Krishna Kaushik’s Post

𝟯 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗣&𝗟 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 My years in #retail P&L #management taught me one critical thing; there are three key metrics that you have to continuously balance to run a successful retail business. If even one of them is neglected, the other two will automatically be negatively impacted in the short to medium term. These three pillars of retail P&L management are: 1- #Revenue 2- #GrossMargins 3- #Inventory Holding Looks very simple.. One would have expected more complex metrics.. Yet, most #retailers are not able to manage all three together. Analyse any retailer in the red and you will see that they sacrificed one or more of the above for the other. Most recent and trending example - Mamaearth. In the run to show revenue growth, they sacrificed Gross Margins (much higher marketing and customer acquisition cost than industry) and inventory holding. Where they have reached is for everyone to see. I have seen companies take conscious calls to sacrifice one of the above elements to grow the other, e.g. most commonly companies go low on GM to increase revenue or vice versa, but if two of these elements go out of control, I haven't seen many companies make a #comeback. #retailmanagement #fmcg #profit #d2c #brand #consumer #amazon #loss #entrepreneurship

Unlock the secrets behind Walmart’s incredible success with Sam Walton's "Made in America: My Story." Gain valuable insights into cost efficiency, innovation, and customer focus that drove Walmart to the top. Whether you're in procurement, supply chain, or marketing, this book offers timeless strategies to elevate your professional game. Read my review to explore the key takeaways and how they can transform your business practices. #BusinessStrategy #SupplyChain #Marketing #Procurement #Innovation #Walmart #Leadership #Retail #Logistics #Operations #BusinessReads #MarketingStrategy #Advertising #Pricing #Entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/ehvtQjep

🚀 Are you a small supplier looking to break into the big box retail space? 📦 At Merch Maven Consulting, we specialize in helping innovative suppliers like you navigate the complex journey into large retail environments. Our expertise and strategic insights equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to not only enter but thrive in competitive markets. 🌟 What we offer: - Tailored strategies that align with major retailers’ expectations. - Comprehensive market analysis to position your product effectively. - Negotiation tactics to secure favorable terms. 🔗 Explore how we can elevate your retail strategy and open doors to new possibilities at https://lnkd.in/g9HrU5M9. 📞 Connect with us today and let's discuss how your product can be the next big thing on store shelves! #RetailStrategy #SupplierDevelopment #BigBoxRetail #MerchMavenConsulting #RetailInnovation #SupplyChainManagement #RetailSales #ProductLaunch #MarketEntry #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #RetailSuppliers #MarketStrategy

📦 To 3PL or not to 3PL? - That is the question. When considering whether to manage shipping and fulfillment in-house or outsource it to a 3PL, the decision is anything but simple. It’s about aligning your team’s skills, understanding fulfillment as a crucial part of your customer experience, and weighing factors like cost, speed, and inventory management. Remember, fulfillment isn’t just logistics—it’s the extension of your brand’s promise to your customers. 🌍 -------------------------------------- Like what I have to say? Make sure you follow me! #Strategy #EcommerceStrategy #fckstrategy #DTC #CPG #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #TopRetailExpert #mentorship #businesscoach #retail #Ecommerce #purpose #culture

🔑 The Two Types of Inventory Cost Reduction: Optimization vs. Inefficiency Removal 🔑 Inventory businesses are always looking for ways to lower their costs. As they should be. But when it comes to lowering your cost of goods (COGs), not all cost-cutting is created equal. For this week's #FinanceFriday we're going to breakdown the two types of inventory cost reductions: 1️⃣ Optimization 2️⃣ Inefficiency Removal Understanding the difference is key to sustainable growth: 1️⃣ Optimization This focuses on finding ways to make an already strong vendor relationship more cost-efficient. It might involve negotiating better rates, streamlining production processes, or finding economies of scale. However, forcing a high-quality vendor to make cheaper products can compromise your value. That’s not always the best route. 2️⃣ Removing Inefficiencies This focuses on identifying and eliminating waste in your supply chain, whether that’s cutting out unnecessary steps, finding better suppliers, or improving logistics. This doesn’t just lower costs—it strengthens your business for the long term. Why does this matter? As a growing brand, you’ll often face pressure to lower prices. Maybe your competition is lowering their prices. Maybe you don't have enough margin to head into wholesale. Or maybe your product has the potential to scale, but only if you bring the price down. Whatever the reason, remember: reducing costs by removing inefficiencies keeps your product strong and your business sustainable. It’s not about squeezing vendors, it’s about smart, strategic growth. 🚀 Stay focused on growth, and be smart about where you cut costs. The right decisions today can set you up for long-term success! ------------ At MFD, we partner with SMBs to help eliminate inefficiencies from their supply chain while also providing inventory financing and factoring support as they scale. #COGs #SMBs #Inventory #Retail #CPG #Wholesale #CostReduction #SupplyChain #ConsumerGoods #Entrepreneurship #Efficiency #StrategicGrowth #BusinessOptimization

