Retail’s getting riskier. Here are 5 risks that retailers, brands and their supply chain partners are trying to mitigate to ensure business continuity and satisfy consumers’ needs. Notice how several risks overlap, like: Labor shortages contribute to inflation Rising logistics costs also add to inflation Delta threats affect headcount amid a talent war What market […]
Jeff Bezos changed retail forever. By catering to us like royalty with tech-driven convenience and efficiency, Amazon’s founder: ⭐️ Raised industry standards⭐️ Elevated consumer expectations⭐️ Influenced global retail’s digital backbone (Plus, Amazon helped me snag a John McEnroe t-shirt & matching infant onesie as gifts; I won Christmas 2010!) Even as Bezos exits the CEO […]
It’s been a busy year in retail. Let’s see how these 2021 strategy trend predictions from December have come true so far. COLLABORATIONSadidas + PelotonFamily Dollar + InstacartGap + WalmartGoogle + ShopifyTarget + AppleWhole Foods + The Weather Channel EXPANSIONBanking services: Amazon, IKEA, WalmartDigital ads: Amazon, Facebook, Family Dollar, Google, Macy’s, WalmartDTC brands: Andie, Harry’s, […]
It’s retail tech’s time. A 39% YoY rise in U.S. e-commerce sales in Q1 ($196 billion vs. $141 billion) shows how much online shopping has matured during the pandemic [Digital Commerce 360]. Now retail tech companies are transforming the global e-commerce infrastructure to connect companies and consumers, as they grow in digital sophistication. Recent developments: […]
What keeps retail CEOs up at night … Let’s revisit this 2021 Retail PEST Analysis from January 2021 to capture today’s market conditions. Additional factors: POLITICAL– International travel restrictions shift– U.S. infrastructure bill could help companies & consumers– CDC relaxes mask guidelines for fully vaccinated Americans ECONOMIC– Prices rise for products & raw materials– Retail […]
Retail looks different. Today marks one year since this piece initially went live, so let’s see which changes have stuck. LASTING CHANGES: E-commerce & e-grocery explosionHome delivery boom timeBOPIS & curbside pickupCashless is king MORE CHANGES: Dark storesOff-mall expansionDigital magnetism like AR & livestreaming OVERARCHING THEME:Most of these changes support online shopping and stores’ emerging […]
E-commerce and entertainment keep converging. Today Amazon announced it’s buying MGM Studios, as the line between merchandise and media consumption continues to blur. Media assets can help retailers: 🔹 Extend their marketing reach🔹 Embed their offerings into our everyday habits🔹 Personalize marketing to fuel e-commerce sales🔹 Reduce acquisition costs🔹 Maximize lifetime value per customer & loyalty […]
Retail goes live to air. Livestreaming helps retailers and brands: – Interact with consumers in real time– Target relevant audiences– Fuel e-commerce sales Notice how tech giants and department stores are adding livestreaming to their marketing strategies. Have you ever watched a retail livestream? Related: 2021 Retail Tech Trends2021 Retail Strategy Trends SOURCES: Droesch, Blake. […]
Health drives global retail growth. The $1.5 trillion global wellness market boasts an annual growth rate of 5-10%. Consumers want to look and feel good. Most (79%) consumers believe wellness is important; 42% say it’s a top priority, according to McKinsey. See how consumers’ desire for immunity and/or glorious glutes has energized sales of: Equipment […]
This Mother’s Day, retail celebrates Mother Earth. 73% of global consumers say they would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact, according to Nielsen. In response, more retailers and brands now protect the planet by adapting their: 🌎 Products🌎 Packaging🌎 Processes Overall themes include global industry collaboration, innovation and building trust with transparency […]
What’s in store? E-commerce’s influence. Online shopping growth has forced retailers to transform their brick-and-mortar stores into omnichannel assets. As e-commerce catapults forward, global retailers are collaborating with tech and logistics partners to deliver omnichannel: – Speed;– Agility; and– Convenience (Notice how many grocery and big box retailers are showing omnichannel resilience.) How else have […]
Seeing is believing – and buying. To earn consumer trust and e-commerce sales, Retailers; Brands; and Tech companies … are investing in virtual try-ons that superimpose products on our bodies. Virtual try-ons modernize marketing across retail categories, as consumers now expect: Digital convenience; Personalized experiences; and Tantalizing, highly-visual marketing From blonde highlights to bling, here’s […]
The pandemic has made private labels extra popular. In 2020, the CPG industry grew >10% and private labels accounted for 18% of that growth (IRI). Private brands represent $120 billion in U.S. grocery sales alone (Boston Consulting Group). Now more private brands are popping up across retail categories – especially segments with solid sales during the […]
