--- title: CMKG Continuously CatMan Quarterly Newsletter January 2018 --- [![CMKG Train Ahead Logo](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CMKG%20Train%20Ahead%20Logo.png?width=260&name=CMKG%20Train%20Ahead%20Logo.png "CMKG Train Ahead Logo")](https://www.cmkg.org) # Managing Change in a Category Management World January 2018 ### Welcome to 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:  #### How am I changing to reflect what’s happened and what’s ahead? ##### **We’re anticipating significant advancements in:** ##### Virtual Reality (VR)… Augmented Reality (AR)… Internet of Things (IoT)… Continued Evolution of eCommerce and Omnichannel… Advanced Data Sources… Sophisticated and Predictive Tech & Analytics…  #### All to better satisfy the needs of our Shoppers. This entire newsletter is dedicated to ways for you to improve your approach to proactively prepare for a successful 2018 and beyond. ### Happy new year & Cheers to learning! ![suenichollssignature.png](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Web%20Assets/sue-sig-030721-edited.png?width=160&name=sue-sig-030721-edited.png "suenichollssignature.png") ###### Sue Nicholls, CPSA • President & Founder, CMKG ![CMKG-newlogo-transparent.png](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017-logos/CMKG-newlogo-transparent.png?width=125&name=CMKG-newlogo-transparent.png "CMKG-newlogo-transparent.png") ### Your Category Management Challenge Question ![31132319_xxl.jpg](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Web%20Assets/Newsletter/31132319_xxl.jpg?width=555&name=31132319_xxl.jpg "31132319_xxl.jpg") #### What are the category management foundations that guide your work, both as an individual and as a team?     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. #### Lack of foundations leads to:    #### Fewer efficiencies & lower effectiveness…    #### Internal misalignment…    #### Limited ROI in category management work…    #### Shopper dissatisfaction…   ![News-Header-374404-edited.png](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Web%20Assets/Newsletter/News-Header-374404-edited.png?width=1081&name=News-Header-374404-edited.png "News-Header-374404-edited.png") #### —  FEATURED **  — # How to be a Category Captain **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.  [Read Now](https://progressivegrocer.com/how-be-category-captain-todays-cpg-world)   # ** Data Analytics Top Trends In 2018 **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. *[Read More](https://channels.theinnovationenterprise.com/articles/data-analytics-top-trends-in-2018)* # **The future of category management: Top trends for the next decade **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. *[Read More](https://jda.com/-/media/jda/knowledge-center/white-papers/future-series-category-management-white-paper.ashx)* # ** Retail Trends for 2018 **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: *[Read More](https://www.shopify.com/retail/retail-trends-2018)* # ** 10 Workplace Trends You’ll See in 2018 **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. *[Read More](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2017/11/01/10-workplace-trends-youll-see-in-2018/2/#522340338d45)* ### Get thought leadership in your inbox — ![CMKG-audience_Manufacturers icon detailed training plan-1.png](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Web%20Assets/Audiences/CMKG-audience_Manufacturers%20icon%20detailed%20training%20plan-1.png?width=101&name=CMKG-audience_Manufacturers%20icon%20detailed%20training%20plan-1.png "CMKG-audience_Manufacturers icon detailed training plan-1.png") ## ![](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Web%20Assets/Audiences/CMKG-audience_convenience%20icon%20convenient%20online%20training-1.png?width=101&height=101&name=CMKG-audience_convenience%20icon%20convenient%20online%20training-1.png "CMKG-audience_convenience icon convenient online training-1.png") ## Trends in 2018 That Will Affect Category Management. #### Sue Nicholls presented and discussed key trends that will affect your work in 2018, including Shopper, Workplace, Marketing, Data, and Technology. ![aplite-about.jpg](https://www.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/28321558_xxl_Webinar-315441-edited.jpg?width=499&height=313&name=28321558_xxl_Webinar-315441-edited.jpg) ** ** #### Like the NEW newsletter format or content? Share with your peers. 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