Omar Chaudhry

Inventory management has always been a challenging task for retailers. However, Instacart has innovated in a way that removes the need to maintain store inventory separately for online orders. By allowing Instacart shoppers to come in store and fulfill orders themselves, retailers can save time and resources. But what about in South Korea? Are there any innovators disrupting this space? Shoot me a message if so. I am ready to buy in. #inventorymanagement #retail #innovation #SouthKorea #instacart #emart #retailinnovation #storeinnovation #inventory #inv #ai #ax #digitaltransformation #dt #dx #artificialintelligence #delivery #onlinedelivery #ecommerce #openai #gpt4 #genai #startups #entrepreneurship #innovation #EmartTech

1

We've heard a lot about Chinese sellers in the e-commerce marketplace, such as Temu and SHEIN. Now Walmart is helping Indian sellers be introduced to the global e-commerce market. How long before an Indian seller as big as Temu or SHEIN unveils itself on the global stage? How are you competing against these global sellers in an increasingly competitive market? #ecommerce #worldcompetition #itsaglobalmarket

1

2 Comments

Walmart is finally moving forward with Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs). While ESLs are common today, scaling them to 2,300 Walmart stores is a significant and challenging decision. Implementing this technology requires a substantial investment and careful planning. Strategic thinking is crucial for such an investment. 이마트 (Emart) Tech was able to start this journey five years ago, benefiting from a relatively smaller scale compared to Walmart. Great move, Walmart! #ESL #Innovation #Emart #EmartTech #Technology https://lnkd.in/gC2rbbu6

5

We get asked often: how do CPG brands get on shelves of national retailers? Think Costco, Target, etc. Have you heard of Heckova!? John Pawlowski, their Vice President of Marketing, recently revealed the firm's robust strategy, breaking new records in the competitive retail market. Learning from the best is an optimal way to progress. What is the key factor in their success? They've perfected the skill of pinpointing untapped markets and leveraging data to refine their brand. This approach forms their primary recipe for success. Additionally, they've strategically selected their retail partners, including Costco and Target, through extensive research. Success in this industry doesn't come from ubiquity; it comes from intelligent placement. Success invariably leaves traces. Following the proven path of companies like Heckova! could be your first step towards establishing your foothold in the retail market. Are you ready to take on this challenge? In the meantime, you can learn more about their approach: https://lnkd.in/ebnDcwdF?

2

The Save Mart Companies is strengthening its technology stack through an expanded partnership with Instacart. Nearly all of the California-based grocer’s 200 locations under its Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Lucky banners will deploy Instacart’s AI-powered smart carts, as well as its FoodStorm order management system and Storefront Pro e-commerce feature. Instacart’s Caper Carts will be deployed at select Save Mart and Lucky stores in the coming months, with a broader rollout to follow later this year. The carts feature an interactive screen that tracks spending and incorporates a loyalty program for direct access to coupons and deals, and they also sync with the Save Mart or Instacart app to allow for shopping list integration. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gGybxACe #retail #supermarkets #digital #grocery #retailers #shoppers

2

Why should retailers embrace a Distributed Order Management System (DOMS) for their retail business in 2024? As consumer behaviors shift, relying solely on physical storefronts is no longer enough. Enter Distributed Order Management Systems (DOMS), the ultimate tool for seamless operations across multiple channels. A DOMS centralizes order management, providing real-time inventory visibility and multiple fulfillment options like BOPIS and Ship from Store. This ensures seamless operations, reduces costs, and boosts customer satisfaction. Discover in HotWax Commerce's blog post, how a Distributed Order Management System can revolutionize your retail business in 2024. https://hubs.la/Q02zfX7D0 #ShoppingandtheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #Retail #Omnichannel #OrderManagementSystem

