Lynne Bilenkey

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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It's not all Hype 🤖 Retail Week has named THG as one of the top 3 UK retailers leveraging adaptive AI! At THG, we've been using AI since 2016 to enhance customer experiences and streamline our processes way before all the hype. From smarter search functionalities to influencer revenue forecasting, we're seeing significant benefits across the board. Proud to be part of a team that's leading the way in AI innovation. Check out the report for exclusive insights from industry leaders and experts. #RetailInnovation #AdaptiveAI #THG #AIAdopters @RetailWeek

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My colleagues @Brian and @Catherine delve into the importance of practicality in Retail's AI-driven future. Emphasizing the significance of informed decisions based on tangible business advantages over unrealistic hype and speculation. Discover how pairing AI with practical strategies success.

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Groundbreaking AI Applications in Retail Shoptalk Some believe generative AI has the potential to transform the world on a par with the microchip or the world wide web; estimates suggest it could raise global GDP by over €6 trillion in the next decade. If 2023 was the year of experimentation with generative AI, 2024 will be the year companies start to expect some returns from their deployments of the technology. This session will feature three executives whose companies are leveraging generative AI in different ways. They'll share case study presentations detailing their experience and early learnings, providing concrete examples of ways the technology is shifting their businesses and ways of working. June 4th, 9-9:40 am, The Heart https://lnkd.in/dBqnz2qc See you there

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Seeing the remarkable success that live shopping has generated in China, U.S. retailers are eager to build out their own live shopping capacities to entice younger shoppers and deepen customer engagement. Although the live shopping category is expected to grow to $68 billion in the U.S. in just two years, translating the awareness that livestreams generate into conversions remains a challenge. In fact, in 2023, less than 15 percent of U.S. adults had made a purchase from a livestream shopping event. #liveshopping #retailinnovation

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Unlocking Personalized Shopping with AI: The Future of Retail In today's fast-paced retail landscape, customers expect more than just products—they crave personalized experiences. Enter AI-powered personalization, a game-changing solution that enables retailers to deliver individualized shopping journeys at scale. By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, retailers can now gain deep insights into customer preferences, behavior, and purchase history. This wealth of data empowers them to craft highly targeted product recommendations, customized offers, and seamless omnichannel experiences that resonate with each unique shopper. The result? Increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, revenue growth. At Barque & Star, we specialize in helping retailers harness the power of AI to transform their businesses and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. #RetailInnovation #PersonalizedShopping #AIinRetail #DataDrivenRetail #BarqueAndStar

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In this week's #ecommerce top stories: Nike and H&M shares fell after lower-than-expected quarterly earnings, while Amazon plans to launch a Shein-like discount store. This and more in your weekly roundup! #MexicoBusinessNews #MexicoBusiness #WeeklyRoundups

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In our whitepaper, "Redefining Retail: Crafting Your Journey Towards a Perfect Store Strategy," brands learn how to: - Evaluate perfect store success potential - Build a picture of success - Implement a scorecard system  - Create a field rep workflow and store tracker Download here: https://lnkd.in/eMAs5FNu

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Retail Today / Retail Renaissance: We are almost at the halfway point in 2024. What are the emerging trends? What retailers get it? #retailtrends Retailers that understand consumers are looking for “value”, not just price. BUT “low prices” still drive sales. It’s a “needs vs wants” environment, unless you can capture the aspirational shoppers attention. #lowprices RETAIL OVERVIEW: The retail industry is being driven by the “Big Three”, WALMART, AMAZON, COSTCO but watch TJX! #walmart #amazon #costco #tjx Home Improvement: HD and Lowes still off their Covid peak years. Ace Hardware with a flash of positive sales. #homedepot #lowes #acehardware Off-Price: This sector is on 🔥🔥🔥, getting stronger everyday. Ross, HomeGoods, Ollie’s, Burlington, Nordstrom Rack, etc… #ross #ollies #burlington #nordstromrack Mid-Tier Department Stores: Yes, Macy’s flashed some positive news but this sector is under tremendous pressure. Kohl’s, JCP and Macy’s are under attack from Fast-Fashion and they lost GenZ. #macys #jcpenny #kohls Speciality Retail: The good news, merchandise/product still matters! You can still make it a “wants” experience with the right product. Dick’s, Abercrombie, Hoka, Vuori, etc… There are hundreds of great brands driving sales through exciting products. #specialityretail Opportunity: Customers are focused on “value” but give them a compelling reason to buy, either through merchandise or experience, maybe both! #merchandise #product #retail #retailindustry #brandexperience #TopRetailExpert

