The Feedback Group

Advise organizations, businesses and nonprofits throughout the U.S. on designing and executing voice of customer programs, customer experience assessments, consumer insights/research studies, employee surveys, stakeholder studies, and B2B research. Manage internal staff and outside vendors, as well as public relations, website, and social media.  Primary client base consists of supermarket companies ranging in size from large regional chains of 160+ units to single stores, as well as large regional food distributors with sales as high as $30 billion.    

• Leveraged qualitative and quantitative research tools including online surveys, panels, phone studies, IVR, email surveys, and voice of customer platforms for independent chain retailers. Integrated information from multiple tools during assessments which provided additional information and depth to findings.

• Created and fielded numerous industry-leading studies, including company’s first national study of online supermarket shoppers, creating valuable benchmarks for clients, providing insights for the industry and positioning firm as an industry thought leader. 

• Implemented voice of customer programs allowing store level managers to respond directly to shoppers, as well as determine and resolve root causes of dissatisfaction with the shopping experience. 

• Partnered with client marketing leader at a large Midwest supermarket chain to develop a research approach to assess awareness, usage and ratings of new departments and services. As a result of findings, client was able to fine tune offerings to optimize market positioning. 

• Led wide range of marketing/public relations efforts for the firm, centered around proprietary research findings and knowledge. As a result of these activities, the firm reached significantly higher levels of recognition as a research leader in the food industry. 

• Sought after speaker on industry trends at events ranging from trade association panels to keynotes.

Principal

NUMINSIGHTS LLC

Leveraging extensive experience gained from leadership positions in a Fortune 500 company and corporate foundation, as well as through consulting and nonprofit board/philanthropic roles, to provide consulting in the areas of consumer/customer/stakeholder insights, public relations & communications, SEO, content marketing, website strategy, program & event assessments, and trends & topics research. Clients include nonprofits, businesses, senior executives, and consultancies.

Engagements have included: 

* Serving as fractional communications and insights leader for a nonprofit, including launching a new website in an accelerated timeframe, developing and implementing effective internal communications processes, creating compelling integrated storytelling including blogs, e-blasts, and social media, building SEO capability leading to higher rankings in search results, leading publicity campaigns resulting in media coverage, and creating a comprehensive insights capability providing clear and usable findings for program evaluations, board assessments, and employee surveys.

* Working with an international NGO to develop a comprehensive assessment capability including insights from volunteers, staff, and programs. Created and launched the framework for all communications processes including publicity, social media, website, content marketing, and SEO/SEM. 

* Designing and conducting a range of surveys including stakeholder assessments, program evaluations, employee surveys, and board surveys across many types of entities including restaurant, camp, church, and nonprofit. One especially notable project was a city-wide survey for a nonprofit to assess perceptions of community towards this nonprofit and their offerings.

* Partnering with consultancies without internal research capabilities to conduct surveys for clients.

Founder and President

RetailWire

Longstanding retail industry commentator as part of the RetailWire BrainTrust. Visit www.retailwire.com to learn more.

BrainTrust Panelist

Nash Finch Company

Directed all internal research projects, as well as conducted research for independent supermarket retail clients. Managed $500,000 budget as well as staff and vendor relationships. Served as top public relations leader for the organization, acting as national company spokesperson, writing press releases, and handling all media inquiries and outreach. 

• Built first integrated research department in the history of the organization. Conducted hundreds of studies including consumer research, focus groups, business partner assessments, industry benchmarking, branding, image, and new offering evaluations. Evaluated and implemented first store level voice of customer program. All of these activities increased confidence in decisions. 

• Served in the industry as the Chair of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Consumer Market Research Committee. During tenure, collaborated with FMI Research Director to revamp industry level trends study to measure generational differences in shopping behavior which created a new way to examine consumers. 

• Developed initial public relations capability resulting in an effective and well-rounded approach, boosting company visibility.

