PROFILE
Patricia Vekich Waldron
Contributing Editor, RetailWire; Founder and CEO, Vision First
For over two decades, Patricia has lived at the crossroads of consumers, technology, and data. Her track record is filled with the stories of companies who have, with her help, differentiated themselves through innovative strategies, solutions, and marketing initiatives.
Patricia is CEO and Founder of Vision First an advisory firm that helps companies stand out in a crowded market where many are vying for visibility. She is known for identifying new market opportunities to drive growth, launching, repositioning offerings, and showing up differently in the marketplace.
Patricia speaks at global industry events, including World Retail Congress, Consumer Goods Forum, Retail Leaders Forum, and the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is well known by clients, partners, press, and analysts around the world.
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- Posted on: 02/26/2021
Is it the right time to reopen food bars?
"Community food" isn’t a smart option for grocers or consumers. There’s still too much risk, especially given the improvement in prepared foods and meal kits. - Posted on: 02/26/2021
Are retailers snoozing on the sleep-tech opportunity?
As someone who struggles to get a good night's sleep, I’m all for new technologies providing assistance, data and recommendations on how to get better rest. Retailers are foolish not to leverage these new tools and services to attract, assist and satisfy sleep-deprived customers. - Posted on: 02/25/2021
Are Americans ready to do some good old-fashioned ‘revenge shopping’?
TJX is well positioned to be a top choice for consumers doing a variety of types of shopping - "revenge," necessities or special occasion - depending on their budget. - Posted on: 02/23/2021
What’s so funny about authenticity, integrity and transparency?
Sometimes the global supply chain is indeed more effective. Your wife will not be disappointed - Posted on: 02/23/2021
What’s so funny about authenticity, integrity and transparency?
Proactive with with bad news is so important, especially for perishable special occasion products! - Posted on: 02/22/2021
Do grocers need to get better at planning for weather-related disasters?
While they did experience shortages, it was a severe situation and the industry did much better than utilities and government entities. That being said, they would be well-served to improve forecasting, supply chain and store operations to address future demand spikes which seem to be coming with alarming frequency. - Posted on: 02/18/2021
Is suburban retail (malls, too) primed for a comeback?
While A malls and those that have been upgraded to attractive mixed-use properties may thrive, those still populated with undifferentiated retailers will fail. The future is brighter for indie and local retailers in places where urbanites are relocating. - Posted on: 02/17/2021
Should retailers just say ‘no’ to Instacart?
While Instacart gives retailers a quick start fulfilling and delivering orders, the ultimate costs (fees, loss of customer touch-points and a glut of in-store pickers) are too high. Retailers need to control their own destiny and implement their own systems and processes for online order and delivery. - Posted on: 02/16/2021
Digital gains are changing how Best Buy puts its associates to work
Let’s hope that BBYs Blue Shirts get the cross-training needed to do multiple in-store roles so their service -- a differentiator -- stays high. Otherwise, this can be seen as merely a cost-cutting exercise. - Posted on: 02/15/2021
Are huge marketplace seller aggregators a good thing for Amazon and retail?
Small brands will get more traction, visibility and customers by partnering with multiple sales channels. - Posted on: 02/11/2021
Will Men’s Wearhouse’s new digitally-equipped next-gen stores be a must shop?
Much-needed new strategy for menswear. They are smart to focus tech on the rental and casual wear lines since the demand for suits is permanently down. - Posted on: 02/08/2021
Who won this year’s Super Bowl ad contest?
What a range of spots this year! While I loved all the celebrity cameos, my fave is Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade’s “Last Year’s Lemons" because it was real, funny and showcased the product beautifully. - Posted on: 02/05/2021
Are U.S. manufacturing sources an absolute necessity for American retailers today?
Supply chain agility, a concern for years, was pushed to the forefront by the pandemic. Speed, quality and the increasing desire for local, sustainable products pushed retailers to find nearby production sources. - Posted on: 02/04/2021
Where does the chief digital officer fit into retail’s executive team?
A CDO has critical skills and responsibilities that span multiple functions in a retail or brand organization. They need a seat at the big table to be effective. - Posted on: 02/02/2021
Will Allure editors outdo other beauty merchandisers with a new store concept?
Brands sell to consumers through retail and advertisers - Allure turns this model upside down and lets the consumers drive.