#Costco's Success Formula: What #eCommerce #Businesses Can Learn Costco's incredible growth—revenue jumping from $163 billion in 2020 to $243 billion in 2024—offers powerful lessons for eCommerce businesses. Here's how Costco's strategy can inspire your business: 1️⃣ Invest in Your People 📌 Costco’s Strategy: Competitive wages, benefits for part-time employees, and a people-first approach. 📝 eCommerce Takeaway: Offer fair pay, prioritize employee well-being, and invest in team satisfaction to boost morale and productivity. 2️⃣ Promote from Within 📌 Costco’s Strategy: Leadership team is built from within—CEO Ron Vachris started as a forklift driver. 📝 eCommerce Takeaway: Foster internal talent through training, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Promote loyalty and retention by encouraging career progression. 3️⃣ Customer Experience Through Employee Loyalty 📌 Costco’s Strategy: 94% employee retention rate leads to superior customer service. 📝 eCommerce Takeaway: Happy, loyal employees result in improved customer service. Create a positive company culture that reflects in your customer experience. 4️⃣ Building Trust and Customer Loyalty 📌 Costco’s Strategy: Focus on building trust and long-term relationships with customers, not just one-time sales. 📝 eCommerce Takeaway: Deliver consistent, high-quality products and services. Foster trust to build loyal, repeat customers who are the backbone of sustainable growth. 5️⃣ Sustainable Growth by Prioritizing People 📌 Costco’s Strategy: Long-term growth driven by investment in people and a strong, loyal workforce. 📝 eCommerce Takeaway: Balance short-term success with long-term growth strategies. Focus on people—employees and customers—for sustainable progress. Key Takeaway for eCommerce Entrepreneurs: Costco’s success stems from investing in its people, both internally and externally. Prioritize your team, promote internal growth, and focus on building customer trust to achieve long-term success in your eCommerce business. Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your free consultation. Let’s turn your #eCommerce dream into reality! #Retail #Costco #Entrepreneur #Ecommerce

👋 In my latest contribution to Procura Weekly, I delve into a compelling and cautionary tale – the decline of Sears, a once-dominant force in the retail world. 🏬💥 🔍I write "Despite having the early advantage of a robust mail-order catalogue system, which could have been a strong foundation for transitioning to an online platform, Sears did not prioritize the development of a competitive online presence." This statement encapsulates a pivotal moment in Sears' history, where missed opportunities and strategic missteps began shaping its future. 📚🔍 In the article, I explore: 1️⃣ How Sears' early innovations lost momentum in the digital age. 2️⃣ The critical decisions that led to the retailer's gradual decline. 3️⃣ Valuable lessons for today's businesses in adapting to changing market dynamics. This article offers rich insights into how even industry leaders can falter without continuous innovation and adaptation. 🚀🔄 👉 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dJBK-CbY Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on what modern businesses can learn from the story of Sears. 💬 #RetailIndustry #BusinessStrategy #Sears #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

