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: 10/22/2021
Could Crocs’ supply chain mitigation steps work for others?
These are all best practices/contingency plans that good organizations should have in place. Here in San Diego our port has had a banner year picking up new business from carriers who were unable to off-load in Long Beach or LA. - Posted on: 10/21/2021
Is retail in danger of getting burned out?
Retailers have started to upgrade wages and benefits, one of the main factors of associate attrition, and are trying to give more flexibility and/or certainty in schedules. What's tougher to track are esteem and appreciation for associates efforts, rude customer behavior and the continued uncertainty of the Pandemic that is wreaking havoc on buying patterns, surges and supply chains. - Posted on: 10/15/2021
Are brands about to take over the produce department?
Unless there is some type of differentiation, i.e.: added herbs, flavor or preparation, there is not much incremental value, especially given the shift to sustainable, local, artisan produced produce. - Posted on: 10/14/2021
What lessons should retailers take from the Theranos fraud debacle?
"Let the buyer beware" has never gone out of style. - Posted on: 10/12/2021
Should retailers set time guarantees for curbside delivery?
While a time guarantee sounds impressive, it's expensive, stressful and hard to implement and doesn't necessarily deliver a commensurate consumer benefit. Most customers would rather have a time frame and real-time update. I think setting and meeting expectations is more important. - Posted on: 10/11/2021
How should retailers communicate supply chain snafus?
Consumers have a new-found appreciation for the people and processes that control the flow of goods and services. Providing accurate inventory availability, meeting delivery commitments and communicating any delays or discrepancies as soon as possible will go a long way to meeting customer expectations. - Posted on: 10/08/2021
Will Wrangler make an authentic connection with Millennials and Gen Z?
I agree Ryan. New imagery alone will not endear Millennials to Wrangler. Back in the day we loved this brand because it represented freedom and the products fit and made us feel great. Those are still relevant values. - Posted on: 10/06/2021
Target is giving associates even more reasons to stay
There is absolutely a direct correlation between employee service, brand performance and customer satisfaction! Target is making the right investments in people, processes and technology to be the people’s choice! - Posted on: 10/04/2021
Will JCPenney’s ‘new, inclusive beauty experience’ relaunch be a hit?
Sephora was one of the few reasons to shop at JCP. I'm doubtful that an undefined offering without marquee brands will draw consumers in big numbers. - Posted on: 10/04/2021
Amazon asks, why wait for Black Friday when you can get Christmas deals today?
As usual, Amazon's PR machine is front-and-center, creating "news." Black Friday is no longer a day, it's a season, and Target started the race last week. I expect many consumers to shop early and often, and retailers that can offer the in-demand items conveniently will be the winners. - Posted on: 09/30/2021
Will Target’s customers treat October 10 like Black Friday?
Last year cemented the change from a holiday shopping Deal Day to a Deal Season. Target is carrying that forward, very smartly, giving customers plenty of opportunities to get the products they need and want. Their assortment, service and investment in digital, fulfillment and supply chain will enable them to successfully meet demand and expectations. - Posted on: 09/29/2021
Will layaway programs go away for good (or bad)?
There will always be a need for layaway for a segment of customers and a line of products. - Posted on: 09/27/2021
Will reducing seasonal hires pose a big risk for Target?
Giving permanent employees the additional hours they are requesting should improve morale, service and experience during the holiday season. - Posted on: 09/24/2021
Is livestream grocery shopping on the way in the U.S.?
Given the popularity of celebrity chef, food television, new cuisines, meal kits and eat-at-home, livestreaming is a great way for grocers and brands to engage consumers. - Posted on: 09/23/2021
Are gig worker complaints a retail problem?
Retailers and restaurants have outsourced their ultimate customer touchpoint to third parties. Of course the work conditions of these individuals are - or should be - of prime concern to retailers!
