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: 08/23/2019
Direct-to-consumer brands aren’t so direct anymore
CPGs can increase their portfolio and relevance more quickly by acquiring innovative digital brands with cutting-edge products. - Posted on: 08/19/2019
Will a rental subscription program lift Banana Republic’s results?
I don’t think this is a smart niche -- all the Millennials I know use Rent the Runway for special occasions and other (cross brand) services like Le Tote for work and casual. Basics -- Banana's core offerings -- are the few pieces of apparel they actually buy! - Posted on: 08/19/2019
Kroger’s trucks roll into food deserts
I like the grassroots approach of partnering with local organizations to offer the most relevant assortment to the communities it visits (seniors, schools, neighborhoods, etc). - Posted on: 08/15/2019
New site wants to make independent grocery jobs into careers
It’s a step in the right direction to actively recruit excellent employees, but it will take more effort from independent operators to recruit top talent when new opportunities arise. - Posted on: 08/14/2019
Nordstrom’s Local concept needs work
The total lack for merchandise was a big surprise and disappointment. And the Local opened several hours later than the other stores, which I found surprising. - Posted on: 08/14/2019
Nordstrom’s Local concept needs work
Even Nordstrom isn’t immune from gaps in store execution and staff - they play even more critical role when there is no merchandise to distract or enchant shoppers! - Posted on: 08/13/2019
Have emojis become digital’s ice breaker for consumers?
Emojis are a quick and easy way to express a feeling. Brands would be foolish to not utilize them to to convey their messages as well as understand consumer sentiment. - Posted on: 08/12/2019
Nike to marry predictive analytics and RFID to optimize inventory performance
Interesting that Nike chose to buy (vs build or partner with) Celect. Either they want the talent or very custom capabilities to help them implement and execute. - Posted on: 08/09/2019
Is it a stretch for Target to carry Levi’s pricier red tab jeans?
Like many of its customers, I’d rather shop in a clean and well-merchandised Target store than a dingy department store any day. Target has a successful track record of partnering with big name brands - this will be no different. - Posted on: 08/08/2019
Will the next big thing since Starbucks be run by robots?
Guests will appreciate robots for quick transactions, so airports and coffee are a perfect combination. - Posted on: 08/06/2019
CVS subscription program goes big to outdo Amazon Prime
This is a thoughtful and systematic approach to engage and retain consumers in a category where Amazon is not already #1. All demographics care about and need HABA products and related care/services from a trusted source. - Posted on: 08/06/2019
What are the signs of a dying retail business?
All these symptoms point to the same root cause - disconnected leadership at the top! - Posted on: 08/05/2019
Does Etsy need free shipping?
Etsy isn’t Amazon and indie sellers aren’t global brands. I bet sellers would appreciate having the option to select their own free-shipping threshold amount. Etsy already takes a percentage of each sale, a fee for each item listed and a shipping charge ... I understand the flat $35 for braid-based marketing, but wonder how standardization will impact seller attrition. - Posted on: 08/05/2019
Will outsourcing jobs help Lowe’s associates better serve customers in stores?
Sounds like the latest example of PR teams positioning a workforce reduction as a benefit for customers. - Posted on: 08/02/2019
Gen Z gets creative online
I'm not convinced Gen Z is more (or less) creative, though they absolutely have digital tools at their fingertips! Retailers and brands would be smart to harness their online energy to understand, engage and co-create with Gen Z.
