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: 06/11/2019
Is Amazon really out of the restaurant delivery business for good?
Absolutely Amazon is debriefing and regrouping. I'm staying tuned to see what they will launch next -- maybe their own branded restaurants. - Posted on: 06/11/2019
Nestle, Kellogg’s and others dump their DSD routes
DSD representatives are one of the few direct touch-points CPG companies have with customers. While eliminating DSD will reduce expenses, CPGs will lose in-store advocates for their brand. - Posted on: 06/10/2019
Who still thinks one-size-fits-all mannequins make sense?
Can't wait until multiple-sized mannequins are the norm and reflect reality. - Posted on: 06/06/2019
Ace Hardware and True Value satisfy customers, Home Depot not so much
It takes less than 60 seconds for someone at my local Ace Hardware to greet me and ask if I need help. I vastly prefer Ace’s service, advice and proximity to the breadth and depth of Home Depot’s merchandise selection. - Posted on: 06/05/2019
Are Wegmans, Giant Eagle and Tops wise to drop in-store childcare?
Wegmans is offering many other creative ways besides in-store child care to help families to enjoy shopping. They are a smart operator who I expect made the decision with insights on profits, store space and customer usage. - Posted on: 06/03/2019
What would Amazon do with Boost Mobile?
This is another example of Amazon executing their strategy of entering (and then dominating) category/industry after another. - Posted on: 05/30/2019
Abercrombie & Fitch CEO says ‘stores matter’ – particularly the smaller ones
Flagships are vehicles to promote the brand and excite customers. I'm not sure what A&Fs unique value prop is at this point.... - Posted on: 05/28/2019
How should retailers best on-board seasonal staff?
Great suggestions above. My addition -- realize that while these employees are "temps" the will make a permanent impression on shoppers and are potential lifetime customers themselves. - Posted on: 05/23/2019
Are retail HQs and stores suffering a communication breakdown?
There has always been a gap between corporate strategy and store execution. Technology can enable two-way communication if the culture is encouraging. - Posted on: 05/15/2019
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show exits network TV
LBI was successful with its glitzy approach at one point, but it has not evolved as its market (real women) changed. The medium -- TV -- is not the problem, the message, approach and CEO gender are wrong for today’s consumers. Isn’t it about time that advertising is reflects the reality of its customers? - Posted on: 05/14/2019
Lands’ End is looking to get out of Sears like a bat out of hell
Lands' End executed well against their brand promise even during the dreary Sears days. Their merchandise, along with their go-forward strategy, should ensure they continue to be successful. - Posted on: 05/14/2019
Is the gig economy sustainable?
Companies need a long-term sustainable business model in order to be successful, regardless of what type of labor they use. - Posted on: 05/13/2019
Petco opens in-store kitchen for pets
Interesting that Millennials are driving this initiative! In the right markets, it's a great way to connect with pet people. For mass appeal the convenience and cost need to be addressed. - Posted on: 05/10/2019
Will Farmstead’s ‘Smart Shopping List’ give it an edge in online grocery competition?
While AI will need previous shopping data to deliver most value for individual shoppers, the seasonal suggestions should benefit all consumers. - Posted on: 05/09/2019
Sainsbury’s plans Amazon-style online grocery marketplace
I believe there is a limit to the number of exchanges that the market can support. This looks like a Plan B after the Asda deal went south.