1

Food ordering and delivery marketplace Grubhub and Mercato, an online platform for independent grocery stores, have joined forces to bring Mercato’s inventory of 950-plus retailers across the United States to the Grubhub Marketplace. Customers can now order from hundreds of locations, with all retailers becoming available over the next few weeks. Through this first-ever third-party delivery partnership for Mercato, Grubhub is growing its Marketplace selection to offer grocery, convenience and alcohol retailers. Meanwhile, Mercato’s retailers can increase their business and e-commerce footprint with access to Grubhub’s millions of customers through the partnership. Mercato’s retailer partners span 38 states and 320-plus cities, including such major markets as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Boston. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gWiAQn7c #retail #supermarkets #grocery #ecommerce #grocerydelivery #food

7

"Pricing optimization is a key lever for moving inventory and addressing overstock situations while maintaining brand integrity." I had an amazing conversation with Abbey Samet, former Senior Director of Global Merchandising and Sales Strategy at the Shopify brand Solid & Striped and former Director of Forecasting at Macy's. Abbey shares her insights on leveraging retail channels for DTC brands, predicting market trends, strategic storytelling, data analytics, pricing optimization, and scaling in the DTC industry. In this clip, Abbey dives deep into how pricing optimization can help brands move inventory effectively and address overstock challenges without compromising on brand integrity. Some of the key takeaways from our talk include: . Leveraging retail channels to gain market share and expand presence. . Combining data analytics and gut instinct to predict market trends. . Using strategic storytelling to shape brand identity and engage customers. . Driving growth and profitability through data analytics and consumer insights. . The importance of customer engagement, staying relevant, and being curious to scale in the DTC industry. Check out the clip to learn more about Abbey's strategies and insights on pricing and inventory management. Full episode in the comments! #DTC #Ecommerce #Retail #PricingOptimization #DataAnalytics #CustomerEngagement #MarketTrends #StrategicStorytelling #BrandGrowth #Innovation

25

6 Comments

I had the chance to chat with Reid Edgar, President of The Tru-Nut Company, about his experiences navigating the complexities of the CPG industry. Reid shared how working with TJX and leveraging Amazon has allowed Tru-Nut to thrive and expand, even without the traditional grocery store route. We discussed the benefits of direct relationships with retailers like TJX, which offers rapid feedback and broad reach across their 3,000+ stores. This approach has been crucial for testing and scaling new products, bypassing the slower category review cycles of grocery chains. What results have you seen from innovative testing approaches like this? 🎧📺 Listen or Watch the Full Episode here: https://ecpg.us/45bt65C #cpg, #ecommerce #amazon #podcast #innovation #businessgrowth #retailstrategy

2

Introducing the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Omnichannel Retailers". Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Stephen R. Covey, we've curated a comprehensive guide to help retailers elevate their omnichannel retail game in 2024. These habits serve as a roadmap to navigate today's complex #retail landscape. From proactive inventory management to optimizing delivery speed, these strategies hold the key to transforming your business operations. Dive into HotWax Commerce's blog post to uncover these highly effective habits and unlock the potential to the best #omnichannel retailer in the industry. https://hubs.la/Q02t2sDK0 #ShoppingandtheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #InventoryManagement

1

The topic of product returns was captured in an Article for the Atlantic today. While this writer specifically goes through his frustrations with Amazon, lets be clear, any eCommerce purchase returns are starting to get a dirty feel to them. I think most of us are well aware of the sustainability impact, and the massive hidden costs. Shipping, packaging, and then the most likely disposal of the returned good (depending on what it is, returns are often unsellable as new again, so they are off to some disposal or closeout). For those of us deeply ingrained in the eCommerce ecosystem, we know more than we want to know. As a seller or vendor, returns are a pain point, a cost that has to eventually be reckoned with. For some of our products we spend as much (if not more) time on content improvement to avoid returns, then we do to actually sell the product in the first place! Back when we all started this eCommerce journey who ever thought that is what it would come too! And now in this publication, the author is catching on to something, is Amazon making it harder to make a return? Adding some friction to the most frictionless consumer centric shopping destination in the world... maybe. Let's be honest, as a seller on or to Amazon - somewhere deep inside, many of us might actually hope they are? But as consumer, and a Prime Member, I might second guess some purchases unless I am really sure I want to keep it. Will this signal another shift in how consumers view Amazon or eCommerce in general? (link to article in comments)

