ON ROAD’s Post

Not many retailers can stir such a buzz about a billboard advertising their location over four hundred miles away, but #Buccees is different! A sign appeared on I-96 near Grand Rapids, advertising a location 444 miles away – their location in Richmond, KY. Many on social media are now theorizing that this may be a ploy to hint at a potential future location in Michigan. So, what makes Buc-cee’s so great? Anyone that’s been to one will chat your ear off for as long as you’ll let them. And yes, I am one of those people! Imagine a gas station married a Wal-Mart and had a baby. That is what a Buc-cee’s is! But, whatever you do, do not confuse it with a Truck Stop. Afterall, no trucks are allowed! Personal vehicles only. My family and I have made plenty of road trips from Michigan to Florida, and we plan our stops around Buc-cee’s. They have the most food options available. They have some great shopping. They’re bathrooms are the nicest and cleanest.  They have plenty of grassy areas for those traveling with pets. And don’t even get me started on their “Jerky Wall”. You can buy everything from beef brisket to a grill and grilling accessories to make your own brisket. Want the hottest seasonal Buc-cee's themed home goods? Or matching swimsuits for the whole family? Buc-cee's has it all! For a family with an infant and a toddler (and have sometimes travelled with our dog), Buc-cee’s is the best place to stop. Everyone can stretch their legs, refuel, and get something to entertain them for the rest of the trip. I’ll never forget a billboard of theirs I saw during the height of the Pandemic “Risk it for the Brisket”. No matter your socio-political stances, that is funny! At minimum, it is unforgettable and stirs conversation. All with just 5 words. Their advertising and merchandising are top notch. My niece who has never been to a Buc-cee’s refused to go anywhere without her Buc-cee’s stuffy for months on end! We had to get her a second just in case something happened to it. Rumor is their building a location by Dayton, OH which would be the next closest location after their Richmond, KY location. We can only hope that Michigan is next on the list! https://lnkd.in/g3ZGE429

#innovation continues to roll out of The Shoprite Group of Companies. As a #marketleader in the same day delivery space, continued innovation ensures not only maintaining marketshare but growth of their space in this space. A lesson all our #retails could learn. #retail #brand #brandinnovation

Really pleased to read this news as reported by James Young in Business Matters Magazine … Homebase is set to return in a slimmed-down format after the DIY chain’s collapse last month, with its new owner CDS confirming plans to reopen 70 former stores under the Range Superstores banner. Each outlet will preserve the Homebase name in garden centre sections, and some will also incorporate Homebase-branded kitchen departments. CDS, founded by ex-market trader Chris Dawson, intends to launch the first three converted stores on 17 January in Pollokshaws (Glasgow), Christchurch (Bournemouth) and Kings Heath (Birmingham), followed by 10 new openings per month from February. Headquartered in Plymouth, the privately owned retailer operates around 220 sites in the UK and Ireland under the Range and Wilko brands. Homebase’s online presence will come under CDS’s control in early 2025, and Teneo – the administrator of the defunct chain – is seeking buyers for 49 outlets not included in the deal. During the transition, those remaining stores will continue trading under the Homebase name. Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS, said: “We’re fully committed to retaining the best of Homebase’s heritage while introducing the broader product range and value that customers expect from us as the Range.” The Homebase acquisition comes on the heels of CDS’s purchase of the Wilko brand in September 2023, after the budget homeware retailer fell into administration. CDS has since opened seven Wilko stores, primarily on high streets and in shopping centres, and plans further locations next year. However, targets to open 40 Wilko outlets this year have been scaled back due to tough competition in the discount retail sector and challenges in finding suitable premises. Industry observers suggest the dual acquisitions of wilko and Homebase could prime CDS for a stock market debut, a step it explored but later abandoned some years ago. Simpkin says the company’s “substantial investments in infrastructure” have prepared it for the “next phase of growth.” He adds that the group is well positioned financially to expand into hundreds of potential sites, moving beyond the more traditional retail parks favoured by the Range to test a variety of store formats and locations. … nice job Alexander Simpkin. Join us from January 12-14, 2025, in NYC to explore how IBM is transforming retail at Booth #4639. More here: https://lnkd.in/dzY42Bmf. See you there! #TheCPGGeek #IBMRetail #IBMConsumer #FMCG #ConsumerGoods #Luxury #Fashion #Retail #Proud #RethinkRetailTopExpert #NRFRetailVoice RETHINK Retail #RethinkRetail National Retail Federation #NRF