We crave convenience. Consumers’ migration to e-commerce has made grocery the most exciting (& strategically significant) retail category, as: – Consumers desire time savings– Brands adapt to changing consumer tastes– Retailers seek omnichannel loyalty for a competitive edge Also, physical grocery stores have evolved to support omnichannel success with buy online pick up in store […]
The mall has arrived on our doorsteps. As e-commerce matures, we’ve seen remarkable growth in delivery services now that online shoppers expect home delivery that is: Fast Free Convenient These trends are fuelling demand for delivery that connects retailers, brands and restaurants with consumers (especially since we’ve been home all year). How often do you […]
Who has retail power? Porter’s 5 Forces model helps to explain market influences as retail undergoes tremendous upheaval. To manage fierce competition, companies can boost their bargaining power if they: Differentiate their offerings Reflect in-demand consumer trends Invest in e-commerce for omnichannel agility Also, as tech-driven supply chains grow in power, companies are establishing strategic […]
There’s no place like home. A full year of working, learning and exercising at home has inspired us to reimagine our domestic space. See how our homebody lifestyle sparked a cross-category retail boom. Thank you to the brilliant Santosh Kushwaha of Visual Best for designing this stunning infographic. How has your home changed over the […]
What. A. Year. Let’s look at COVID-19’s profound influence on global reatil over the past 12 months, including 5 mega-trends. OVERALL THEMES: 1. WOW!So much has changed in so little time. 2. STORES ARE RESILIENTBrick-and-mortar stores faced capacity constraints yet their appeal is inextinguishable. 3. TECH IS UNSTOPPABLEAutomating traditional retail processes has made the industry […]
Women make their mark in business. In time for International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate women-owned businesses — and their growing influence. Notable trends: – 82% of female business owners are Gen X or Boomers – Their top industries (health, beauty & fitness), are in-demand in retail right now – Diversity reigns, as half of these […]
Retail companies go shopping … It’s barely March yet we’ve already seen intriguing retail acquisitions this year, as: – Amazon knows what Selz– Walmart’s Thunderstruck– ASOS wants its diverse assortment to be a HIIT. (I’ll show myself out.) TRENDS: – Health & wellness– Value & luxury tiers boom– Big retailers connect with small brands BIG […]
For a glimpse of retail’s future, let’s look at China. Since Friday kicked off the Lunar New Year, it’s the perfect time to examine China’s growing influence on global e-commerce. Many retail tech investments we’ve seen in North America and Europe over the past year have been common for years in China. These innovations are […]
It’s the biggest night in television. As consumers remain homebound, this Super Bowl Sunday will be a super-sized marketing moment. That’s because Super Bowl LV is a massive, global spectacle featuring: – Brady vs. Mahomes– DoorDash vs. Uber Eats– Bud Light vs. Stella Artois Before you tune in, see how brands are duking it out […]
Rivals reveal where retail is heading. This final post in a series highlights how Amazon and Walmart lead with their strengths to earn lucrative consumer loyalty. For instance: – Amazon’s tech mastery delights consumers– Walmart’s low-cost leadership saves shoppers money– Both want to wow young, urban adults with e-commerce In addition: Walmart’s supplier diversity efforts […]
Frugal is fashionable — and Walmart’s making moves to stay ahead. As value shopping and value-tier rivalry soar, this framework shows how Walmart stays resilient with: 🧩 Strategic partnerships to fill omnichannel gaps Digital investments to counter under-capacity stores Everyday low price leadership to save shoppers money Studying retail leaders gives us a glimpse of […]
How Amazon keeps winning … As this framework (Hambrick & Frederickson’s Strategy Diamond) reveals, the e-commerce giant sets industry standards, dazzles consumers and spooks rivals. For instance: CONSUMERS save time & money from unmatched tech efficiencies SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNERS gain resources that fuel growth & agility🥊 RIVALS had to react to an October Prime Day, […]
What keeps CEOs up at night … Retail companies’ C-suite teams juggle staggering complexity and ambiguity as they navigate market factors like: – Pandemic risks– Tech upheaval– Mass protests As this 2021 PEST analysis shows, macro themes include: 1. CONSTANT CHANGEDiverse market factors are all moving at once. 2. ACCELERATIONMany of these trends have emerged […]