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Retail is powered by data. The future of retail is digital. Retail success is dependent on positive customer engagement (digital and physical). If you believe the above statements, why - if you are a retailer - would you deliberately hand over to a third-party your customer engagement, a growing revenue stream, and a source of ever more important first-party data? Yet that’s just what retailers and wholesalers have done by signing on to Instacart’s retail media network. If I’m a retailer or wholesaler, I get it. Instacart is the ‘Easy Button’. A one-stop shop for outsourcing online shopping, digital shopper engagement, and retail media. Choosing a third-party like Instacart removes major headaches and resource commitments for retailers. So I don’t blame retailers and wholesalers for partnering with third-parties like Instacart. But at what cost? As Instacart and other third-party marketplaces grow their influence, traditional retailers will increasingly be delegated to simply putting products on the shelf. CPG marketing funds are rapidly evolving towards digital solutions. How long do you think it will be before traditional trade promotion dollars will be dependent on digital capabilities like sophisticated targeting, digital engagement in the store, and digital offer delivery managed across a growing number of channels? All things Instacart is able to provide. So I get it. Grocery retail is incredibly tactical, the need to obsessively control operating expenses to eke out a profit. Thinking strategically and longer-term is a luxury that many retailers and wholesalers do not have. And I have to give Instacart credit. They saw a market opportunity and went after it, pivoting along the way to provide a growing array of tech solutions to retailers in addition to creating and growing their retail media network. Yet as we accelerate up and out technology’s exponential growth curve, that historical tactical focus, putting out the brush fires to survive another day, becomes increasingly dangerous. And understanding that we now live in a world that has never before existed, a world of exponential change, is now imperative for survival. That’s why I wrote Bionic Retail, my latest book. To help the retail industry understand that it is now in a new world and many of the old rules no longer apply. Succeeding in the exponential world requires new thinking and deliberately letting go of many past practices, processes, and beliefs that increasingly constrain retail and innovation. Maybe the ‘Easy Button’ isn’t going to be so easy after all. The Shelby Report ROFDA Instacart #grocery #groceryretail #grocerystrategy #grocerytech #groceryinnovation #retail #retailtech #retailstrategy #retailinnovation #CPG #CPGinnovation #retailmedianetworks #RMN #supermarket Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) https://lnkd.in/gH93nm3A

