We’ve been talking about the importance of convenience for a while, but Waitrose, a British retailer, has elevated that thought to the next level by employing a Director of Convenience, who promptly introduced a new store format to cater to “transumers.” What are transumers? Chances are you are one. “Transumers” refers to traveling consumers, people…
Archives for Industry News
Asimov’s Predictions for 2014 & Hambleton’s Predictions for 2024
I went to the 1964 World’s Fair as a child. I remember being amazed by the GE exhibit that showcased the future. 2014 seemed very far away back then. Asimov predicted that we would have connected cars, 3D technology, and cordless electronics – things that were almost unimaginable. GE has launched a digital campaign to…
Collaborative Distribution is Coming of Age
ES3 has been doing collaborative distribution for twelve years with more than sixty manufacturer and retailer partners. It is not easy to collaborate with competitors but it is necessary to cut expenses, improve sustainability, and increase service. Manufacturers have tried it on their own but without the benefit of a neutral, third-party to handle the…
New Strategies to Build Brand Loyalty
Ever purchased something only to see it at a cheaper price in a different store? Walmart’s decided to help its shoppers get rid of that awful feeling with its new Savings Catcher service. The service analyzes the price paid for each item at Walmart, and compares it to the listed prices at local competitor stores….
No Store? No Problem with Virtual Supermarket Program
Consumers without easy access to grocery stores will be able to shop for the products that they need thanks to the relaunch of a great program. In the city of Baltimore, the segment of the population that does not have easy access to grocery stores will have an efficient option to make the process of…
eCommerce Heats up In India: Flipkart v. Amazon
Flipkart, hot off raising $1 Billion in its second funding round has gained the attention of retailing behemoth Amazon. Shortly after Flipkart’s achievement, Amazon announced it would invest $2 Billion to expand business in India, building five new warehouses. Jeff Bezos commented on the investment, saying Amazon sees “huge potential in the Indian economy and…
True Convenience Shopping, Brought To You By Tech Titans
Is a convenience store truly convenient? Think about it: you have to leave the comfort of your home to make a purchase from a limited selection, likely driving to reach the store. If you drove an extra few minutes, you probably could make it to a bigger store that carries the exact item you need,…
Japanese Electronic Firms Turn to High-Tech Farming
Facing stiff competition from their Chinese and Korean counterparts, Japanese electronic companies are putting idle factories to new use: farming. Shuttered facilities that used to produce floppy disks or more recently, micro-chips, are now growing produce in high-tech sterilized conditions. The Wall Street Journal reports that Fujitsu is selling lettuce from a plant in…
America’s Most Patriotic Brands
With the 4th of July upon us, Americans around the world will be getting into a more patriotic mood than usual. With this increased sense of patriotism in the air, the question of what the most patriotic brand might be in the country arises. Brands that are able to keep consumers engaged here in the…
Will You Be Having a Hot Dog This 4th of July Weekend?
Grilling outside with family and friends has become a common tradition for many people during the 4th of July holiday in the United States. Many of the items that can be found sizzling on grills throughout the country include hamburgers, chicken, steak, and most importantly hot dogs. The hot dog has become a a staple…