Revenge of the nerds? The 43% surge in the tech-heavy NASDAQ index in 2020 proves it pays to be digitally-savvy. That’s because, more than ever, we rely on technology to meet our universal needs. For instance: Zoom connects us with loved onesDoorDash delivers dinner to our doorstepsDuolingo languages prepare us for future exotic escapes In […]
In 2021, e-commerce will catapult forward. The pandemic sparked a mass migration to digital to satisfy our basic needs, from food to social connection. This year, we can expect the entire e-commerce infrastructure to mature with tech innovations like: Livestreaming E-grocery evolution Autonomous vehicles What other retail tech trends will influence the supply chain in […]
Which products sold well in 2020? Pants? No way. High heels? So silly. Baby Yoda tree toppers? Now you’re talkin’! According to 2020’s in-demand products, the pandemic transformed us into a mash-up of Molly Maid, Martha Stewart and RuPaul. That’s because top categories included: – Cleaning products – Baking – Domestic comfort – Beauty – Personal care Electronics […]
What does 2021 have in store? Reinvigorating retail and getting closer to consumers are macro strategic trends we’ll see in the new year, as retailers and brands: – Fuel sales and consumer excitement– Cut inefficiencies– Gain lucrative new strengths See related infographics on:– 2020 Retail Partnerships– 2020 Retail PEST Analysis– Social Commerce is the Future […]
Look who’s hooking up … These 2020 retail partnerships reveal where retail is heading, retailers’ strategic priorities and which core competencies matter to delight consumers. Overarching themes: 1. Speedy delivery 2. Tech innovation 3. Omnichannel options Most importantly, these partnerships prove collaboration is essential, as a company can’t manage this year’s retail upheaval all on […]
Last week’s announcement of the new partnership between TikTok and Shopify dazzled global retail markets. This partnership unites social media, video and e-commerce to make shopping more exciting and interactive. Already pervasive and popular in China, social commerce is taking off in North America by bringing the mall to popular social platforms during the pandemic. […]
Walmart wants to win. This high-level SWOT analysis shows how Walmart has faced certain weaknesses to strengthen its competitive position during this year’s pandemic. Additional recent moves to adapt to the times include: Diversity: A commitment to ensure its workforce and suppliers reflect the people in the communities Walmart serves Domestic partners: Walmart has launched […]
Profitable pivots: 2020’s COVID-19 curveball rattled even the biggest retail leaders. In this SWOT analysis check-in, we see how Amazon has responded to market pressures, including changes that directly address specific weaknesses and threats. Additional overarching patterns I see are: Building brand trust (beyond anti-counterfeit measures), ranging from humanizing the brand for a softer corporate […]
Big retailers think small. As the 2020 holiday sales season kicks off, leading retailers seek nimble small businesses to give consumers what they want. Their relationships are mutually-beneficial … To stay competitive and solvent in a pandemic, small suppliers need an online presence, which they can achieve through retailers’ robust e-commerce and logistics infrastructure. As […]
At its core, brand trust is all about communication. Companies can gain a competitive advantage by embracing opportunities to share with honesty, empathy and transparency. Open communication can establish trust among consumers and employees, which makes brands more likely to: Win their business Earn their loyalty Retain top talent. How does your company build brand […]
The future of retail is online. This year’s global pandemic has made e-commerce a retail necessity to connect companies and consumers. More consumers now rely on online shopping for convenience, safety and time savings. Retailers and CPG brands invest in e-commerce (as well as tech and logistics partnerships) to overcome store closures and consumer reticence […]
Private label is on fire. McKinsey found 34% of consumers spent more on private label products during the pandemic, with 44% citing affordability and better value. CONSUMER BENEFITS:Product innovation, quality and affordability make store brands more enticing to consumers this year. RETAILER BENEFITS:Retailers gain greater control over supply chain processes and margins, and drive loyalty […]
Oh baby: Amazon is getting intimate with us. It could be the lockdown loneliness kicking in but I’m convinced that Amazon is the best date ever. Think about it, people: they’re seductive ninjas, subtly applying the 5 Love Languages (Gifts! Movies! Dinner!) to make us swoon. (Personally, I can’t wait until I can say, “Alexa, […]
