PROFILE
Patricia Vekich Waldron
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: 02/11/2019
Foot Locker makes $100M leap into the sneaker re-seller space
Resale, especially for unique and luxury goods, is a hot space. Smart of Foot Locker to jump on the trends with this acquisition, which I expect will bring them new customers and excitement. - Posted on: 02/11/2019
Is there really wisdom in the crowd?
Using crowd-sourced data is another great way to inform decisions, but its use at this point is still part art and science, says this former Philadelphia resident. :) - Posted on: 02/08/2019
Product and promo knowledge won’t make the sale
Product knowledge for store associates is table stakes. Retailers would be smart to help them develop interpersonal and selling skills. - Posted on: 02/06/2019
Is Amazon Vine a win for all?
Totally agree, Neil! I read the NYT article and the reviewer profile -- and what they do with the free goods -- was fascinating. Given the merchandise is given, not necessarily needed or wanted, I believe the reviews are less than authentic. - Posted on: 02/05/2019
Will Target’s dynamic pricing strategy erode customers’ trust?
Consumers have always reacted angrily to price discrepancies, and in this age of internet transparency I don’t know why Target would implement such a pricing strategy. - Posted on: 02/01/2019
What motivates workers in the gig economy?
I expect gig workers to become more commonplace for certain functions, i.e. fulfillment and maintenance, sooner rather than later. Sounds like an interesting business opportunity for someone to train and organize gig workers for more specialized retail roles. - Posted on: 01/31/2019
Can sentiment analysis improve merchandising calls?
Disappointing to see most votes cast for "unlikely" when data and tools exist today to identify both long- and short-term trends! - Posted on: 01/30/2019
Kohl’s continues wellness push with WW collaboration
Interesting partnership and smart move by WW CEO Mindy Grossman to bring her offerings closer to a set of target customers. - Posted on: 01/28/2019
What do shoppers really want? Do retailers have a clue?
Retailers would be well-served to focus on technologies (and training) to support their store associates. - Posted on: 01/25/2019
Are NanoStores the new ultra-convenience stores?
Right on Ralph and Sterling! NanoStore is a packaged/next-gen version of a vending machine and pop-up store. Success will be based on convenience and assortment, like all retail. - Posted on: 01/21/2019
For relevancy’s sake: a tale of two mall upgrades
Interesting point about Lyft - I failed to mention that UTC has installed parking gates and later this year will be charging visitors for parking. Makes me less inclined to go to a shopping center unless I have a specific goal in mind (dining, need something I can't get delivered, meeting, etc). Lots of ways to inspire and underwhelm visitors! - Posted on: 01/21/2019
For relevancy’s sake: a tale of two mall upgrades
The right recipe for malls and shopping centers is still emerging, and there certainly needs to be freshness in offerings to drive excitement and traffic. I think it can be supplemented with easier-to-shop layout where shoppers can more readily locate, research, experience (and buy) merchandise. - Posted on: 01/21/2019
For relevancy’s sake: a tale of two mall upgrades
It was useful to this customer to actually buy something without getting all my 10K steps while searching :) - Posted on: 01/21/2019
For relevancy’s sake: a tale of two mall upgrades
Hey Dick - UTC is giving best efforts to be a 'destination' with the common areas and the dining being top attractions, despite the on-going construction. Macy's is working on upping it's game but has a long way to go! - Posted on: 01/17/2019
NRF: Is the time right for retailers and brands to take political stands?
Warning: don't let your brand promise become polarizing (read: political).