Exciting news in the retail industry as Yeti, the renowned outdoor cooler, drinkware, and bag retailer based in Austin, is ready to forge new horizons. The company has announced the grand opening of its first New York City store, slated for Manhattan’s sophisticated Flatiron District on the 4th of April. In interpreting this news from a strategic standpoint: • The company continuing its geographic expansion into NYC, aside from being a growth imperative, also surfaces as a definitive marker of the brand's ambition. • Yeti's move to NYC, a flourishing urban hub, affirms that it is intentionally expanding beyond its established base of outdoor enthusiasts to capture new market niches. Oftentimes, a move of this nature embodies more than just an incremental addition to the firm's store count. Analyzing deeper into Yeti's strategic positioning: • Yeti’s choice of Manhattan’s Flatiron District, a factor fraught with significance, underscores discretely their attempt to build a more cosmopolitan consumer image. • Co-opting a city-centric store in their retinue reveals an attempt to court urban users, hence potentially diversifying its demographics. This, is not just about establishing a brick-and-mortar presence in NYC; it's also a statement about crafting a robust operational footprint and demonstrating brand feasibility across varied geographies. Looking forward, some educated predictions: • Yeti's daring venture might elicit initial spectator curiosity, which makes strong initial sales plausible. • The company could bask in earning augmented visibility from city-dwelling influencers and tourists alike, impacting positively on digital and word-of-mouth marketing. • However, continuous heat will persist on Yeti to uphold its hard-earned branding and persona in this new milieu. Maintaining product integrity and customer satisfaction amid scaling operations will be crucial. Overall, I foresee Yeti's New York City venture as an audacious, insightful strategy paved with both bounty and challenges. It's going to be interesting to watch this strategy unfold!

Recent Shopping News Shops: In November, LVMH’s Louis Vuitton and the owner of Le Coucou, an upscale French restaurant in New York City, opened an elegant eatery within the designer’s Manhattan store. In March, Coach launched its first restaurant in Jakarta, while earlier this month, Armani opened a European-style Ristorante on Madison Avenue. Additionally, in December, Alaïa debuted a café and bookstore at its flagship location in London. Trend: According to Forrester, 20% of millennial and Gen Z adults in the U.S. are interested in the sport, compared to only 8% of Gen X. Podcast ad campaigns: The number of podcast ad campaigns featuring a visual component has increased by 23% over the past 12 months, according to measurement provider Podscribe. TikTok Shop: TikTok Shop’s user-friendly interface and casual aesthetic have fostered an environment for social commerce, which has struggled to gain traction in the U.S., as noted by Dan Frommer, founder of The New Consumer. However, TikTok shoppers still spend significantly more on platforms like Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart. Additionally, TikTok faces trust issues that are common in the online shopping landscape. A survey found that over a quarter of TikTok users who have not purchased anything from TikTok Shop do not trust the platform with their credit card information. Furthermore, 24% expressed doubts about the quality of the products, and 14% felt that the prices seemed too good to be true. Reference: “Technology Is Shaping New Buying Trends” The Wall Street Journal 27 Dec 2024 BY KATIE DEIGHTON