According to Stats Canada, Canadians caused a 99% surge in online purchases between February and May, As e-commerce booms, here are some ways traditional sales seasons and retail strategies could change this year. Key success factors include: PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS:Prompt, reliable delivery and in-stock merchandise could make consumers more forgiving and loyal. (Advantage: Amazon) PHYSICAL STORES:BOPIS […]
This infographic’s alternative title could easily be Why Jeff Bezos Will be a Trillionaire Soon. Last week, Amazon went on a shopping spree to secure its retail tech supremacy and customer-centric continuous improvement to position the company to thrive now and after COVID-19. These investments show Amazon’s priorities range from delivering short-term consumer benefits to […]
Shopping habits shift: As we all know, panic in March led to out-of-stocks for items like flour, yeast and toilet paper as frenzied consumers prepared for the pandemic. Fortunately, consumers buying habits have since evolved, and diversified beyond grocery and pharmacy staples. This infographic shares some notable findings from recent consumption reports. A few trends […]
Today’s announcement of Walmart’s strategic partnership with e-commerce superstar Shopify is shaking up online shopping. Yet Shopify also recently made headlines for its collaboration with the launch of Facebook Shops, a social commerce platform that merges social media and shopping. WHY NOW? Now is the *perfect* time for these alliances because: Many consumers remain homebound […]
Consumers crave convenience: 2020 is boom time for grocery retailers with robust e-commerce infrastructures. That’s because COVID-19 has shaped how we shop: 3 billion global consumers were homebound, and many restaurants closed, sparking a surge in home cooking (World Economic Forum) $2.5 trillion, representing 35% of global food expenditures, is now up for grabs as […]
What keeps CEOs up at night: Coronavirus impact, global recession, and mass protests and movements for starters. As this PEST analysis shows, retail executives and their teams need to juggle a variety of complex market factors as they revise their 2020 strategies to navigate new risks. UPDATED Jan. 2021: 2021 Retail PEST Analysis Overarching themes […]
COVID-19 has changed the face of retail. This year’s pandemic has affected retail companies across channels and around the world. This infographic shows how global retailers – including Amazon, Sephora, Lululemon, Tesco, and Alibaba – are adapting to consumer needs and coronavirus complexities. Overall themes include: 1. PROTECTION: Keeping consumers and workers safe remains paramount. […]
Forget crowdless UFC matches – 2020’s biggest rumble is taking place between retail giants Amazon and Walmart. Their arena is today’s unrelenting market complexity, including economic and technological upheaval amid the coronavirus crisis. In this third and final piece in a series, we compare Walmart and Amazon’s enduring and pandemic-specific strategies to spot market opportunities […]
2020 SWOT analysis: Is Walmart winning? The world’s biggest retailer has shown surprising agility to serve consumers during the coronavirus crisis. The retailer boasts thousands of stores, robust e-grocery and enticing everyday low prices. Also, it’s not humanly possible to leave a Walmart store without spending at least $100. Is that enough to win in […]
Most retail companies are burning their 2020 business strategies. The coronavirus crisis has: – Left many independent retailers and brands insolvent– Prompted department store Neiman Marcus to file for bankruptcy last week – Shuttered storefronts and, earlier this year, Walgreens, Forever 21 and Sears had already closed several stores By contrast, Amazon is booming. Jeff […]
What Businesses Want (in a Pandemic)… Today’s devastating news that the U.S. jobless rate hit its highest level since the Great Depression (and Canada hit its second-highest level) proves how profoundly and swiftly COVID-19 has hurt businesses and talent. As more people compete for jobs, global research suggests corporate demand for specific skills cuts across […]
By investing $4 billion of operating profit into its COVID-19 plan, Amazon is setting itself up for spectacular success that will last far beyond the current coronavirus crisis. The funds will simultaneously improve internal weaknesses and counter external threats to address issues with consumers, critics and competitors. What do you think of Amazon’s approach? Related […]
Creativity conquers chaos: This year, agile companies have shown profound resilience by reinventing themselves in response to the coronavirus pandemic. From beer to fitness, many industries are filling consumption gaps with relevant solutions, including essential goods and technology. What other examples of responsiveness have you seen?
