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: 09/12/2022
Kroger simplifies its budget private labels
Making it easy for consumers to see the full category range -- and their respective price points -- is always a smart move. - Posted on: 09/09/2022
Should Ulta be merging premium and mass beauty products in its stores?
I think it’s a great way to give consumers a choice across categories. Given the economy consumers can easily trade up or down depending on their priorities and pocketbook. - Posted on: 09/08/2022
Why is Lowe’s moving its marketing ops under its merchandising veep?
A brand's value and the ability to fulfill on the promise should drive all decisions. I’m all for removing by silos but this move is backwards - marketing should drive merchandising. - Posted on: 09/06/2022
What should Starbucks’s new CEO’s priorities be?
People should always be the priority, and SBUX needs them more than ever to execute a complete revision of store experience to accommodate mobile ordering, pickup and delivery. - Posted on: 09/06/2022
Things go from bad to worse at Bed Bath & Beyond
This is the most tragic event in a string of very bad news for BBY. Every cohort -- associates, board, partners, vendors, customers, analysts and the general public -- has been impacted. A SWAT team of seasoned, humane-minded senior leaders needs to be brought in to stabilize and console in the immediate-term and determine a viable way forward in the near-term. - Posted on: 09/02/2022
Will Americans get started earlier or later this year on their Christmas shopping?
I expect this holiday season has already started and will be promotionally driven. - Posted on: 08/30/2022
Should grocers make a big deal out of freezing prices?
While I’m not completely sure that consumers realize the complexity or impact of higher costs for grocers, I do agree that making a strong public statement about pricing strategies during a time of inflation is a smart move. - Posted on: 08/29/2022
Can Instacart transform from a transactional to an inspirational shopping platform?
Compelling content that is continually changing and personalized can definitely catch consumers attention. The challenge for Instacart is whether their retail partners will continue to outsource the direct customer touch-point to them. - Posted on: 08/26/2022
Transactional reward programs are easy, but do they build customer loyalty?
Frictionless rewards are the best. It annoys me that CVS knows what I buy and serves up digital coupons but then requires me to 'add to card' to get the savings. Grrrr .... why the extra step? At least they (finally) implemented digital receipts! - Posted on: 08/24/2022
Salvage stores achieve sales growth by selling ‘unsellable’ goods
Whether it's for rare/specialty items or filling the pantry, salvage stores are filling a gap in the market for consumers at both ends of the spectrum. - Posted on: 08/22/2022
Are inflation bonuses worth it for retailers?
I applauded Lowe’s for providing "meaningful ways" to improve associates’ experience, but bonuses and discount cards are a short-term fix. - Posted on: 08/19/2022
Are retailers missing opportunities to leverage location-powered experiences?
Retailers have always been hesitant to adopt tech without a proven return, especially ones that require connection to many devices, processes and systems. The ability to have such a direct and personal connection to customers, especially at the point of purchase provides a tremendous amount of value. - Posted on: 08/19/2022
Are retailers missing opportunities to leverage location-powered experiences?
Infrastructure is exactly the key, Ken! With a platform and real-time integration to marketing, analytics and other systems, retailers can turn bits of data into insights and actions that improve service and sales. - Posted on: 08/17/2022
Should sports betting be served up in grocery aisles?
Aren’t grocery stores crowded enough with Instacart pickers? Don’t clog up the aisles with more non-shoppers - why not focus on optimizing experience and sales from existing shoppers instead of adding kiosks that don’t cater to core shoppers? - Posted on: 08/16/2022
Nike takes the week off
REI led the way with company-wide well being, closing stores and giving everyone Black Friday off. I think it’s a great concept when all parts of the organization benefit in equivalent ways.