Sr. Director, Research & Public Relations

Concurrently chaired corporate foundation. Developed and led all aspects of company’s charitable giving foundation including fundraising, financial growth, governance, grant making, engagement events, and cause marketing. Foundation focus areas were hunger, shelter, health/nutrition, literacy, and supporting veterans. 

• Over term as chair, total annual donations increased from several hundred thousand to one million dollars. 

• Designed and executed Feeding Imagination Program (130,000+ kids’ books donated) and created and launched Helping Hands in the Community Day (400+ volunteers engaged annually), resulting in a significant impact in the Twin Cities community and being awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award. 

• Implemented employee donation program resulting in more staff engagement in foundation efforts coupled with increased financial resources.

Chair, Nash Finch (NFC) Foundation 

Various other progressive roles

Consultant | Thought Leader | Co-Author "Feedback Rules!"

Confused on AI implementation? We help 👋 | Top AI Voice | Founder of Everyday AI, a Top 10 Tech Podcast | AI Strategist | AI Consultant | AI Keynote Speaker | Helping companies leverage GenAI

A versatile consultant with demonstrated expertise managing programs and initiatives including voice of customer, consumer insights/research, CX, national consumer studies, and public relations / communications including publicity campaigns, social media, content marketing, SEO, and websites. Consult in variety of industries including supermarket, retail, food, trade association, and nonprofit. Possess a passion for translating complex data into meaningful stories with diverse audiences and groups. Known as a thought leader, published author, collaborative partner with internal and external customers, and for contagious enthusiasm and focused energy. 

• Speaker/moderator on podcasts, webinars, and at events including National Grocers Association, Food Marketing Institute, Minnesota Grocers Association, IFPA (formerly PMA) Fresh Summit/Connections Retail/Foodservice, New England Produce Council, WMU Food Marketing Conference, Natural Products Expo, and IABC MN Chapter.

• Provide thought leadership in articles for publications such as Progressive Grocer, Supermarket News, The Shelby Report, Minnesota Grocer Magazine, Produce Business, Supermarket Perimeter, Produce Blue Book, and numerous online blogs including RetailWire, serving as a Braintrust panelist. 

• Co-author of "Feedback Rules!" - Brigantine Media (2016). 

What great things can we do together?  Let's connect today!

Extreme-value retailer Grocery Outlet will soon open its first location in Delaware. Scheduled to open on April 4, the new store will be located at 18910 Rehoboth Mall Boulevard in Rehoboth Beach. The vacation beach town is one of the state’s most popular resort spots.

Grocery Outlet is also excited about growth opportunities as a result of its recent United Grocery Outlet acquisition. This deal gives the rapidly expanding retailer an entry point into the southeast region, with 40 stores across the six states of Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and Virginia. 

Additionally, the company recently celebrated the grand opening of its first location in Ohio. It held the grand opening of the Boardman store in November 2023, officially entering its ninth state at that time.  | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gQtQpJ3g

#retail #grocery #supermarkets #retailers #expansion #growth 

Brian Numainville

progressivegrocer.com • 2 min read

Grocery Outlet to Open 1st Store in Delaware

The Always Save brand has long been a staple at Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) and this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Starting in 1984 with 140 pantry staple items, the brand today features more than 550 products in a variety of categories including center store, bakery, meat, personal care, non-foods, among others. 

According to AWG, Always Save throughout its history has offered quality products at an opening price point or best price per unit measure. Offering a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, the quality and value of products sold under the Always Save brand allows AWG member retailers to offer a product for budget-conscious consumers. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gspCb98w

#retail #supermarkets #grocery #privatelabel #supplychain #retailers

Associated Wholesale Grocers' Private Label Celebrates 40 Years

BJ's Wholesale Club is making good on its previously announced plans to open 12 new locations in fiscal year 2024. The company has shared the five latest stores coming to its footprint, building on its already aggressive expansion plans.

New locations include:
Maryville, Tenn. 
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Palm Coast and West Palm Beach, Fla.
Carmel, Ind.

