Eric Blanchette

Walmart needs to be careful and not lose focus on their main business engine. See more below: MediaPost has a story about how Walmart "is poised to become a non-retail powerhouse." Not that its retail business is taking a back seat to its other initiatives, but the story says that a new report from Deutsche Bank says that Walmart is "gathering steam from alternative value streams, which are boosting revenue and pumping up profits. Specifically, Walmart is doing well in five pools of opportunity within the ecommerce world, including Walmart Connect, its retail media network, membership fees, marketplace transactions, fulfillment services, and data monetization." Advertising, MediaPost writes, "is a significant component" - a $3.4 billion business growing as much as 25 percent annually and contributing 70 percent to margin. Krisztina Katai, an analyst who follows Walmart for Deutsche Bank, writes in an investment letter that management has defined these five new value streams as "key drivers in the underlying transformation of the business."

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At this point we've all heard of “shrinkflation,” but a new trend is now facing the #grocery and #retail sectors that marks a significant shift in the way we approach retail marketing and pricing strategies. “Upflation” aims to reclaim sales by introducing innovative uses for existing products -- at premium prices. Confession: I don't know how they're different, but I do love the dog wipes for my beloved canine :)   Upflation is more than just a pricing strategy; it's a response to changing #consumer preferences, where cost-consciousness and a desire for value are paramount. Great reporting by Bloomberg’s Leslie Patton and Deena Shanker about a topic we should all be keeping a close eye on:    https://lnkd.in/dhkhC-sN  

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Insightful article in C-Store Dive about how retailers can manage loiterers and which solutions are effective but not inhumane. In my discussions with retail leaders, they're concerned with how to keep their stores safe and inviting for workers and customers. However, they know it's also important to act respectfully and kindly to those hanging out around their properties and have compassion for them. They want to know about the best mix of solutions available to address the issue. I agree with Rodney Gray from March Networks who said: "Too much prevention can kill a business and too little can." As c-stores try to figure out the right solution balance, it's also vital to develop a comprehensive strategy to address their store and the community's unique situation. As you build the plan, keep in mind information that will help future-proof it, including: -Knowing local laws and ordinances -Aligning with corporate headquarters on policies -Auditing employee training  -Partnering with other local retailers. By making your tech solution selection part of the overall strategy, you will be more successful in creating a safe and welcoming environment for your shoppers and associates. Read more of my thoughts in the full article. I’m curious about your take on the topic. https://lnkd.in/gTmNuvp2

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Retail sales increased in August amid ongoing consumer demand and slowing inflation https://lnkd.in/e8gM25nP Core retail sales (excluding restaurants, autos and gasoline) rose 0.17% month-over-month in August and up 1.93% year-over-year #retail Chain Store Age

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Are your district and regional leaders ready to address the ongoing change and uncertainty of the retail industry? Now, more than ever, your leaders need to be equipped with the leadership behaviors that get to the core of retail results. MOHR Retail can help. Our upcoming Retail Multi-unit Leadership (RML) course is grounded in national retail research and shares the skills and strategies needed to meet today’s retail demands and build a culture that prioritizes trust, resilience, inclusivity, and safety. The next session starts September 10, so learn more through the document below, then get in touch with me if you have questions. #LearnMOHR #RetailTraining #RetailLeadership

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At Flywheel Sourcing, we know that understanding how younger generations navigate the shopping experience and spend their money is essential to developing products that are relevant to new generations of buyers. Consumer needs and values differ across generations, and their purchases reflect that. Connecting with younger generations of shoppers will require different strategies than reaching their parents did. Product development for consumers under 40 requires a new set of considerations. In our most recent blog, we’ll explore what’s important to today’s young shoppers and what to consider when developing products geared toward this demographic. Product Development for Consumers Under 40: What’s Important to Younger Shoppers? — Flywheel https://bit.ly/3JjSgVw

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