Strategic Resource Group

A snapshot of the 2024 PLMA - Private Label Manufacturers Association! Private label isn’t just growing—it’s redefining the future of retail. With CPG brand prices at historic highs and 70% of consumers living paycheck to paycheck, private label brands are stepping up to fill the gap. At #PLMA2025, Burt Flickinger will explore how Private Label in the U.S. is on the path to rival Europe's +50% market share, offering shoppers high-quality alternatives at lower prices while strengthening retailers and supporting American agriculture. As big brands prioritize price profits over consumer needs, private label innovation is driving a shift in shopper loyalty. Strong private brand portfolios create a virtuous cycle—helping consumers save without sacrificing quality, making retailers less dependent on CPG trade spend, and increasing demand for U.S. farmers. Join Burt at the 2025 Arizona PLMA! #PrivateLabel #RetailLeadership #PLMA #RetailStrategy #ConsumerTrends #CPG

Retail giant Target is in the hot seat with some of its shareholders over DEI policies. I joined Network Reporter, @Sean Callebs, on CGTN America with 300+ million viewers about how a lawsuit brought against Target, by shareholders alleging it misled them over the risk around its diversity initiatives. I emphasized that “Target isn’t losing customers over DEI risks.” The company remains one of the most meritocratic retailers, leading in ESG with the lowest operating costs globally, thanks in part to its investments in solar energy. “Target does everything right—this isn’t a leadership problem.” The real challenge? Consumers are cutting back, prioritizing essentials, while past boards failed to invest enough in food distribution infrastructure. Furthermore, Target—the largest urban & city retailer in the U.S.—is dealing with out-of-control theft in densely populated areas—an issue law enforcement and state attorneys have failed to address. As I mentioned, “It’s a rich (horrible) irony that the @Riveria Beach California Police Pension Fund is suing Target, while in places like California, thieves could steal $950 a day with no criminal consequences," which raises prices unfairly for all people. N.B. Out of control crime is California and across America is crushing Target and all USA retail, which is closing a record-breaking 25,000+ stores in 2025 & the government & police departments everywhere should be protecting Target & "guests/customers," workers, and store suppliers. Target’s ability to navigate consumer behavior and operational risks will ultimately determine its long-term success—not shareholder-driven lawsuits over DEI. Watch Entire Interview Here: https://lnkd.in/edi5vskJ #Target #DEI #CGTN #diversity #equity #inclusion #SeanCallebs #retailcrime #retailtheft

A trip to ALDI USA is never just a grocery run—it's an experience. ALDI stands out for its ability to offer quality, affordability, and innovation all in one place. Here’s what makes them STAND OUT to other grocery stores and WHY they are one of the top grocery stores in America: ? Clean Ingredients Before It Was "Trendy" – ALDI removed synthetic colors from their private-label products in 2015, years ahead of the recent Red Dye #3 ban under the new administration. ? With 90% of their products being Private Label, ALDI delivers great value without sacrificing quality. ? ALDI President @Dave Rinaldo at the 2024 Chicago PLMA - Private Label Manufacturers Association highlighted the role Private Labels play in their remarkable growth—expanding to 2,400 stores across 38 states, with 46,000 employees and a 30% increase in market presence. ? Their smaller, well-chosen assortment makes shopping efficient while keeping costs down. ? From seasonal favorites to unexpected finds, the middle aisle is always worth a browse. ALDI has mastered the balance of simplicity, savings, and smart product choices. What’s your favorite ALDI find? ?? #ALDI #GroceryRetail #PLMA #privatelabelmanufacturersassociation #foodretail #grocery #privatelabel #DaveRinaldo #PeggyDavies #LibbyRoberge

We honor the leaders who have shaped our nation’s history. May we continue to strive for unity, progress, and the values that make our country strong. #PresidentsDay

Burt Flickinger, Managing Director at Strategic Resource Group, is honored to take the main stage at the 2025 PLMA - Private Label Manufacturers Association Conference in Scottsdale to discuss how Private Brands are shaping the future for retailers, consumers, and farmers. With CPG brand prices at record highs and 70% of consumers living paycheck to paycheck, the demand for high-quality, affordable Private-Label options has never been stronger. In Europe, Private Label penetration surpasses 50%—is the U.S. next? ? Consumers WIN – No need to sacrifice quality for savings. ? Retailers gain independence – A strong Private Label strategy reduces reliance on CPG trade spend. ? Farmers thrive – Increased demand means greater agricultural production. Private Brands are no longer just an alternative—they are the future. Join Burt at PLMA 2025! https://lnkd.in/emj3--E3 #PLMA2025 #PrivateLabel #RetailInnovation