The company also announced expansion into its 21st state as it plans to open a location near the Jefferson Mall in Louisville, Ky., early next year. The new Louisville club will include a BJ’s gas station, and is expected to create approximately 150 jobs. 

During the company’s Q4 and FY23 earnings call, BJ’s Chairman and CEO Bob Eddy shared that BJ’s plans to open 15 new gas stations during FY24. Some of those locations will be at clubs that don’t currently have gas stations, while others will be brand new. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gW7_rZEB

#retail #wholesale #clubs #grocery #gasstations #expansion #supermarkets

BJ’s Following Through on Ambitious Expansion Plans

I’m #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested?

Everything must go at 99 Cents Only Stores across the country, as the discount chain is shuttering all of its 371 locations in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. During the liquidation sale, shoppers can get discounts up to 30% off items that are already value priced.

Northbrook, Ill.-based Hilco Global is the firm managing the liquidation sale and the handling of the retailer’s real estate assets, including loaned and leased properties. Some of the stores are situated in well-known locations, such as Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. 

It’s the end of an era for the deep discounter, which dates to the 1960s when founder Dave Gold opened a small liquor store in Los Angeles and sold bottles of wine for 99 cents. Later, in 1982, Sherry and David Gold opened the first official 99 Cents Only Store in L.A., selling TV sets for only $0.99 to the first nine customers. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gXG8MESn

#retail #stores #dollarstores #shoppers 

99 Cents Only Stores Closing Across Southwest

The Independent Grocers Alliance has formed a partnership with EmpowerFresh Co., a provider of AI-driven inventory management and retail optimization solutions for the produce department. According to the two entities, the partnership aims to transform the retail produce landscape through innovative technology and support for IGA, INC. members.

Empower Fresh Company’s suite of software solutions will now be available to IGA members, enabling them to optimize their fresh operations, boost efficiency and spur growth in a competitive market environment. Leveraging AI technology and data-driven insights, the solutions are designed to enable retailers to make informed decisions, streamline processes and provide superior customer experiences. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gyAHtf6n

#retail #supermarkets #grocery #fresh #produce #saas #AI #grocers #retailers

IGA, EmpowerFresh Form Strategic Partnership

Amazon has been hard at work retooling its grocery strategy, and the retailer is reportedly ready to change its focus in an effort to obtain success with its Fresh business. According to a report from The Information, Amazon says its next generation of Fresh stores will not utilize the company’s proprietary Just Walk Out technology, but will instead lean on its Dash Carts for seamless checkout.

Tony Hoggett, Amazon SVP of grocery stores, told The Information that the company’s new batch of Fresh stores will not employ Just Walk Out technology. Additionally, its existing Amazon Fresh locations will get a facelift and be updated to “version two” stores sans the technology. 

The retailer will instead employ Dash Carts, smart shopping carts with a scanner and screen that allow shoppers to check out as they shop. Dash Carts also make it easier to shop the store, discover new items and find the best deals.

Amazon will reportedly still utilize Just Walk Out technology, which was first introduced in 2016, in a small number of Fresh stores in the U.K., as well as in some of its Amazon Go stores. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gSxDyc9S

#retail #technology #grocery #supermarkets #retailer #food #Amazon

Is Amazon Fresh Saying Goodbye to Just Walk Out Technology?

Through an expanded partnership with grocery technology company Instacart, Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) is bringing e-commerce and same-day delivery solutions to its member retailers, including AI-powered Caper Carts. The move will help simplify the process for an additional 2,300 of AWG’s member retailer locations to join Instacart's technology suite.

There are currently more than 800 AWG retailers using Instacart’s services, and the two companies are working together to help additional retailers set up their online shopping and delivery networks.