"Elegant Talks & Warm Wraps" Pop-Up Store! My key takeaways from an inspiring experience for #WomeninBusinessPost. Last week, I had the pleasure of organizing the #StolesbyBella event at #Egro in collaboration with selena pellegrini. It was an experience full of insights. 1. Fantastic Experience with Face-to-Face Customer Interaction: Engaging with customers after prolonged online interactions was gratifying. The immediacy of their feedback, the personal connections, and the opportunity to understand their needs reinforced the value of direct communication. It reminded me of the irreplaceable human element in business. Also, the importance of the sensorial experience when selling. Seeing and touching the natural bamboo fibre stoles and having the pleasure of trying them at the Personalization BAR makes the shopping experience quintessential. 2. The Power of Networking The event was a melting pot of dynamic individuals from diverse industries. Networking in such a vibrant environment opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations. It underscored the importance of stepping out from behind our screens and making real-world connections that can propel our businesses forward, which is vital for entrepreneurs. 3. Building a Community Around Sustainability: One of the most heartening aspects was the shared commitment to sustainability. Conversations were rich with ideas on integrating sustainable practices into our businesses and everyday lifestyles. This sense of community and shared purpose is crucial as we strive to impact the planet positively. 4. Exploring the Value of Pop-Up Shops The market is precious. Many big brands use pop-up stores to try and test new products with real customers. The direct feedback loop is invaluable for refining products and strategies, making pop-up shops a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. As an online entrepreneur, exploring face-to-face sales channels through pop-up shops was valuable. This approach helped me expand my customer base, interact directly with customers, and understand their preferences and feedback firsthand. Attending and organizing this event was a powerful reminder of why I love my work. It's the people we meet, the relationships we build, the collective strides we make towards a more sustainable business, and even more when you sell a natural product like bamboo natural fibre stoles from #StolesbyBella. If you want to attend the virtual online pop-up, please join https://lnkd.in/eDr23Bpr and use promo code EGRO10 when checking out. Thank you, selena pellegrini for hosting us Connect, Lean In and Share Want to know more? Please join the conversation or read the links. https://lnkd.in/dAkCY5nC https://lnkd.in/ddpauyJT https://lnkd.in/di5Cb9wE #stolesbybella #Networking #retailExperience #womeninfashion #femalefounders #innovation #femaleentrepreneurs #sustianability

One of the biggest challenges with retail is the high costs and high barrier to entry for younger, earlier stage businesses - yet retail is absolutely vital to their growth; Reaching new shoppers, retention, increasing loyalty and engagement.

TL;DR: Through April 30, you can grab a 1-year membership to Sam’s Club for only $14. Navigating the grocery aisles has become a wallet-wrenching ordeal, so much so that there’s now a term for the dread it inspires: the supermarket scaries. With food prices hitting the roof, the age-old advice of cooking a home and resisting Postmates doesn’t quite cut it anymore. Maybe it’s high time to rethink where you shop — like opting for a warehouse club where your dollar stretches further. Lucky for you, a 1-year membership to Sam’s Club costs only $14 through April 30. If you’ve never been a Sam’s Club member, or at least haven’t been one in the past six months, now’s the time to snatch up a membership. With nearly 600 locations nationwide, a Sam’s Club membership can help you save on your essentials by allowing you to score groceries, home products, electronics, clothes, jewelry, appliances, and more at top-notch quality. They also love throwing extra discounts into the mix so your savings could stack up even more. But the perks don’t stop at pantry staples. Sam’s Club members also get to enjoy discounts on recreational items, including hotel bookings, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. Looking to save on gas? You can pay less at the pump at select locations. Car trouble? You’ll get complimentary flat tire repairs, battery tests, and wiper blade installations. And as a cherry on top, you can even share a free membership with someone in your household to spread the savings and kick supermarket scaries to the curb. Mashable Deals Stretch your dollar further with a 1-year membership to Sam’s Club. It normally costs $50, but through April 30, you can grab it on sale for only $14. StackSocial prices subject to change. var facebookPixelLoaded = false; window.addEventListener('load', function(){ document.addEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript); document.addEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript); }) function facebookPixelScript() { if (!facebookPixelLoaded) { facebookPixelLoaded = true; document.removeEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript); document.removeEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','//https://lnkd.in/eY9zQvVb'); fbq('init', '1453039084979896'); fbq('track', "PageView"); } } Source link By Nakisisa George

