondhand market, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss! 💡🎙️ Here’s a sneak peek at what we cover: 🔸 Amazon Tests AI-Powered Ads (7:52) — What does this mean for the future of product search? Will it be revolutionary or just another evolution in digital advertising? 🔸 Costco Wholesale’s Mobile Inventory Search (12:25) — Find out how Costco is helping shoppers locate products with a new mobile feature, and whether it’s a game-changer or not. 🔸 Biden’s De Minimis Exception Changes (18:00) — The U.S. is cracking down on this trade exception. How will it impact global e-commerce and companies like Temu and SHEIN? 🔸 Marketplace vs. Dropship with Mirakl’s Alex Hase (23:15) — Get an expert breakdown on why retailers should consider both models for scaling their online assortments. 🔸 Zara’s Secondhand Launch in the U.S. (29:12) — Could Zara’s move into resale be the future of sustainable fashion? Plus, we discuss Amazon’s return-to-office mandate (35:34) and tackle a fun Lightning Round (41:07) featuring leopard print, Starbucks, and more! 🐆☕️ Watch the video below or click this link to listen to our podcast and get ahead of the retail trends! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gA637z-2 Special thanks to our partners the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Avalara, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital who help to make the living our dream a reality each week! #retailnews #ecommerce #omnichannel #retailtechnology #amazon #costco #AI #secondhandfashion #marketplaces #dropshipping #futureofretail #podcast

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Assortment decisions are complex and critical for any retailer success. Analyzing billions of baskets a year has enabled us to build the most effective and customer-centric assortment solution in the market. We are proud to partner with Family Dollar and dozens of other retailers in this journey! #dunnhumby #customerfirst

