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: 07/23/2021
Will an enhanced rewards program turn Gap’s customers into ‘lifelong loyalists’?
It’s hard to believe it’s taken Gap this long to rethink and consolidate its rewards program! Cross-brand promotion and appropriate charitable contributions will drive sales and loyalty. - Posted on: 07/21/2021
Will a new private label be a good fit for Macy’s customers?
"And Now This" needs to be much more interesting, sustainable and higher quality than Macy’s current private label offerings to capture consumers attention. - Posted on: 07/20/2021
Victoria’s Secret is moving out of the mall
VS is finally waking up! Testing new formats is one way to attract new customers and better serve their loyal base. Expect to see other new initiatives following on the heels of their big rebranding campaign. - Posted on: 07/19/2021
Marketers are still trying to figure out the social media data puzzle
Social media has myriad of uses and benefits, from 1x1 conversations in real-time and campaigns to promote new offers to identifying trends and opportunities over time. Combining social data with other sources can turn insights into action for brands that invest in a holistic information management strategy. - Posted on: 07/12/2021
Are independent grocers thriving?
Seasonal, local, sustainable and artisan foods are in demand. Independents whose offerings reflect these trends -- and provide commensurate services -- will continue to take market share. - Posted on: 07/09/2021
Retailers still have a COVID-19 problem
Employers - including retailers - have a fiduciary responsibility to keep employees and customers safe, so wearing masks to reduce exposure and spread of disease in areas where infections are on the rise is prudent. It’s just a shame that the situation is preventable given the widespread availability of vaccines. - Posted on: 07/08/2021
Will in-person conferences make a comeback after a year of virtual shows?
Both virtual and in-person events should be part of anyone’s marketing portfolio, and smart brands will rethink the strategy and purpose for both types of events. - Posted on: 07/07/2021
Will fading COVID-19 vaccine demand hit Walgreens hard?
Because Walgreens stores and operations were lackluster and undifferentiated pre-pandemic they are the most likely to be able to capitalize on the COVID-19 spike, despite their plans. Especially given that others - like Walmart, CVS and Amazon - are ahead on strategy and execution. - Posted on: 06/30/2021
Did Amazon or a rival, say Target, gain the most from Prime Day?
Amazon’s renowned PR prowess is benefiting other retailers who capitalize on the worldwide shopping event that’s been created. - Posted on: 06/29/2021
Will a Target-themed Monopoly game be a winner?
I'd like it better if one could win "real" merchandise or gift cards .... - Posted on: 06/25/2021
What makes a great post-purchase experience?
Fulfilling on a brand’s promise is more important than path to purchase and has received less attention and investment until now. Consumers will turn into brand advocates only if they get great service before and after a sale. - Posted on: 06/24/2021
Marc Lore says Walmart can’t connect to customers like Allbirds and Warby Parker do
I caught the CNBC interview as well. What I thought was most compelling was Marc’s criteria for investing in brands pre-seed -- great founders and unique value prop. While WMT will never be Warby Parker, it checks both boxes and has the supply chain one logics to deliver on its brand promise. - Posted on: 06/21/2021
Can Victoria’s Secret shift its brand image from sexy to empowering?
Changing the shapes and faces that VS may cause more people to give them a second look -- the assortment and service they encounter will determine if they will become regular shoppers. In the meantime, VS needs to make sure they're not alienating their core customers. - Posted on: 06/18/2021
Will Americans invite Best Buy into their backyards?
I’ve been a BBY fan for years, watching them evolve and thrive. However, after buying a new entertainment system from them and now not getting promised post-sale services (they re-orged Magnolia division presumably to resource the new lines), I’m not considering them for future purchases of any kind. Absolutely retailers need to adapt to meet market needs and growth goals, but without abandoning core business and customers. - Posted on: 06/15/2021
Amazon scales its Just Walk Out tech for a full-size grocery store
JWO is the latest initiative from Amazon that reflects Bezos belief that people were inherently lazy. “What he would say is that our nature as humans is to expend as little energy as possible to get what we want or need.”
