Anne Howe

I find it very revealing that the discussion here revolves around the conflict between what's convenient for the shopper and what's good or bad for the retailer.

My sense is that what's good for the shopper is what is going to drive the bus. As a very frequent traveler,...

It's smart of Publix from the data collection and analysis point of view. But why are they just focused on couponing? They should use the digital portal to inform the shoppers who sign up about ALL the elements of value that their myriad shopper marketing programs offer. Retailers and...

As another lifelong Detroiter, I will vote for success for Whole Foods. I will also echo the sentiment that WF needs to remain true to their brand. In the summer, they will have competition from the wonderful experience available at Eastern Market, but competition will keep them on their...

There is a somewhat pricey specialty food store two miles from my house that was formerly a small Kroger. Every employee in the store asks "did you find everything you were looking for today" and based on the answers, the store adjusts its merchandising mix to suit the shoppers....

There are plenty od values offered in the grocery channel that aren't based on coupons. If the retailers and manufacturers would focus more on communicating smart shopper marketing programs that offer shopper value beyond a coupon, and if they would do by conversing with shoppers along the entire path...

I believe the future for growth in digital coupons is more localized targeting based on consumer location to the store, as well as purchase history. Digital delivery of value offers can grow steadily based on a higher level of distinct shopper knowledge. There is so much wasted distribution of...

I'm not certain there is one right answer here or one ideal mix of data. But knowing what you want/need to know by having a knowledge map and a clear sense of where your insight gaps are certainly goes a long way to help use data efficiently.

I've also...

I cannot tell you how many parents I have seen hand off a smart phone to a child to play Angry Birds as a way to keep the child distracted while the parent accomplishes something, like shopping or even eating at a restaurant.

I am guessing Walmart is trying...

When I read this, I think of the age old selling relationship between manufacturer and retailer, not of retail sales associates to shoppers. That said, I think the fact-based process driven approach is still valid, but ONLY if the buyer's side POV is baked in up front.

The difference...

I think it's a great idea. I'm a shopper of both stores, and the locations I visit are on the same road, just a few miles apart. If I have time, I'll start at the Rack, then stop by the main store on the way home. But if I'm...