5 STEPS TO MAXIMIZE PROFITS & GROW YOUR #RETAILBUSINESS💰 Does improving margins feel like MISSION IMPOSSIBLE in today's cut-throat retail world? FEAR NOT-with these strategies boosted profits are within reach! STRATEGY #1-PRICING PROWESS 🚀 Redefine what your customers truly value and recalibrate prices accordingly Nimbly adjust as the market shifts and leverage PERCEPTION PRICING – prices ending in .99 PSYCHOLOGICALLY boost baskets Don’t merely PRICE-MATCH COMPETITORS, outmatch them by INFUSING MORE VALUE. Take a WORTH-DRIVEN ROUTE rather than a product or price-centric path to dominance STRATEGY #2-INVENTORY INTENSIVE😎 Adopt just-in-time practices to slash holding fees. ABC analysis focuses efforts on best-sellers Automation minimizes human errors when reordering STRATEGY #3-CUT COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS📉 Renegotiate supplier terms for discounts Optimize layouts to reduce labor #Sustainability saves green which leads to black STRATEGY #4-PROMOTE POWER PLAYERS💪 Data reveals top-margin items Feature them at eye level and in marketing for attention & emphasis STRATEGY #5-TRAIN TEAM TO SELL DREAMS🤑 Knowledge & service skills elevate every interaction into an opportunity Incentivize for presenting premium options These five moves maximize the margin between COSTS & PROFITS Which step will propel your business next?😉 READY TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR MARGINS? 🚀 It's time to stop wishing for higher profits & start making it happen Book a strategy session with me today! We'll together analyze your business identify areas for improvement & craft a customized plan to optimize every aspect of your #retailoperations With the right guidance, implementing these five steps is totally achievable Don't leave money on the table - take action now to elevate your business to its full potential Log into johnstamang.com & book your 45 mins COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS AUDIT call & get started on a more profitable future! OR Simply REPLY "LET'S GROW" to this message to secure your spot I promise you'll walk away with TANGIBLE #STRATEGIES that will significantly boost your #bottomline THE JOURNEY TO INCREASED #MARGINS STARTS HERE - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! 🤑 P.S. My system works because it’s SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE & DATA-DRIVEN. It ELIMINATES GUESSWORK & guides you to the lucrative high-ground John S Tamang Retail Operations & #ProcessExcellence Expert & Mentor #IndianRetail #RetailIndia #RetailTechnology #IndianEntrepreneurs #RetailInnovation #IndianBusiness #indianbusinesswoman #retailindustry #retailsales #retailprofessionals #retailmanagers #retailstoremanagers #jewelry #jewellery #jewelryindustry #furnitureindustry #furnitureretailers #consumerdurables #consumerelectronics #fashionretailing #retailers #retailing #retailer #msme #msmes #sme #smes Croma Reliance Retail Reliance Digital Retail Ltd. Shoppers Stop DMart - Avenue Supermarts Ltd TRRAIN (TRUST FOR RETAILERS & RETAIL ASSOCIATES OF INDIA) Retailers Association of India (RAI)

"I think the biggest single thing that causes difficulty in the business world is the short-term view. We become obsessed with it. But it forces bad decisions." - James Sinegal | Costco Wholesale The short-term view in business often leads to misguided decisions that prioritize immediate gains over long-term sustainability. While focusing on quarterly profits or quick returns might seem beneficial in the moment, it can undermine innovation, strategic growth, and employee development. This obsession with short-term results can lead to cost-cutting measures, sacrificing quality, and ignoring customer needs, ultimately weakening the business. Companies that succeed in the long run are those that balance short-term performance with long-term planning, fostering resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing market. #wednesdaywisdom #quote #longtermgoals #companies #growth

One dreadful day our CFO walked into my office and said to me, "Stephen, if this retailer orders in one more SKU from us, it's going to bankrupt us eventually." That was a wake-up call. This particular retailer—a national drug store chain—took in our products on consigned N75 terms (This was my first big mistake in entering retail blindly). Embarking on the journey from DTC to brick-and-mortar retail is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. And one that should be treaded on thoughtfully. Landing on a retail shelf is only half the battle; moving the product off the shelf is the real war. To navigate the complex retail environment, here’s a few of the areas you need to pay careful attention to: 👉 Pricing Achieving the optimal price point for consumers while mitigating the risk of channel conflict requires careful analysis and strategic pricing models. 👉 Packaging Crafting packaging that not only meets the right COGS to maximize margins but also capture a consumers’ wallet is essential. In addition, your packaging must tell a compelling story and entice shoppers at first glance. 👉 Logistics Adhering to the diverse routing guidelines of each retail partner is a labyrinthine task. The stakes are high here, as any missteps can result in costly penalties and your retail scorecard. 👉 Data The ability to interpret sales data accurately is the cornerstone of effective demand planning. In the retail environment, maintaining stock levels (at as close to 100% possible) is critical. 👉 Inventory Management Success in retail hinges on maintaining velocity. This requires exceptional forecasting, meticulous supplier management, and a proactive approach to inventory replenishment. 👉 Cash Demands Retailers often have extended payment terms and significant inventory requirements. Without careful cash flow management, even a successful retail presence can strain your balance sheet. Entering the retail market is a formidable challenge, requiring committed capital, robust resources, and strategic capabilities. When scaling a DTC #CPG brand into brick-and-mortar retail, it's not just about getting on the shelf—it's about staying there and thriving. —— What's your favorite retail horror story you’d like to share? #business #growth #leadership #productmarketfit #scaling #entrepreneurship #strategy #ecommerce #DTC #marketing #retail #Innovation #leanstartup #readySetSCALE #readyforscaling