Rarely Heard Voices’ Post

The in-house model continues to thrive for #retail brands in 2024. With Boots, John Lewis, M&S, as well as WDC client Sainsburys, all investing in their in-house teams, albeit with different approaches. Campaign asks leaders why retail is embracing and expanding #inhouse capabilities. A big theme is the importance of strong, trusting relationships 👫; both internally cross function and externally with agency partners. Something I wholeheartedly support... Because its usually in-house AND external agency partners, not OR. https://lnkd.in/gQGb7E7f

#FlashbackFriday As I flip through past featured articles, one thing stands out: the staying power of essential retail. Back in 2007, investors were upping the ante in net lease properties, with heavy hitters like CVS and ShopKo leading the charge. CVS’s $1.3 billion sale-leaseback for 340 pharmacies and ShopKo’s $815 million deal for 178 locations were game-changing moments, showcasing just how solid essential retail investments can be. Fast forward to today, and we’re still seeing this strategy pay off. We recently closed the sale of an Advanced Auto in the Northeast, and it’s a clear reminder that, no matter how much the market shifts, essential retail remains a cornerstone of smart, long-term investment portfolios. Some things never go out of style—investing in essential retail is one of them. #NetLease #EssentialRetail #RetailRealEstate #CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Blastfromthepast #CREInvesting #PortfolioInvesting #AY

Boisson was created to make it easier for consumers to discover and learn about non-alcoholic beverage brands. Founder Nicholas Bodkins had a vision where Boisson was “the Sephora of NA,” bringing together the power of an immersive #ecommerce experience, neighborhood-style stores with passionate employees, and a #wholesale strategy that drove growth for new brands.     #DTC and #CPG communities were recently shocked to learn that Boisson was filing for bankruptcy protection, undergoing a massive restructuring and immediately shuttering its stores. But make no mistake, the brand is still very much alive, focusing now on ecommerce and wholesale. And regardless, Bodkins’ vision, and the innovation that occurred within the Boisson business, showed what is truly possible for the NA market. Listen to this episode of #RetailRemix to:     -Hear Nick’s perspective on the evolving NA market;  -Learn how Boisson is thinking long-term about wholesale distribution and growth;  -Get insights on how the VC market could influence the current state, and future, of NA; and   -Understand why Boisson’s approach to brick-and-mortar was so innovative—and what your brand can learn from it. https://lnkd.in/e-i85yky

The Kmart Australia story: leading through transformation Managing Director of Kmart Group Australia, Ian Bailey was joined on stage by Michelle Evans, Global Lead of Retail and Digital Consumer Insights, Euromonitor International. Ian explained how Kmart Australia had “doubled down” on their clarity of purpose and innovation, to develop a strategic blueprint and operational architecture to transform its business model – essentially moving it from a traditional discount chain to an innovative, modern, hybrid retailer. This session offered takeaways on how to overcome barriers, challenge the status quo, perspectives on leadership and adopt technology solutions to empower organisations. Ian spoke about Kmart’s trajectory – a discount retailer that started in 1969 – which in many ways emulated Kmart US back then. However, today, Kmart Australia has become a very different business...... https://bit.ly/3S3duuK Ian Bailey | Kmart Australia Limited Michelle Evans | Euromonitor International #Australia #Business #Retail Via retail.org.au

Check out branding expert Marc Stoiber's comments about Starbucks' product positioning as an excellent example of offering a complete product experience. Marc builds brands investors love. Watch his workshop to learn how: https://lnkd.in/gcsMmPmH #productpositioning #Starbucks #brandexperience #brandsinvestorslove

Behind the Retail Curtain During a conversation with the owner of a successful FMCG brand, I encountered an insightful analogy that resonated deeply. The founder, a passionate foodie, likened the entire business to a vada pav. He explained that the two sides of the pav represent the retailer and the manufacturer. Yet, what truly makes the vada pav delicious is the vada itself, nestled between the pav, often unseen. Similarly, in this business, the distributor is the unseen element that brings everything together, ensuring the success of the entire operation. Reflecting on my own journey in retail, I realized that some of our most significant successes have been with brands where the retailer had a strong rapport with the distributor. Despite numerous operational challenges between brands, retailers, and distributors, it was often the distributor who went above and beyond their duties to support the retailer. I recall instances during Onam when a retailer procured festive specialties just for us, or when a distributor secured exclusive brand availability, giving us a competitive edge. The founder’s suggestion to conduct exit interviews for distributors resonated with me deeply. Just like with valued employees, understanding the pain points and reasons for a distributor's departure can provide invaluable insights into the health of the company. It is a testament to the essential role that distributors play in the FMCG ecosystem. So, next time you bite into a vada pav, remember the unsung hero that is the vada—our beloved distributor. #retail  #FMCG #distributor I blog @ https://lnkd.in/gsxSAGNy

Consolidation is a key growth driver for many UK retailers, with Frasers Group, Boohoo Group PLC and Next leading the way. But what does this mean for the end customer? While shareholders may be celebrating a nearly 500% rise in Frasers Group's share price in the past 5 years (see below), we must ask ourselves if a single group can keep different brands distinct and offer specific customer experiences. Will all portfolio brands survive? And at what point does this become monopolistic and to the detriment of the end customer? Let's discuss. #retail #ukretail #marketing #digitalcommerce

Check out branding expert Marc Stoiber's comments about Starbucks' product positioning as an excellent example of offering a complete product experience. Marc builds brands investors love. Watch his workshop to learn how: https://lnkd.in/gjmf3fa5 #productpositioning #Starbucks #brandexperience #brandsinvestorslove

They say retail is a zero-sum game; somebody can only win market share if somebody else loses it. So, the news this week that Ulta Beauty plans to open 400 new stores over the next several years is a brilliant share grab to take the business that will soon be in play as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid close thousands of their locations. This is not a direct apples-to-mascara trade-off; Ulta tends to track a little more upmarket than the drug chains, but still, they will absolutely pick up business lost by all that downsizing. The fact that Ulta has figured out the physical store business — and the big drug chains have not — tells you all you need to know about this TRR Retail Hit of the Week. #BeautyIndustry #RetailRealEstate #RetailNews

News Alert: 7-Eleven is CLOSING 400 Stores! (Oct 11, 2024) Breaking News: 7-Eleven is OPENING 500 Stores! (Oct 26, 2024) The take away - 1. Always read past the headlines. 2. Any nimble, successful retailer will both open and close stores. 3. Pay attention to the corporate financials and trajectory of the brand #retailrealestate #iaconocre #nnn #karlyiacono