Pitchfork NZ

It's nearly Christmas (seriously) and if you're not ready yet - you JUST might squeek in for Q4 activity. Check out the fresh new Retail Rookie newsletter - and get the tips you need to succeed at this critical time of year.

When it comes to shelf ready pack design you can’t go past Costco for best in class examples. All product has to arrive pallet stacked and ready for display, which means working out how to have it shoppable from all sides, easy to spot in the giant aisles, and make the most of the massive brand footprint you have available. If you’re considering selling here, then make sure you’re ready for it and brief your designer on how to design for best impact. It’s worth it.

Its tomorrow!! The Rookie guide to profit, margin, market analysis and more... we'll be diving into what they are, what to look at and how you can use them in your business. There's three main sets of data to tackle that YOU can access no matter your size. I'll also talk about a few lower cost options to help make better business decisions... no hard sell - promise!! 💸 Internal data = Commercial models & margin 🔢 Retailer data = Scan data 📅 Market data = Marketing, brand & more The webinar is recorded and the full presentation is available to anyone who signs up - so you can still get the learning even if you can't make it along. Email me hello@retailrookie.co.nz to get sent an invite See you there!

The recent demise of Supie and Sunfed have some in the industry calling out investors and their high expectations for short-term results in an industry that is often anything BUT fast-moving. Working with brands that are making the transition from self-funded to seeking investment, I see huge hurdles in terms of understanding growth projections which are NOT hockey sticks - and often impacted by the handbrake of slow & irregular retailer category review timetables. The challenges of growing food & beverage based brands can't be underestimated: ❗ Long leadtimes for retailer reviews and supply chain ❗ High compliance hurdles ❗ Large MOQ from co-packers/ contract manufacters ❗ Shelf life juggling to meet retailer requirements This doesn't mean it can't be done.... what it DOES mean is that its vital for founders to do the work upfront to be clear on growth projections, assumptions, cashflow forecasts and where investment is most needed. The story of Supie and Sunfed are (much) bigger than purely investment issues and reflect the small shallow pond of NZ retail when it comes to niche propositions. We are NOT the USA, we don't have their scale - so we need to plan accordingly. Working at the cross-over of commercial & marketing is our sweet spot, and always keen to talk to people working in this space. https://lnkd.in/gsjyvY2t

Understanding WHY people buy from your brand, WHO your core audience are (not who you wish they were) and WHAT your core competence is - are the components of a truly sustainable business. While Allbirds may have lost their way in the last few years, there IS a chance for them to refocus and get back on track.

OFF TO A FAST START? or are you looking at a blank calendar and trying to work out what to to do nail your goals in retail in 2024?? Timing is everything in Retail. Its more than making sure you turn up to a meeting on time; it can be the difference between success and at worst, being deleted when it comes to dealing with Retailers. So why the focus on timing so much? Well, when you’ve got up to 20,000 different items on the shelf in a supermarket, and more in the central distribution centres, you need ALL parts to work in harmony. Profitability is based on having the right products, at the right price, in the right place, at the right time. If you're trying to work out HOW to get ready for the year, then check out our top tips: 📣 If you’re launching new products, start talking to the Category Manager for your ideal category as soon as you can. 🗓 Look at your launch plan, find out as much as you can on Retailer key dates & deadlines and start planning ahead a long time BEFORE you think you need to. 🗓Check out your Retailers websites to see if they publish important dates, or can give you guidelines on how to become a new Supplier. We've got links to everything 🗓 Get on top of your calendar and planner. 👀 Don't get distracted by shiny things that take time for no return. Just because 'everyone' is doing it, doesn't mean you need to do it too... if it doesn't align with your goals, then its a 'NO'. = = = Planning is my superpower and there's nothing I love more than working with clients and brands to get their plan sorted, and focus on the big things that move the needle. 💌 💌 Email or DM me to find out how I can help YOU get unstuck and ready to GO GO GO in 2024 https://lnkd.in/gNf-2M9G

SPEND WISELY... The retailers are coming for (more of) your advertising budget, as Precision Media and Cartology ramp up their media packages heading into 2024. For brands and business trying to work out where best to invest, and understand potential considerations - then you MUST read Mike Anthony's article below. Its an excellent guide on all things to consider, how to evaluate what to spend where, and a great thought starter. As a fan of mapping the TOTAL path to purchase for shoppers from out of home to the shelf - and beyond - I'm all for retailer media done at the right time, place and target. Not all shoppers are your consumers (petfood, babyfood are key examples here) and behaviour instore is very different to at home. If you're feeling stuck on your investment plan for 2024, then get in touch. We've personally delivered record-breaking growth through limited funds and creating integrated media plans. 📬 Get your money working in the right way - read Mike - and drop me a DM. Scott Bovaird Rachel Faulkner Sherrelle Smith Consulting - Contracting - Project Manager Louise Srhoj Carl Edkins Neill Arnold Chanel Clark Thought you might find this a good read