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗔 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 - 𝟯 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 A few weekends ago, it was my first time in Lisbon - for anyone who hasn’t been, I can’t recommend it enough! During my visit, I came across Comur, a  unique tinned fish brand with 30+ varieties of tinned fish. Comur has 7 shops in Lisbon alone, and 23 around Portugal, and no matter where you are touring, you will land on one. At first glance, you will think you’re entering a candy shop. The colours, the display, and the packaging will lure you in, and you will probably pay (at least) 15 Euros for a can of sardines. For the less avid sardine eaters, a tin price can range from 60p for basic and £6.50 for premium. We found ourselves repeatedly enticed to visit yet another one of the brand’s shops – as each offers a  different experience. One is a large circus, another has old cars and a ship turbine, and a third is a tiny nook takes you back in time. So how do you turn a commodity into such an exciting, interesting and appealing brand? 1. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 & 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - the tins are the first thing that catches your eye as you pass the store. Colourful, fun, and expressive all while maintaining the classic shape. From “gold bars” to tins referencing places and years, the options are endless. This feast for the eyes is so tempting that you can’t resist browsing and buying a tin. 2. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 - the brand story is told by the store experience via the wallpaper of the old “tinned fish magazine”, the leaflets in every language, and the passionate storekeepers keen to share. Comur’s story is powerful and closely tied to Portugal’s heritage, in each tin it is not just preserved fish, it is a preservation of traditions, authenticity and craftsmanship. You will leave the shop knowing what the brand is about, easily able to repeat the story, and you’ll want to share it with others. 3. E𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲- Forrester research predicts that in 2024, 72% of US retail sales will still happen in-store, making the store experience crucial. Comur’s shops, recognised by the Creative Retail Awards, are mentioned in guides to Lisbon. Comur have taken their retail presence a notch up, and recently opened a shop in Times Square NYC selling the gold bar sardine tin for £44. Whether the shop is a fantastical circus or a little ‘hole in the wall’ in an unexpected location – each one is an experience which makes you want to stay, feel, touch, and listen. This differentiates Comur from the other local sardine brands, making it the most recognisable brand in the Portuguese canning business today. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘶𝘳'𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱) 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩.

Exhibitor Spotlight No.5 CRMP London 2024 Have a look at some of our September exhibitors! 🙌   We’re proud to announce the following companies exhibiting at September’s CRMP | Revo - Retail. Property. Community. Village and Conference, in London! Columbia Threadneedle Investments, US At Columbia Threadneedle Investments, they invest to make a difference in your world. Millions of people rely on them to manage their money and invest for their future; together they entrust them with £485 billion. Costa Coffee Costa Coffee UK & Ireland has an ongoing acquisition programme across growth channels of drive thru, retail/shopping parks and travel together with a strategy of relocating and upsizing the existing high street store estate where appropriate.   ebebek ebebek is 24/7 serving online shopping platform and store chain, dedicated on meeting parents’ and babies’ all needs starting from pregnancy up to 4 years. Offering one-stop shopping solution, ebebek covers baby and mum needs ranging from FMCG to apparel, hard goods, toys and more. Marks and Spencer M&S are rotating to 180 full-line stores and 420 food halls, offering the very best of M&S, and providing significant investment opportunities. Their new and renewed stores are delivering strong returns and attracting new customers.   Mason Partners LLP Their expertise has gained the confidence of numerous retailers, institutions and property companies who have retained their services repeatedly to seek out advice on a wide range of issues   McDonald's The business is continuing to expand, and they are looking to open hundreds of new stores across a range of formats – Drive Thru and Drive To restaurants in out of town/edge of town roadside locations; adjacent to supermarkets, retail and leisure parks and on arterial roads.   McMullen Real Estate Their retailer client base includes the UK’s most successful and profitable operators who require swift, innovative, defining real estate advice across their portfolios.   M Core Property M Core is an established, highly profitable collective of property investment and management companies. Wherever they operate, they’re committed to three things: their investment partners, their tenants and their team. Morgan Williams Morgan Williams is a specialist investment, retail and development adviser with an active involvement across all commercial property sectors. The firm’s ethos has always been to provide clients with ‘best in class’ advice on all aspects of commercial property.   Morrisons Morrisons has opened over 20 New Stores in the last three years, with more openings planned in the next 2 years as part of thier Growth Strategy. They continue to have ambitious plans. Get the chance to meet with these incredible exhibitors among many others. Book your tickets now 📲: https://lnkd.in/eMP8nJsT #crmp24 #retailevent #propertyevent #commercialproperty #eventlondon #retaillondon