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: 05/17/2022
Which exec role should guide the path to the metaverse?
It’s a hybrid role for sure, made up of an innovative and diverse team led by an individual with customer, product, merchandising and execution expertise, which has a seat at the C-Suite table. - Posted on: 05/16/2022
Nordstrom Local is summering in the Hamptons
I think it’s a great idea to bring the local experience to shoppers where there is critical mass. The Hampton’s in the summer makes perfect sense -- watch out for Florida and ski destinations in the winter. - Posted on: 05/13/2022
Does virtual selling make for lonely salespeople?
Virtual selling requires sales professionals to utilize specialized skills, new strategies and to pay attention to details in a different way. Most high-performing salespeople I know like a challenge and are adopting creating relationships in a digital world. Besides, the three "problematic behaviors" cited are common in F2F situations as well. - Posted on: 05/12/2022
Google rethinks employee reviews and promotions process
Peer reviews can provide valuable insights if they are frank and can mitigate "bad boss" situations. Ongoing feedback from all stakeholders is essential to improved performance, skill development and business results. - Posted on: 05/11/2022
Do Netflix subscriber headwinds hold lessons for retailers?
Price hikes without commensurate enhancements in products or services is a questionable move when inflation and competition are rising. - Posted on: 05/09/2022
Has Etsy been missing the boat with men?
Analysis, research and awareness are the best ways for Etsy to identify steps to engage with men as buyers and sellers. - Posted on: 05/06/2022
Kroger wants to accelerate its go fresh and go local push
I’d rather see a more locally- and consumer-led approach as opposed to a contest with only a handful of "winners." Why place limits when one can be much more inclusive in store offerings as well as creating programs in understored areas where there is need? - Posted on: 05/05/2022
How should retail companies best navigate the abortion controversy?
While many wish it was possible to separate politics from business, it’s no longer possible when lives and personal choices that for years have been legal are being up-ended by a minority of the people. Retailers will have to take a stand -- highly public or not -- through its policies, benefits and healthcare plans. And they will need to be prepared for fall-out regardless of what position they take. There are no winners in this situation. - Posted on: 05/04/2022
L.L.Bean is taking a month-long mental health break from social media
While I applaud the sentiment, I doubt if it will move the needle on mental health. Organized group activities or other tangible programs or partnerships with parks or clubs would be more effective. - Posted on: 05/03/2022
Does resale make sense for Dick’s Sporting Goods?
Bravo! Every golfer I know has a bag of unused clubs they’d love to trade in. - Posted on: 05/02/2022
Is Hy-Vee’s highly public corporate restructuring prescient or something else?
Justifying workforce reduction or redistribution based on a 35% chance of a future recession without any mention of benefits for employees or customers will sound alarm bells for the markets and people they serve. This communique tries to use a positive phrase (transparency) to gloss over a layoff and cost-cutting program. Wonder what the internal Comms plan was.... - Posted on: 04/28/2022
Is timing more important than speed for grocery delivery?
Understanding needs, setting realistic expectations and continually communicating with customers about deliveries is more important than speed. - Posted on: 04/26/2022
Do Gen Z workers deserve to be called entitled?
What circumstances are driving a store manager to write and post that letter? Is Dollar Tree doing enough to support store leaders and associates during a time when the definition of work/workplace is changing dramatically? - Posted on: 04/21/2022
Are price freezes and pledges worthwhile in inflationary climates?
Given that Aldi and Old Navy are value-priced retailers, these aren’t new policies, simply reminders. I expect core customers to continue to shop and perhaps some others to trade down if inflation continues. - Posted on: 04/20/2022
Has Barnes & Noble turned the page?
This is another example of the importance of associates and local management in planning and delivering experiences and offerings tailored to their own market. It's easy for people to order books from Amazon, its a completely different experience to browse a book store and connect with other book-lovers.