The coronavirus crisis has forced companies to adapt to new global market realities. Now marketing, communications and sales teams have an urgent opportunity to support their C-suites. They can collaborate to ensure their approach to messaging aligns with corporate goals to help their company survive this crisis and reduce risk. This framework can help your […]
Digital Renaissance: We’re in the midst of a massive, global shift toward the digital realm. Over the past two months, the coronavirus pandemic has sparked soaring demand for technology. The accelerated adoption of these innovations reflect 3 major trends: 1. PERVASIVE CHANGE Technology investments are revolutionizing the retail, healthcare, education, automotive, finance and fitness industries, […]
It’s Amazon’s time: The coronavirus crisis is Amazon’s opportunity. The e-commerce giant is brilliantly positioned for this moment. Key trends driving Amazon’s dominance right now: 1. GREATER CONTROL Vertical integration has given Amazon greater control of its supply chain processes, efficiencies and profitability. 2. DESIRABLE BENEFITS More consumers (and businesses) are turning to Amazon for […]
Recession-proof sectors: Although we’re all affected by profound changes due to the global coronavirus pandemic, certain industries are booming right now. Among the most resilient sectors, 3 trends stand out: 1. BASICS: Essential goods and services are most in demand. 2. ONLINE: More consumption and work are going digital. 3. CONNECTION: Isolated in our silos, […]
Delight your CEO (and make your competitors cry) by maximizing your marketing productivity in 2020. Create consumable content your audience craves by repurposing your existing detailed content. Keep it simple, save time and drive sales leads by working with what you’ve got.
The most effective content for sales balances left-brain logic (cold, objective facts) with right-brain emotion (warm, subjective feelings). Does your marketing appeal to your audience’s entire brain?
Content marketing trends to include in your 2019 and 2020 marketing strategies to sell to B2B buyers.
Proven marketing tips to stand out (even on a small budget!).
Match your message to your big picture.
Before you start drafting the content your next marketing campaign, make sure your message resonates and gets results. This handy resource for B2B and B2C marketing campaigns will help you ensure your content aligns with your strategy.
Create content your audience craves. Meaty content drives thought leadership; snackable content drives lead generation. How hungry is your audience for your message?
Even the dullest B2B topics can transform into riveting content your audience will actually want to read and share. These 3 proven tips can help.
What your audience wants: Add these popular types of content to your 2019 content marketing strategy.
Know your audience: That’s the powerful marketing lesson from Irish rock band U2’s current Joshua Tree tour. Consider the contrast … 2014: – U2 freely gave away their album, Songs of Innocence, to 500 million (!) iTunes users in part to woo younger listeners – Millennials and Gen Zs rejected the strategically altruistic move as […]
October is Small Business Month, so it’s the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate a thriving entrepreneurial trend: the rise of the freelance movement. In the past decade alone, technology, globalization and economic factors have empowered and inspired workers to leave the corporate world behind and establish their own freelance business. The freelancing community has […]
In May, e-commerce powerhouse Amazon announced it will open more physical stores, following the lead of online cosmetics brand Birchbox and online eyewear brand Warby Parker. Amid today’s retail disruption, the savviest retailers know superior customer experience (CX) is paramount to their success. E-commerce giants’ deliberate focus on CX has inspired their investments in omnichannel […]
How hungry is your audience? As most companies prepare for a busy Fall, it’s a good time to check if your marketing plan has any content gaps. For content your audience will devour, match your marketing to their hunger — and your objectives, such as: 🍎 Lead generation🍊Thought leadership🥑 A mix of both What type of […]