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Wednesday, November 27: 🏈 Dick's raised its full-year guidance on Tuesday after what CEO Lauren Hobart called an excellent back-to-school shopping season and better-than-expected comparable sales for its third quarter. 👕 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit gains, positioning the retailer for a healthy holiday season ahead. Net sales rose 14 percent to $1.2 billion from $1.06 billion in the year-ago quarter. 📺 Best Buy has cut its full-year sales forecast and missed Wall Street’s quarterly revenue expectations, as early holiday shopping and a fresh batch of iPhones and AI-enabled laptops weren’t enough to drive higher sales. 🏬 Kohl's shares fell sharply on Tuesday after the company's earnings missed Wall Street estimates and following its announcement that CEO Tom Kingsbury will step down in January. 🧥 Burlington Stores, Inc. posted higher sales in the latest quarter and said the holiday selling season has started strong, as the off-price retailer’s offerings resonate with consumers looking for deals. 🛍️ Nordstrom on Tuesday offered up a slightly more optimistic full-year sales forecast, but said there was a noticeable decline in sales trends at the end of last month. 👚 Urban Outfitters has said it doesn’t have to discount as aggressively, amid holiday-season optimism. In the latest quarter, revenue rose 6.3% to $1.36 billion, while same-store sales rose 1.5%. 📈 Economists are concerned that President-elect Trump's proposed blanket tariffs on imports would drive up food prices. Tariffs would not only impact food imports but would also push up costs for fertilizer and farm equipment. 👖 Guess trimmed its guidance for the year after swinging to a loss in its fiscal third quarter, citing slowed traffic at its stores in Asia and North America. Shares fell 10%, to $15.52, in after-hours trading. 🥦 Workers at a Whole Foods Market store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have filed to hold a union election, the first union filing at the supermarket chain since Amazon acquired it in 2017. 🍊 Orange juice prices have surged close to record highs after Florida was hit by hurricanes. A future contract for a pound of frozen orange juice concentrate currently trades for $5.13, compared to $1.20 in 2021. 📦 More than one-in-10 Americans reported experiencing package theft in the past year. Among these victims, 28% encountered theft during Black Friday shopping and 11% on Cyber Monday. 👍🏼 Americans continue to feel more upbeat about the outlook for the economy. The latest reading from the Conference Board was 111.7 in November, above the 109.6 seen in October and the highest level in more than a year. 🥖 Subway announced Tuesday that its CEO, John Chidsey, will retire at the end of 2024. Executive Carrie Walsh will replace him as interim CEO. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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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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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Tuesday, May 7: 🛋️ Shares of Beyond, Inc. — the parent of Overstock and Bed Bath & Beyond — fell after it reported a deeper-than-expected loss and said it was trying to draw more committed customers amid weak home-goods demand. 🚛 Kohl's’s is now offering same-day delivery via the Instacart app. Using Instacart, customers can place orders for same-day or scheduled delivery from 1,172 Kohl’s locations nationwide. 🎯 Target is expanding its partnership with Hudson's Bay in Canada, broadening the sales of its in-house Cat & Jack children's brand to include swimwear, outerwear, and shoes. The move comes after positive feedback. 🚚 Wholesale remains most profitable investment channel for brands. The channel, which is expected to grow 51% this year, accounts for about 60% of companies’ total sales. 🏬 A fourth Bloomie’s location is set to open in New Jersey this fall, part of the parent company Macy's ongoing strategy to tap into more luxury sales with a new small format strategy. 👷🏼‍♂️ Kroger is planning to spend approximately $45 million in 2024 to remodel 15 stores in Ohio and Indiana. Kroger is highlighting investments in its stores as it presses ahead with the Albertsons merger. 🍓ALDI USA, the American arm of the German-owned discount supermarket chain, has urged its suppliers to cut costs, increase production, and focus on sustainability to stay competitive. ⬇️ More than four-in-five consumer respondents (81%) have noticed shrinkflation, with three-in-10 (29%) having seen it very often since 2020 - according to a survey by Clarify Capital. 💄 Amazon said Monday that its Summer Beauty Haul event is returning next week. Amazon noted the sales promotion starts at 12am PST on May 13 and runs through 11:59pm PST on May 19. 🥩 Shares of meatpacking giant Tyson Foods plunged more than 9% — the stock’s worst day since August — after the company said persistent inflation weakened consumer appetites for meat biting into profits in the second quarter. 🍺 The European boss of Budweiser has said the brewer has learned to “stay in our lane” following a backlash over Bud Light’s work with a transgender influencer. 🧴 Chinese-made skincare brands, such as Skintific, have gained popularity in Muslim-dominated markets like Indonesia and Malaysia. These brands downplay their origins and present themselves as local products. 🇦🇺 Australian supermarkets found to be overcharging customers could face criminal penalties if the government adopts the findings of a new review. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Thank you, Wade Gerten, for sharing insights into Blue Yonder ‘s #AI journey. For the past five years, my vision has been to provide focused insights to operators prior to the start of each shift based on their role and on an ongoing basis, highlighting key operational stats, exceptions, and actions to take across safety, quality, productivity, service, inventory, and labor. Instead of operators spending time piecing together data from fragmented systems, this approach would offer a comprehensive, consolidated view that continuously updates with actionable insights and options. By integrating descriptive analytics—such as trends from last week, last year, and historical comparisons—alongside real-time data on what’s happening in the building, this solution would offer a powerful toolset. I would also encourage to include a shift end summary that summarizes what happened during the shift and why and what could be done differently to improve service and productivity. Additionally, similar tailored views could be created for demand planners and logistics managers, helping them quickly identify key areas of focus and make necessary adjustments, streamlining decision-making across the supply chain. This solution would be a tremendous asset for location managers, demand planners, and logistics managers, empowering them with data-driven insights to improve performance and spend more time on high-impact actions. #AI #SupplyChain #Distrubution #KPIs

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Kohl’s Corp. has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day delivery from all of its 1,172 U.S. stores. Customers can now receive Kohl’s merchandise in as little as an hour through Instacart, with pricing matching in-store prices and the ability to accumulate Kohl’s Rewards. Kohl’s is categorized as an Apparel & Accessories retailer by Digital Commerce 360 and offers a variety of products, including home decor, skin care, and pet items, all available through Instacart. Kohl’s is No. 23 in the Top 1000. The database is Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest North American online retailers Kohl’s Corp. reported net sales declined in both its fourth quarter and fiscal 2023 ended Feb. 3, 2024. Q4 net sales declined 1.1% to $5.7 billion, despite an extra week of trading this year compared to Q4 2022. Kohl’s saw growth in net income. Online sales declined 10% in the quarter but improved as the quarter progressed, with December and January sales only down "mid-single digits" year over year. Instacart's partnership with Kohl’s is part of a series of agreements with retailers, including Hy-Vee and Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG), to offer same-day delivery and expand delivery capacity. Additionally, Instacart announced a partnership with Uber to deliver Uber Eats orders to Instacart customers. #kohl's #instacart #samedaydelivery

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By the end of this week, Anne Mezzenga and I will have interviewed roughly 20 retail and e-commerce executives on the future of retail to start the month of June. You can catch them all on our YouTube page under the "Conference Livestreams" Section. Shoptalk Europe, CommerceNext, Mirakl's Marketplace Summit -- we have been to them all in our undying quest to bring our followers the most up-to-the-moment coverage possible. Plus, I personally love watching our interviews on YouTube because it gives the best insight into who these executives are as people, their leadership styles, and what the cultures of the companies in which they work are likely like. #retail #retailing #grocery #conveniencestores #cpg #branding #advertisingandmarketing #onlineshopping #shoppingandtheretailindustry #supplychainmanagement #FastFive #fashionretail #luxuryretail #beauty

