5 ways to describe today's shopper

To keep up with changing shoppers, focus on the journey

 WSL Strategic Retail CEO Wendy Liebmann laid out five characteristics of shoppers today: Younger, cautious, everywhere, stressed and revolutionary. The changes inherent with each of these descriptors must be considered in new products, marketing campaigns and merchandising strategies. As Liebmann put it at the NACDS Total Store Expo, “Shoppers lead you to the future if you follow them.”

Vernacular branding scores big by aiming low

Two years after introducing us to “the blands,” Bloomberg columnist Ben Schott returns to provide an analysis of how the largest brands in the world are borrowing the approach of those who are just starting out, with a special inflation-era nod to private label. Schott breaks down “why corporate giants hijack the look, feel and tactical impact of vernacular minnows.”

Shoppers are holding out for back-to-school deals

Summer fun converged with inflation to push back-to-school shopping later this year. With shopping seasons increasingly extended, many consumers are proving to be willing to wait for great deals, according to NPD Group. That means back-to-school will run right into Labor Day sales this weekend.

Curbside pickup is here to stay, and retailers are going all-in

According to a new AP study, one-third of adults younger than 50 who started using curbside pickup during the pandemic plan to continue to do so. It underscores how improving the shopping experience will remain a necessity for retailers, while showing how consumers don’t see a distinction between in-store and online. 

Here are the winners of the NACDS Total Store Expo product showcase

Health and beauty products took center stage on the show floor at the NACDS Total Store Expo. Here’s a look at those who were honored at the product showcase, from natural baby products to Falscara to High Noon seltzer.

Tweet of the Day 🐦 

Were you forwarded this email by a friend or colleague?