Ep. 148

Retailers Recognize the Value of SNAP Shoppers

Nearly 13% of Americans, or 17% of U.S. households, receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits, yet they represent nearly a third of total store sales. Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s global executive vice president for consumer goods and foodservice insights, talks about who is winning the SNAP shopper and strategies all retailers should use to engage this valuable shopper group.

Ep. 147

How To Win the Trip in Grocery Retail

Moving from full-service to self-service in meat and deli departments, increasing value-added offerings in produce and deli, these are just a few examples of grocery retail’s evolution. Jonna Parker, team lead, Circana’s Fresh Foods Group, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, advocate for learning about the most important shopper groups and meeting their changing needs.

Ep. 146

Improvements Outnumber New Consumer Tech Products at CES 2024

Most of the innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 were enhancements to existing technology; think better audio quality and new capabilities. Despite lackluster levels of product innovation, Circana tech analyst Ben Arnold and audio analyst Ashley McCann are optimistic about growth opportunities for kitchen, home, and audio in the year ahead.  

Ep. 145

Opting for Linear or Connected TV? The Best Choice Might Be Both

Linear TV and connected TV (CTV) are viewed separately in the complex marketing mix. Currently, CTV is having its moment, surpassing linear TV in return on ad spend. Circana’s Susan Kelly, solutions design, global solutions delivery, and Kelly Dunham, delivery director, discuss the execution and measurement of success for both approaches and the increasing value giving CTV its shine.

Ep. 144

Pre-CES 2024: Looking for What’s Possible with Tech 

The pandemic put the brakes on recent consumer tech innovation, which is why anticipation is building for CES 2024, when many companies will display their latest and greatest. Ben Arnold, Circana’s executive director, industry analyst, consumer technology, provides innovative examples that go beyond tech gadgets and shares what he hopes to see at the show. 

Ep. 143

Black Friday Week Sales: Naughty or Nice?

Traditionally in the U.S., the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, which moves holiday shopping into high gear. While doorbusters have dwindled, brands and retailers work to lure shoppers with deals and experiences that set the tone for holiday sales. Circana’s Joe Derochowski, vice president and industry advisor, home and home improvement, and Ben Arnold, executive director, industry analyst, consumer technology, weigh in on Black Friday week results and discuss how their industries can claw back holiday sales.

Ep. 142

Strengthening Retailer Differentiation

As middle-of-the road grocery retail continues to get squeezed, reaching consumers before they make decisions becomes critical. In this Fresh Pulse episode, Jonna Parker, team lead, Circana’s Fresh Foods Group, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, share strategies retailers can use to highlight their points of differentiation, starting with elevating outside-the-store marketing. 

Ep. 141

Small Appliances Reflect Our Need for Speed 

Despite a forecast sales decline of 4% to 5% through 2024, small appliance sales remain elevated from pre-pandemic levels. To buck the negative trend, marketers should focus equally on messaging and innovation. Joe Derochowski, Circana’s vice president and industry advisor, home and home improvement, shares his secret sauce for picking holiday winners and identifying growth opportunities throughout the year. 

Ep. 140

Consumer Tech Industry Pulse and Outlook 

The economy and product replenishment cycles are negatively impacting the consumer technology industry. Paul Gagnon, Circana’s consumer technology industry advisor, shares his outlook for the upcoming holiday season and how he hopes the industry prepares for the return of consumer spending. 

Ep. 139

Talking Turkey and the Reality of a Challenging Economy

What can CPG retailers and manufacturers expect this Thanksgiving? Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics talks turkey — and economic pressures — with Circana’s Joan Driggs. Times are tough, and while it’s critical to be realistic about a challenging economy, it’s also an opportunity to connect with shoppers. 

Ep. 138

Causal and Consumer Factors Fuel Demand Forecasting 

To achieve growth, companies strive to predict what consumers are likely to do both now and in the future. According to Lance Goodridge, Circana’s executive vice president of analytics and insights, optimal forecasting will fit with current performance, include appropriate and predictable causal factors, and be within the bounds of company objectives. No small feat. 

Ep. 137

Frozen Foods Accelerate the Speed to Table

The unique value proposition of frozen foods is not getting the attention it deserves. Based on her webinar, Icy Hot Insights: Frozen Trends, Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive vice president and Practice Leader, Circana, outlines the many definitions of value that frozen addresses.