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Saturday, June 15: 📦 Kohl's is introducing a Return Drop service to stores nationwide: in addition to its Amazon partnership, the department store will now accept returns from brands like Carhartt, Hanes and Levi’s. 🎯 Target's total US retail market share, including online and store sales, has shrunk in categories that generate over 60% of its revenue. An indication the chain needs to work harder to retain customers. 👖 Superdry has avoided insolvency after shareholders voted to approve a £10m equity raise underwritten by chief executive Julian Dunkerton. The fashion brand said the deal provides enough liquidity of a turnaround. 👚 Secondhand apparel marketplace ThredUp is continuing to experiment with charging sellers a fee to send in items, as part of a strategy to fill its marketplace with higher-quality items. 5️⃣ Five Below’s net sales surpassed $3.5 billion in 2023, more than double five years ago. Despite an impressive few years of growth, things have taken a turn for the worse in 2024 and stock fell to a year low in the first week of June. 👗 Torrid CEO Lisa Harper said during an earnings call that the company is evaluating its brick-and-mortar footprint and wants to move to a 50-50 split between mall-based and non-mall locations in the future. 🕹️ Over the past two years, Hasbro has suffered from weaker toy demand, leading to layoffs and declining sales. But analysts at BofA said Wall Street hasn’t appreciated the potential of the toy maker’s digital-gaming business. ⛽️ Exactly two years ago Friday, gasoline prices peaked at a record of $5.02 a gallon nationally. Gas prices today are not cheap – but they are miles away from that point with the he national average for regular gas at $3.46 a gallon. 🚙 Advance Auto Parts said a hacker had accessed and was selling certain data that may contain Social Security numbers of job applicants and employees. 📉 US consumer sentiment fell for the third consecutive month in June, as Americans expressed concerns about their finances and persistent inflation, as per a University of Michigan survey. 🚫 SHEIN has unexpectedly canceled its upcoming pop-up store in Perth, Australia, scheduled for June 21 at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre, just weeks before a new tax on fast fashion items takes effect. 🇶🇦 With Eid al-Adha approaching, retailers in Qatar are offering a wide range of promotions and discounts to attract shoppers. Discounts of up to 50% are being offered on clothing, shoes, accessories, and watches. 🏬 Thai retailer Central Group has agreed to acquire the remaining assets of KaDeWe Group, a chain of landmark department stores in Germany. 🐖 American hog farmers are betting on cash-strapped consumers to drive demand for pork as beef prices surge. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆!🎉🎉 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝑮𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑 delves into the heart of the topics that really matter in retail. I take a magnifying glass🔍to compelling topics pulled from my podcast episodes, media contributions, and those of industry leaders, expanding on key points and ideas that deserve a closer look.🥸 Inaugural article: 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞🚩A recent RetailWire article asked the burning question: Are flagship stores necessary for retail brands? I pointed out that flagships aren't a must-have for every brand, but they sure are a nice-to-have for many. Flagships are a fantastic way for brands to take control of customer experience, own the brand story, and show off the latest and greatest in-store tech.  𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄 https://lnkd.in/gpcn2Gmp

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📰🔥 Hot off the press: Daniel's Jewelers enjoys robust return on investment after deploying RetailNext technology! "We leverage AI-powered in-store analytics to enhance the customer experience by providing retailers with deep insights into shopper behavior," said Joe Shasteen, our Global Manager of Advanced Analytics, in conversation with Judy Mottl via Retail Customer Experience. David Sherwood, CEO of Daniel's Jewelers, also joined the conversation to discuss our partnership and how we’ve been able to expand Daniel’s Jewelers' brick-and-mortar presence by accurately measuring the impact of digital advertising on in-store foot traffic 👣 Our technology's invaluable insights have had a direct impact on this mainstay brand's customer experience 🙌 Now, customers get the personalized, attentive assistance they need exactly when they need it most.  Read the full article 👉 https://lnkd.in/dwJQUjEb Check out our case study 👉 https://lnkd.in/dg-gKJ-i #Retail #AI #Data #RetailTech #AdvancedAnalytics

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According to recent ISCS report, consumers have an eye on value for Back to School shopping. Discount stores remain the most popular type of retailer for back-to-school shopping for 7-in-10 consumers. Read on below for more insights from Chain Store Age's Marianne Wilson: https://lnkd.in/gkjZwPKS

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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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In today's retail landscape, the fusion of online and brick-and-mortar shopping experiences has become the norm. Customers can seamlessly choose between digital platforms and physical stores, demanding convenience and efficiency at every turn. However, for smaller retail players, navigating this omnichannel terrain poses unique challenges. Enter the Omnichannel Order Management System (OMS) – a solution for businesses of all sizes that is customized to streamline operations and ensure a seamless retail journey from click to doorstep. Whether you're a growing mid-sized enterprise, the benefits of an OMS are undeniable; it offers scalability, cost-efficiency, and most importantly, a competitive edge in today's retail. With an OMS in place, retailers can effortlessly track inventory in real-time and deliver premium customer experiences at every touchpoint. Ready to revolutionize your retail game? Dive into HotWax Commerce's blog and discover how Omnichannel OMS can elevate your business to new heights. https://hubs.la/Q02wH2WH0 #ShoppingandtheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #Retail #Omnichannel #OrderManagementSystem