The partnership will also bring Instacart’s Caper Carts to AWG’s member stores. The computer vision- and AI-powered smart carts automatically identify items as they are placed in the cart and allow customers to bag items as they shop and make payments from anywhere in the store. Customers can also link their loyalty account to the carts. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gAD59teb

#retail #supermarkets #ecommerce #grocery #retailers #Instacart

Associated Wholesale Grocers Expands Instacart Partnership, Introduces Caper Carts

The Kroger Co. has come to the end of the road with three of its e-commerce fulfillment sites. Cross-docking spoke facilities in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, as well as one in Miami, are set to close on May 25, with a spokesperson for the grocer saying they “did not meet the benchmarks we set for success.” 

“Kroger’s commitment to innovation means that we test and learn quickly to identify the most effective ways to deliver fresh, affordable food to our customers,” said the spokesperson, adding that despite its best efforts and support from new customers, the facilities did not see the type of success the grocer expected. 

According to the spokesperson, Kroger remains committed to growing its e-commerce offerings and delivering fresh food to more communities across the United States, and the closures will not impact its automated fulfillment centers or other cross-docking spoke locations. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gTVQA_2w

#ecommerce #fresh #grocery #supermarkets #retail #food #grocer #Kroger

Kroger Closing 3 E-Commerce Fulfillment Facilities

Walmart is taking its retail media business to new levels in an effort to create even more meaningful connections between its customers and the brands the retailer carries. 

Beginning this month, Walmart Display is becoming primarily programmatic and auction based, which will offer advertising brands of all sizes greater access and control. Emerging brands, including Marketplace sellers, will be able to access Onsite Display placements for the first time through the self-service Walmart Ad Center platform.

Additionally, Walmart Connect is now offering offsite media to support brands that don’t sell with Walmart but offer complementary products and services that are relevant to its customers. Those businesses, to start, include automotive, entertainment, financial services, quick-service restaurants and travel.

Walmart is also exploring new offsite advertising options, including those in stores.

New experiences include more demo stations and sampling, with Walmart also testing more areas to reach customers, boost awareness and drive consideration. The retailer is also rolling out new self-serve capabilities to the Walmart Ad Center, including in-store campaign management starting with TV Wall ads.

Moreover, Walmart Connect is currently testing in-store attribution for Sponsored Search ads, in an effort to offer sharper omnichannel measurement. The retailer will also introduce deeper conversion and full-funnel insights, as well as advanced targeting.

Finally, Walmart advertisers can expect more integrated marketing solutions, such as onsite and in-store placements, and also expanded solutions for ad creative. Later this year, partners will be able to use the company’s machine-learning-powered, self-serve tool for building and optimizing ad creative. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gpD-YBcw

#retail #advertising #digital #media #omnichannel #Walmart #stores #shoppers

progressivegrocer.com • 3 min read

Walmart Unlocks New Retail Media Efficiencies

Interesting article on the use of AI by IKEA in a retail context. 

https://lnkd.in/gPf8GYxR

#retail #ai #stores #shoppers #artificialintelligence 

forbes.com • 6 min read

The Amazing Ways IKEA Is Using Generative AI

Who do consumers blame for inflation? New research from The Feedback Group shows that shoppers turn the finger back to government while also pinning responsibility on suppliers. On a scale of one to five, with five as “highly responsible” and one as “not at all responsible,” consumers gave government policies and actions a 3.86, the highest score. Coming in second, in consumers’ opinion, are product manufacturers and suppliers (3.75), followed by geopolitical conflicts and issues (3.42). 

Grocers came in fourth in terms of perceived blame for high food prices in this poll. Respondents scored food retailers 3.40 out of 5.0. 

Grocers remain in the crosshairs of some looking to assign blame for accelerated costs of living. 

The same day that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, President Joe Biden spotlighted the role of grocers. Over the past few months, the president has also decried “shrinkflation” and the role that food companies play in product portions and pricing.  

Meanwhile, fallout continues from last month's report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) implicating grocers for raising prices for profits during the pandemic and subsequent supply chain bottlenecks. In a news conference on April 11, three Democratic lawmakers in that state contended that data shared by the FTC shows that grocery inflation is not in line with retailers' own business costs.| Progressive Grocer
https://lnkd.in/gGx_cQsk

#retail #supermarkets #grocers #grocery #shoppers #food #inflation

Inflation and the Grocery Blame Game

There has always been a certain fusion of art and science when creating recipes. Food and beverage insights company Datassential is taking that tradition to the next level with an updated development tool that helps food and beverage companies create menu items and limited-time offers.

