January 2018
I recently ran a webinar on “2018 trends and how they will affect category management”. The question that I challenge each of you to consider at the beginning of this new year is:
This entire newsletter is dedicated to ways for you to improve your approach to proactively prepare for a successful 2018 and beyond.
In many instances, foundations are lacking— usually with missing corporate strategies, guidelines and/or processes, or a linear approach to analytics with a missing or weak Shopper component.
Catman 2.0™ is affecting our industry in ways we see now and in ways that we have to anticipate. Retailers and Manufacturers alike need to stay relevant and compete so they need team members that are informed, skilled, and strategic. Understanding how category management has changed, and how you can adapt in your role, is critical for meeting the needs of Shoppers.
From Progressive Grocer: This article explores the role and work to be done, the data requirements, necessary skills, and the process outlined in CatMan 2.0.
Each retailer has a distinct set of expectations and deliverables for category captains; however, there are core job requirements. Manufacturers that deliver on the requirements will help influence strategies and tactics in the role of category captain.
From TheInnovationEnterprise: The last year has seen the world of big data consumed by intrigue as accusations abound that dark forces are using it to subvert democracy and tear apart the very fabric of society.
From JDA.com: Retail customers of the 21st century are more demanding than ever before, and their shopping behavior is more complex. Whether we like it or not, the traditional method of serving the market no longer works.
From Shopify.com: Show of hands: Who else is tired of the term “retail apocalypse”? While news of store closures filled the headlines in 2017, there is a ray of light in the year ahead. For starters, the negative narrative of “retail doom and gloom” was sensationalized and over-hyped.
Here are some stats you may not have heard:
From Forbes.com: Every year I give my forecast for the top 10 workplace trends for the upcoming year. The purpose is to help prepare organizations for the future by collecting, assessing and reporting the trends that will most impact them.
In other words, why did they or didn’t they buy? Why is Shopper satisfaction growing or declining? Why are business results trending up or down? As the Shopper path to purchase becomes more complex and non-linear, so does the analytic pathway that we need to follow to understand the Shopper. Read More
Limited Data is a Fact of Category Management Life for Many. Here’s Why.
Based on the fact that MOST organizations have limited data in one way or another, all approaches to category management work aren't the same. Therefore, not all category management can be created equal (makes sense, right?). A great way to think about this is through a tiered approach. Read more.
Build Your Strategy Behind Assortment and Space Planning
What is the strategic level of your team or organization when it comes to Space Planning and Efficient Assortment? Space planning and efficient assortment are BOTH very important for Retailers and Manufacturers — so why are they treated so tactically? Why don’t teams and organization consider more advanced shelving solutions and take full advantage of opportunities to reach the Shopper? Read more.
Below are a couple of complimentary resources to help get you on your way.
This webinar and previous skill-building webinars are available in our online Training & Resource Center as recordings for all paid subscription Category Management Members. You can watch the latest recording by signing up for our Free-Level Membership, where you’ll also be able to check out other training resources.
Mark your calendars for this 60-minute webinar where Sue Nicholls will walk you through a big picture perspective to improve your business acumen. Learn how to increase alignment with your multi-functional teams and external customers covering finance, strategy, and decision making.
You have several options for Category Management Membership on a monthly subscription:
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