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: 05/13/2021
Has augmented reality tech reached an inflection point at retail?
For certain categories like eyewear, home decor and make-up, AR has become a necessary part of the buying process. It’s not going to change. - Posted on: 05/12/2021
Uber Eats delivers dinner with a side of blush
While it may appeal to some consumers, the actual administration and delivery are two separate entities connected (right now) as a brand. Expect Uber to continue to try to grow into an anti-Amazon delivery behemoth. - Posted on: 05/11/2021
Can TikTok stars build brands for digital natives?
If brands put the same level of forethought and investment into their products as they do influencers they will soar. Regardless of the influencers, consumers ultimately will buy and become loyal to good products. - Posted on: 05/10/2021
Can associate dress codes support in-store social distancing?
Right on Cathy! Keep it simple and safe. Color-coding is too complicated, but I do agree that professionally dressed associates -- appropriate to the brand -- make shoppers more confident and comfortable. - Posted on: 05/07/2021
Walmart is going all in on 24/7/365 telehealth
The time has (finally) come for the healthcare industry to transform and retailers are stepping in and up to lead the way. With their store network for traffic and accessibility, e-commerce for delivery, and in many cases trusted relationships with consumers, large chains like CVS, Walmart and Amazon have the ability to capture market share and become preferred providers. - Posted on: 05/04/2021
Will CVS make a breakthrough as it expands in-store mental health services?
It’s an important, much-needed and critical service, but so much more personal than getting a shot or prescription for a sinus infection at a local store. Consumers may be more comfortable with tele-sessions especially given the less-than-comforting in-store environment. - Posted on: 05/03/2021
DoorDash tries tiered commission structure to deal with restaurants’ complaints
Very similar trap to supermarkets relying on Instacart for home delivery. - Posted on: 04/29/2021
Will retailers be rewarded for giving ex-cons a second chance?
This is another example of our industry stepping up to address societal issues, and reap rewards that include a larger, more loyal workforce, better service and ultimately more prosperous communities. - Posted on: 04/28/2021
Do five-star ratings systems have a ‘positivity’ problem?
Comments are the best, but who wants to wade through them for every choice one makes? How about a thumbs up, thumbs down, meh and a star (for outstanding). That’s more meaningful than the current numbering system. - Posted on: 04/27/2021
Vaccinated Americans like getting retail thank you freebies
Face it - people like free stuff, especially tasty treats! Krispy Kreme is known for supplying promotional product to the public for various causes, so offering people a sweet gift after their jab seems like a good deal all around. - Posted on: 04/27/2021
Why did Amazon open a hair salon?
Amazon takes a strategic approach to dominating categories (and industries) which it started doing decades ago with books. This is just the latest and most comprehensive initiative. - Posted on: 04/26/2021
Will stock ownership work as a loyalty program perk?
Customer loyalty is changing and while I applaud trying new strategies to retain shoppers, stock ownership is inherently volatile. Depending on the brand and its target customers it may be the right reward. - Posted on: 04/23/2021
Amazon has mad upskills
Retailers have underinvested and undervalued employees for years, making the industry a less-than-desirable workplace for top talent. Given the current staffing and skill shortages Amazon Tech Academy is a super smart way to retain and retrain staff. - Posted on: 04/21/2021
Lululemon to pilot ‘Like New’ clothing test
I’m a big fan, donor and customer for #recommerce, but hesitate at acquiring used workout clothes -- even high-end items like Lululemon. - Posted on: 04/20/2021
Are pop-up shops the answer to getting reluctant shoppers back into stores?
Pop-ups are a great (and flexible) way to test, validate, gather insights, generate buzz and connect with consumers.