First launched in 2018, the Concept Ideation tool is now powered by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to provide instant, data-enabled concepts. The solution can also predict consumer reaction to new ideas and items.

Additionally, food and beverage makers, including those at brands and those at retail operations with foodservice offerings, can use the tool to generate images based on the menu concepts. These AI-generated images can be used in customer presentations, concept testing and other parts of the R&D process. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gBKvNimM

#retail #food #AI #artificialintelligence #supermarkets #beverage #technology

progressivegrocer.com • 1 min read

New Menu Development Tool Uses AI to Generate Concepts, Images

Want to learn more about AI? Click here and subscribe to this daily newsletter. It's the one I trust to stay up to date and informed on the latest!  https://lnkd.in/gjEZrNCw

##artificialintelligence #AI #AInews Everyday AI | Jordan Wilson 

read.youreverydayai.com • 1 min read

Everyday AI

It’s shaping up to be a busy May for Meijer, which has put three store opening dates on the calendar for next month. The Midwest retailer is expanding its footprint in Ohio and its home state of Michigan.

Meijer will unveil two 159,000-square-foot supercenters in the towns of Alliance and North Canton, Ohio, on May 14. With the addition of those stores in the northeast part of the state, Meijer will operate 55 locations in The Buckeye State.

As with other supercenters, the new outposts in Alliance and North Canton will carry a range of grocery staples, fresh produce, bakery, meat and deli items and include a pharmacy, health and beauty department, pet section, electronics, toys, sports and apparel. The North Canton store will include a Meijer Express fuel station. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/gMGStieP

#retail #supermarkets #grocery #supercenters #retailer #stores #expansion

A Trio of Supercenters on Tap for Meijer

Doug Madenberg, Chief Listening Officer of The Feedback Group, commented, "In this politically charged environment, supermarket shoppers believe that government policies are the leading influence on higher supermarket prices. Product manufacturers and suppliers follow closely behind, while supermarkets are viewed as further down the list, along with other factors. More holistically, what emerges is a picture of multiple factors that the average consumer navigates, all contributing in various degrees to the price tag they face at the checkout."

Press Release 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9-GiqDV

#retail #supermarkets #grocery #grocers #retailers #inflation #shoppers

prnewswire.com • 3 min read

Shoppers Believe Government Policies and Actions Most Responsible for Higher Prices in Supermarkets According to Feedback Group Research

Five of the world’s leading grocery retailers have come together to establish a pioneering collaborative VC fund, W23 Global. The fund will seek to invest in innovative startups and scaleups that deploy technology to enhance customer experiences, transform the grocery value chain and address the sector’s sustainability challenges.

W23 Global investor partners include Ahold Delhaize (US, Europe, Indonesia), Tesco (UK, ROI, Europe), Woolworths Group (Australia, New Zealand), Empire Co. Ltd./Sobeys Inc. (Canada) and The Shoprite Group of Companies (Africa).

Each retailer is an equal funder and partner in W23 Global, while their CEOs will sit on the investment committee. | Progressive Grocer  https://lnkd.in/g4NpBaJY

#retail #retailers #grocery #innovation #supermarkets #technology

Grocers Across the Globe Unite to Create Venture Fund for Retail Innovation

Harris Teeter will hold the grand opening of its new location in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Va., on April 3. The new grocery store, located at 624 North Glebe Road, will replace the old Harris Tetter located at 600 North Glebe Road. 

The new store will include an expanded service meat and seafood department; enhanced organic and specialty produce; store-made pizza, subs and a hot bar; a Murray’s Cheese Shop; a wine and beer bar; and a Starbucks coffee bar. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gGPige4B

#retail #grocery #supermarkets #grocer #retailer 

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