? ?? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ???? 2025 ?????????????? ?????????? ???????? ???? ????????! Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/gWGehSbx The four categories for nominations include: ?? Lifetime Achievement ??Next Gen Private Label Leader ??Private Brand Champion ??Private Brand Innovator ??The Hall of Fame represents some of the most successful and familiar retail and wholesale chains, store brand manufacturers and suppliers, and companies and organizations closely associated with the private label industry, such as trade press, quality assurance and testing firms, market researchers, and management consultants, among others. ?? Nominees selected for the Class of 2025 will be notified by the end of February and inducted at?PLMA’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference?in Scottsdale in April.

Expert Litigation Support for Retail and CPG Companies – Only at Strategic Resource Group. Combining the right people, processes, and technology, we deliver comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Our expert witness services and legal expertise span a wide array of areas, including: ? Consumer Behavior & Buying Analysis ? Contract & Lease Disputes ? Mergers & Acquisitions ? Antitrust Litigation Support ? International Retail Arbitration ? Union Matters ? Intellectual Property Rights ? Bankruptcy Cases #litigationsupport

The Latest in Grocery News ?? ?????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? $?????? ?????????????? ???? ????????: According to Grocery Dive, Store brands saw a 4% sales increase, with refrigerated foods leading growth at 7.5%. ??????????????'?? ?????? ?????????? ???? ????????????????????: Walmart will invest $520M to develop 400 AI-driven accelerated pickup and delivery centers through a partnership with Symbotic. (Source: Grocery Dive) ???????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ????????: Retail media is booming, projected to reach $179.5 billion globally in 2024, driven by AI advancements. (Source: Supermarket News) ??-??-?? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ??????????! H-E-B is America’s favorite grocer for the 3rd year in a row, with value grocer Market Basket pushing Amazon out of the No. 2 spot to edge past Costco Wholesale. ?????????????? ???? ????????????????????: Wegmans Food Markets is expanding to Pittsburgh! ? Burt Flickinger predicts strong competition with Giant Eagle, Inc. but notes Wegmans' success may not mirror its dominance in New York. ? Uber Eats is partnering with Wegmans to boost grocery delivery options.

A few years ago, Strategic Resource Group was proud to assist Casey’s General Stores in defending against hostile takeover attempts by leveraging the Iowa “Maytag Law.” Our expert analysis and testimony empowered Casey’s Board of Directors to make decisions that prioritized employees, vendors, and long-term value. The result? A remarkable outcome with Casey’s stock now trading at 10X the original offer price. SRG’s specialized expertise in mergers and acquisitions can drive impactful decisions for businesses navigating the complexities of competitive retail landscapes. Read the full case study below! Link: https://lnkd.in/e9xYJrUH

Wegmans Food Markets plans first store in the Pittsburgh area From Randy Gorbman, award-winning News Director at WXXI Public Broadcasting Council & NPR, regarding Wegmans Food Markets new entry into the tough Pittsburgh Market. Longtime supermarket analyst Burt Flickinger, Managing Director of Strategic Resource Group, thinks the new Wegmans store will do well, but he told WXXI News there is some tough competition in the Pittsburgh area. “They’re going to be successful, but they’re not going to be as successful as they are in that whole quarter between Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, down (Interstate) 81 and into Binghamton University College and then across the way,” Flickinger said. Flickinger sees a robust head-to-head competition in Pittsburgh with a locally-based chain, Giant Eagle, Inc. “Wegmans will win in the most important departments where Wegmans is the best in the U.S.; meat, fresh fish, pork, poultry, lamb, veal, produce, prepared foods, scratch bakery. The issue is center store, grocery, dairy and frozen where Giant Eagle will win,” Flickinger said. As far as the possibility of Wegmans, which has most of its 111 stores along the East Coast, moving even further west, perhaps into Ohio, Flickinger thinks that someday Cleveland may be a possibility, but at this point he doesn’t believe they will try to move into Ohio on a larger scale. Link to Article: https://lnkd.in/eXEneXjB #wegmans #pittsburgh #grocerychains #gianteagle #supermarket #WXXI #PBS #NPR