ThirdChannel

Five years after the pandemic first disrupted retail, one thing is clear: the industry isn’t returning to “normal”—it’s constantly evolving. Consumers may have eagerly returned to stores, but their expectations have changed. They’re looking for more than just products on shelves; they want immersive experiences, seamless omnichannel integration, and real value in every purchase. Meanwhile, economic shifts and pricing concerns have given consumers more power than ever, making it critical for retailers to stay ahead of demand. We see this as an opportunity. The businesses that will win aren’t the ones trying to recreate the past, but those embracing agility, real-time data, and dynamic in-store experiences. The future of retail is about adaptability, connection, and delivering what customers want—before they even have to ask. How has your brand evolved in the past five years? Let’s talk about what’s next. #RetailInnovation #OmnichannelRetail #Retail

Success starts before the first customer walks in. When our Reps participate in quick pre-shift meeting, they do more than share product insights—they help build confidence, align messaging, and foster collaboration with store teams. These moments set the tone for stronger customer interactions, ensuring that key product details, selling strategies, and brand storytelling are fresh in everyone’s minds before the doors even open. A well-prepared team makes all the difference. When Brand Reps and retail teams start the day together, they’re not just selling—they’re creating an experience that resonates. #Teamwork #TeamHuddle #VisualMerchandising #Leadership

Great training doesn’t just educate—it inspires. Brand Rep Alexandra summed it up perfectly: "Best [training] session I’ve attended yet! Seriously! It was fun, informative, loaded with straightforward information. I am becoming more and more obsessed with this brand the more I learn. You can feel the passion behind the company. Well done!" Her experience highlights the impact of a tailored training ecosystem that leverages custom-designed LMS platforms to mirror each brand’s unique goals, focused brand sessions to deepen product knowledge, and resource tools that equip Reps with real-time information. This multi-faceted approach not only sharpens expertise but transforms performance on the floor. #EmployeeDevelopment #Training #Teamwork #Merchandisers

Remember when shopping was simple? You walked into a store, picked up what you needed, and left. Then came ecommerce, mobile shopping, and the expectation that brands should be everywhere, all at once. Retailers scrambled to keep up—omnichannel was born. But omnichannel is no longer enough. Customers want seamless, connected experiences, yet only 3% of retailers have fully implemented unified commerce. The challenge? Disconnected systems, outdated inventory data, and siloed teams. Unified commerce is the next step—real-time inventory, seamless transactions, and a single customer view across all touchpoints. Retailers that embrace it will reduce friction, improve operations, and build lasting customer loyalty. Are you seeing the shift toward unified commerce in your industry? #Retail #UnifiedCommerce #CX

Sneaker culture isn’t just about shoes—it’s a retail revolution. From limited drops to celebrity collabs, brands across industries are borrowing sneaker tactics to drive hype, exclusivity, and loyalty. ?? Scarcity = Demand: Limited releases create urgency and engagement. ?? Strategic Collabs: Partnering with influencers & designers expands reach. ?? In-Store Exclusivity: Pop-ups & VIP events enhance customer experience. Businesses that tap into these strategies can build deeper connections and long-term loyalty. How is your brand leveraging exclusivity to stand out? #Scalability #Sneakerhead #StrategicGrowth #StrategicPartnerships

Some days in retail remind you exactly why you love what you do. On a recent store visit, Sharon, a ThirdChannel Brand Rep, secured extra merchandising support and formed a fast friendship with fellow Rep Anne. But the real highlight? Her niece—whom she referred to join our team—was featured as a rising star in our Brand Session, a moment of well-earned recognition. Celebrating that win together over text was just the cherry on top. Our Rep community isn’t just about work—it’s about real connections, shared successes, and the people who make retail more rewarding every day. #retailers #merchandising #competitiveadvantage #customerservice

Imagine spending months developing the perfect product, only for customers to walk into a store and not find it. It’s stuck in the stockroom, lost among competitors, or store associates don’t know what it is. This happens every day, costing brands billions in lost sales. The truth? 95% of new products fail to meet sales targets—not because of quality or marketing, but because of poor retail execution. Success isn’t just about getting a product to market—it’s about ensuring it’s seen, understood, and sold. Brands that prioritize execution win at the shelf and beyond. #Branding #VisualMerchandising #ProductLaunch #Teamwork

When store displays remain unchanged for weeks, shoppers start to overlook them—it’s called display blindness. It’s the same reason a show you’ve rewatched too many times stops feeling exciting. Retail moves fast, and static displays don’t cut it anymore. Adaptive merchandising ensures in-store execution stays dynamic by using real-time data to adjust product placement, promotions, and displays. Technology plays a key role, but it’s the people in-store who bring these strategies to life. Brand Reps ensure that insights translate into action, keeping displays fresh, engaging, and aligned with shifting consumer behavior. The brands making this shift aren’t just updating displays—they’re creating a more responsive, seamless shopping experience. Retail isn’t meant to be static. How is your brand keeping up? #Retail #AdaptiveMerchandising #Merchandisers #RetailStrategy

We’re thrilled to welcome Jake Anderson as our new Director of Business Development! Jake knows what it takes to build and scale brands. He founded Forsake, an outdoor footwear brand, growing it into 200+ retail locations with major partnerships like REI, Zappos, Nordstrom, and Scheels—before leading it through acquisition by Weyco Group. Most recently, he founded Top Stock, a field marketing partner for outdoor and performance brands like Topo Athletic and Teton Sports. Top Stock has now merged within ThirdChannel to expand our Tech Reps offering—a next-level solution for brands and retailers looking to activate expert field teams powered by real-time data. Jake’s expertise in brand growth, field marketing, and retail strategy makes him a perfect fit. Let’s go, Jake! ?? #Welcome #Retail #TechReps #BusinessDevelopment #ThirdChannel

The truth isn’t always pretty, but having the right insights at the right time makes all the difference. Christina, one of our outstanding Brand Reps, recently uncovered a critical issue impacting product displays for a major baby brand. She noticed that packaging flaws were affecting how the products appeared on the floor—an easy-to-miss detail without someone like Christina keeping a close eye. She didn’t just report the issue—she took action. With detailed feedback and photos, she flagged the problem to the internal team, ensuring future packaging improvements for better in-store visibility. But she didn’t stop there. Christina also optimized the display, adding 35 additional baby accessories to make sure the brand’s presence was as strong as possible. This is the power of having a Brand Rep in-store. They don’t just observe—they solve problems, enhance product visibility, and drive real results. When brands have someone truly invested in every detail, from packaging to presentation, they don’t just gain insights—they gain impact. #BrandVisibility #BrandImpact #Merchandisers #Insight