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In today's retail landscape, the fusion of online and brick-and-mortar shopping experiences has become the norm. Customers can seamlessly choose between digital platforms and physical stores, demanding convenience and efficiency at every turn. However, for smaller retail players, navigating this omnichannel terrain poses unique challenges. Enter the Omnichannel Order Management System (OMS) – a solution for businesses of all sizes that is customized to streamline operations and ensure a seamless retail journey from click to doorstep. Whether you're a growing mid-sized enterprise, the benefits of an OMS are undeniable; it offers scalability, cost-efficiency, and most importantly, a competitive edge in today's retail. With an OMS in place, retailers can effortlessly track inventory in real-time and deliver premium customer experiences at every touchpoint. Ready to revolutionize your retail game? Dive into HotWax Commerce's blog and discover how Omnichannel OMS can elevate your business to new heights. https://hubs.la/Q02z4jyG0 #ShoppingadntheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #Retail #Omnichannel #OrderManagementSystem

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Introducing the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Omnichannel Retailers". Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Stephen R. Covey, we've curated a comprehensive guide to help retailers elevate their omnichannel retail game in 2024. These habits serve as a roadmap to navigate today's complex #retail landscape. From proactive inventory management to optimizing delivery speed, these strategies hold the key to transforming your business operations. Dive into HotWax Commerce's blog post to uncover these highly effective habits and unlock the potential to the best #omnichannel retailer in the industry. https://hubs.la/Q02t2sDK0 #ShoppingandtheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #InventoryManagement

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I felt a creative & analytical jolt thinking of Super Smalls: Expanding their made for kids accessories into the beauty category The kids market is evolving, and Super Smalls founded by Maria Duenas Jacobs, the beloved kids accessories brand, is taking note. As the younger generation increasingly dominates retailers like SEPHORA and Ulta Beauty, Super Smalls is set to expand its offering into the beauty realm. Maria Dueñas Jacobs shared the exciting story with Glossy's Sara Spruch-Feiner. As a retail strategist, I applaud Super Smalls' move and have a few recommendations to help them maximize this opportunity: 1. Strong Digital Presence: It's encouraging to see that Super Smalls has already added Beauty to their site's navigation, making it easily discoverable. Building on this, updating the "Shop All" section to include Beauty would further solidify their commitment to this new venture. 2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): While Super Smalls appears in the sponsored shopping scroll when searching for "kids beauty," ranking higher in organic search results would significantly boost their discoverability. Optimizing their website and content for relevant keywords like "kids beauty" and "children's makeup" could be a game-changer. 3. Strategic Collaborations: Partnering with established beauty brands could be a powerful way to enhance Super Smalls' visibility and credibility in the kids' beauty space. A collaboration with a beloved brand like The Walt Disney Company (building on their previous partnership) or MERIT could be a winning move. Imagine a Cinderella Beauty collection for Halloween or a kids' kit inspired by Merit's signature pouch design but in Super Smalls' brand colors. Not only would it be a delightful offering, but it would also instill confidence in the ingredients and quality. The idea of incorporating play brushes, lip balms, and compact-style containers or the blush pots Merit style filled with adhesive gems could blend the fun and whimsy of childhood with the allure of beauty products. Additionally, taking inspiration from Merit's Day Glow highlighter and Glow Serum could add a touch of sophistication to the kids' line and be empowering for kids playing. Super Smalls' expansion into beauty is a strategic move that caters to the evolving interests of their young audience. By fortifying their digital presence, optimizing for search engines, and exploring collaborative opportunities, they can position themselves as a leader in the burgeoning kids' beauty market that is all about play and pretend.

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