19

4 Comments

Big retailers aren't the only ones with an inherent advantage in today's grocery market. As Randy Crimmins highlights in his recent column for Retail Today, local grocers can leverage their deep community connections in ways big retailers can't. Traditionally, this has meant: 🌟 High-Touch Customer Service: Making customers feel valued and appreciated. 🌱 Locally Sourced Products: Supporting the local economy with high-quality offerings. 📍 Convenient Store Locations: Highlighting the proximity of nearby stores for easy pickup or in-store shopping. 🤝 Genuine Community Connection: Understanding and meeting specific local needs. To truly make the most of these advantages, though, local grocers need to adapt their personal service model to the digital experience. How? By using technology to analyze customer data, grocers can create tailored loyalty programs that enhance customer engagement. Solutions like Mercatus's AisleOne provide comprehensive customer engagement tools to modernize the personal experience that local grocers have traditionally used to build loyalty — and create a level of engagement that can't be matched by Mass Merchants. To learn more about combining tradition with tech to drive repeat business, read Randy's full article here: https://mct.media/3xfyyrV

7

How does location-based inventory improve Ship From Store? Our recent podcast episode with Nate Skiver and our CEO Anil Patel, delved into the intricate dynamics of specialty retail, particularly focusing on the pivotal role of location-based inventory management in optimizing Ship From Store operations. Drawing from industry examples such as Nordstrom Rack, where the rapid turnover of discounted inventory poses distinct challenges, it's evident that the ability to swiftly locate items is foundational for successful Ship From Store endeavors. By strategically aligning inventory management with precise location data, retailers can streamline fulfillment processes while elevating the overall customer journey. Such approach not only optimizes resource allocation but also cultivates realistic expectations regarding fulfillment timelines Check out the full episode for more: https://hubs.la/Q02yYZCx0 #ShoppingandtheRetailIndustry #eCommerce #Retail #Omnichannel

4

Autonomous retail is expected to transform the retail landscape both on the cost side (supply chain efficiencies), and on the revenue side (shaping consumer behavior). The possibilities on the revenue side are profoundly interesting. Here is the first in a series of posts covering different industries and dimensions that autonomy will impact in the coming decade.

46

Why mid-range retail is the new black 👕 New data from the CNBC Supply Chain Survey suggests that the back-to-school and holiday 2024 shopper is looking for value in the mid-range price category. The survey shows almost 80% of current freight orders received for peak season are for mid-range price items ‼️ This is a shift from the luxury-focused trends of recent years, and it presents a unique opportunity for DTC brands. Key takeaways for DTC brand owners: 💸 Focus on value: Consumers are prioritizing deals and discounts. Make sure your pricing and promotions are competitive. ⚙️ Optimize your supply chain: Retailers are expecting slightly higher import volumes this year. Get ahead of potential delays by planning your inventory and logistics early. 🚢 Diversify your channels: With more trade returning to the West Coast, consider utilizing rail networks and transloading to get your products to customers efficiently. 🤔 If you're a brand operator, have you personally felt this shift? If you're a consumer, have you noticed a change in your spending habit? #DTC #retail #supplychain #holidayshopping #ecommerce

7

spreadsheets, multiple data sources, hours wasted 👿 speed, accuracy, data driven, intelligent design, scale 🙂 💸 At Etablir - we built a system that enables one individual to properly restock hundreds of store locations with thousands of skus on a Monday morning. That's it - the rest of the week is for strategy, opportunity assessment, mentoring, cross functional initiatives and chasing growth. #demandforecasting #retailplanning #inventorymanagement #replenishment https://lnkd.in/ewECYUQ4

2

It was great to chat with CBS News about the latest twists and turns with self-checkout, which is undergoing something of a scaling back by retailers. It's not being abandoned entirely across every retailer, but more restrictions are being placed around how it can be used and in some stores it is being removed or cut back. The reason retailers give is changing customer needs. That might be part of it, but shrink is also a major concern. https://lnkd.in/ejqaiD3S #retail #retailnews #theft #selfcheckout

29

6 Comments