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.
- VIEW ARTICLES
- VIEW COMMENTS
- Posted on: 02/20/2020
Consumers hate paying for shipping more than just about anything
Free shipping is table stakes for retailers, thanks to Amazon. To maintain margins retailers can focus on supply chain optimization and offer consumers value or incentives to pick-up in-store. - Posted on: 02/19/2020
Shoppers have a love/hate relationship with self-checkouts
For small baskets (my typical profile) I select self-checkout every time. PS: I don't think self-checkout is actually faster, customers just think it is because they are actively engaged. - Posted on: 02/19/2020
Would Lumber Liquidators floor customers with a new name?
Rebranding is not the solution. Every brand has some baggage -- I recommend LL focus on implementing and promoting better practices, and connecting with customers. - Posted on: 02/18/2020
Can Body Shop build a better workforce with an open hiring policy?
Mixed feelings on this policy ... I applaud the commitment to holistic hiring despite candidates' "baggage" and turnover stats confirm retention increases. It remains to be seen if Body Shop will have service, liability or other gaps that will cause them to implement some level of interviews or additional screening. - Posted on: 02/12/2020
Will Pop Up Grocer bring discovery to grocery retailing?
I think this is a great way to connect with consumers and introduce new offers. DTC brands can promote new products (and get immediate feedback), and grocers can showcase private label, meal solutions or fresh foods. - Posted on: 02/11/2020
Brandless halts operations. What went wrong?
I met Tina and visited one of the Brandless pop-ups. It was an interesting concept that relies on customer loyalty. Unfortunately, Brandless was not able to live up to their brand promise (interesting, high quality products at a value price) due to a faulty business model, ultimately disappointing customers. - Posted on: 02/10/2020
Why are so many organic grocers landing in bankruptcy court?
Convenience, cost and experience still drive purchase decisions. With wide availability of organics at competitive prices, the experience at these niche chains did not sufficiently inspire shoppers to make a special trip. - Posted on: 02/07/2020
7-Eleven tries out an Amazon Go-like store
Given that cashierless (should) equate to (more) convenience, companies like 7-Eleven would be well served to offer this service to customers - provided they get can find cost and capabilities that can scale. - Posted on: 02/04/2020
Can luxury retail attract a new generation of shoppers?
I’m Millennial minded and I want to see myself and my values reflected in a brand. Luxury retailers would be well served to employ, connect and understand this mindset. - Posted on: 02/03/2020
Which commercial won the Super Bowl?
Was disappointing, wasn’t it? - Posted on: 02/03/2020
Which commercial won the Super Bowl?
Interesting that with all the pre-game hype, Mr. Peanut did not even make the list! #RIPeanut - Posted on: 01/31/2020
Will a resale shop deliver bigger sales for Nordstrom?
Applause from me! I’m not crazy about the name “See You Tomorrow” but I'm a recommerce fan and believe it will give shoppers (some not currently Nordstrom regulars) another reason for shoppers to make a trip to Nordstrom. - Posted on: 01/30/2020
Will 2020 be the year of less flash and more substance for in-store tech?
Retailers are risk-adverse — it usually takes a documented tangible success story from an industry leader to move the needle on adoption. - Posted on: 01/30/2020
Etsy’s diversity push seeks to ‘keep commerce human’
With a top-down commitment, goals and tangible programs they are ahead of most other organizations. It seems especially important for Etsy to have a inclusive workforce, given they serve such a diverse client base. - Posted on: 01/29/2020
The measured store, version 2.0
In-store technologies, like sensors, electronic shelf labels, smart carts, tunnel scanners, etc., have been around for decades. What's prevented retailers from benefiting from them is 1) their resistance to change 2) their ability to take action (in scale) from insights gathered.