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Since 2019, Kohl's sales have shrunk by $2.3 billion. That’s a pretty terrible number given consumer spending on retail rose by a dramatic $1.3 trillion over the same period.     The Kohl’s losses are a combination of existing customers spending less and the complete defection of some shoppers. Over the past five years, Kohl’s has lost 1.3 million customers: people who used to visit Kohl’s, but now they don’t. Most of these folks still buy things so it’s interesting to see where they’re now shopping, or shopping more at, instead of Kohl’s. The diagram below traces the defections. The most notable thing is the gains being made by off-price retailers. TJX – with its TJMaxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods banners – is picking up a lot of trade. Ross, Nordstrom Rack, and Burlington are also in the mix. It’s no wonder off-price is doing so well when it’s gaining so many customers from chains like Kohl’s. What’s also notable is that online specialists don’t dominate. Amazon has picked up some trade, as has Wayfair, but neither are the main beneficiaries of Kohl’s woes. This underscores that the very simplistic narrative of ‘online killed…” is often far from the truth. It is also significant that Costco makes an appearance. Costco is a silent assassin. Many retailers don’t have it on the radar for non-food; but the reality is that Costco has a formidable non-food business. Retailers like Kohl’s don’t underperform because one large enemy comes in and swoops away all the custom. Their substantial loss of trade comes from many players nibbling away at their sales and market share. #retail #retailnews #departmentstores #wholesale #shoppers

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In my experience as a buyer, I viewed brand-buyer relationships as collaborative, but it's crucial to recognize that not all collaborations are equal. When you seek a retail partner for growth - look for a retailer that is collaborative Understand that the retailer still operates as a for-profit business But, know that you play a role in helping them achieve their goals Here are some areas to consider when looking at collaboration with retailers Door Count Bigger does not necessarily mean better. If your original doors aren’t “ALL” that’s ok. Discuss a tiered plan for growth and expansion. Placement Every brand wants to be seen. Your shelf placement, or location in the store can determine how many consumer eyes see your product. Ask where you’re being placed. Marketing Yes, ask for support from the retailer in their advertising vehicles. But know this is the place where the brand does the heavy lifting. Be ready to shout to the rooftops where you are. Forecasts Work closely with buyers, planners, and your ops team to understand projections. Have a reserve stock to plan for overperformance. Sales Expectations Ask upfront about the retailer’s benchmarks. Consider how the category performs too. Check-Ins As a new brand, having regular check-ins with your buying teams is great. This could be quarterly, or monthly depending on the projected sales volume. A lot to cover, and I know you might not be there, yet. So save this for that future retail meeting - cheers! – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, your bridge from niche market to major retail. I’m a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale. Ready to expand your reach? Book a discovery call and let’s explore how we can elevate your brand together.

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I am excited to announce the launch of a unique and groundbreaking podcast by my friends and partners at Think Blue - Sri Rajagopalan and Manish Sharma on "fearless leadership," featuring none other than Nicholas Bertram Nick shares incredible experiences and insights from his journey, rising from a first-generation college graduate with humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of a renowned retail brand. Having had the privilege of working with Nick, I have witnessed his visionary and empowering leadership firsthand. 🌟 Key takeaways from this podcast include: 1. Mentorship - Having mentors at every stage of your career is crucial, not just at the beginning. 🧑‍🏫 2. Humility - No job is beneath anyone. The team succeeds when everyone pitches in. 🙌 3. Hope - The best is always ahead of us! 🌈 4. Emotional Intelligence - Practice EQ by focusing on the future. Humanity thrives in community. 🤝 5. Balance - While base wins are crucial, leaders must also focus on strategic victories. ⚖️ 6. Decisiveness - Build consensus within your team, but have the courage to make the final call. ✔️ 7. Innovation - Teams innovate best when they thoroughly understand the problem. 💡 8. Lattice vs. Ladder - Enhance your skills by embracing horizontal promotions. ↔️ 9. Ambidexterity - Leaders must evolve to manage diverse tasks, technologies, and environments simultaneously. 🔄 10. Community - Leave a lasting legacy by contributing to and solving problems for the community. Strengthen the families you serve, both directly and indirectly. 🏡 This podcast promises to be an inspiring and informative listen for all aspiring leaders. 🎧✨ #FearlessLeadership #Inspiration #LeadershipLessons #CommunityImpact #InnovativeThinking

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