Discretionary spending, Under-marketing, and Amazon Go Stores - Weekly Snacks #46

Campaign corner

Granny’s drink. Is Iced Tea a granny drink? Well, it depends if it’s Liquid Death Iced Tea . Also, it depends if your granny listens to heavy metal. All we can say is that here you have another amazing commercial from the well-known brand, Liquid Death.?

Unexpectedly light. A new commercial from Corona Premier shows that some things are unexpected. As the man walks through an outdoor bar, he spreads awareness about Corona Premier, a light beer with 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs. He becomes surprised by the beer's low calorie and carbohydrate content and halts the commercial shoot to verify the information with the crew. The realization dawns on him that his job is to promote Corona Premier to people.?

Retail technology in the spotlight

Ice cream markets. Mobile ice cream markets are expanding into Hollywood, with companies like Ice Cream Riot and Freezing Point Creamery offering on-demand ice cream through mobile apps . These services allow customers to hail an ice cream truck through their phones and track its location in real time, similar to ride-hailing apps. The trend of mobile markets is growing in popularity due to the pandemic, with consumers seeking out contactless options for food and goods.

Amazon Go store closing. Amazon is closing eight of its Amazon Go convenience stores across the US, as it shifts focus to its larger Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods stores. The company has not disclosed which stores will be closing or when but stated that the decision was made "after regularly evaluating our store portfolio, and we determined that we needed to close a few stores." Amazon Go stores are cashierless, allowing customers to purchase items using their Amazon account and the company's "Just Walk Out" technology.

Expert sharing knowledge

Supermarket technologies. ?What technology solutions are critical for independent supermarket operators to deploy in the next few years? This was the topic of one of Retail Wire’s discussions where experts shared their thoughts. Here’s what Ken Morris mentioned:?

Grocery under-marketing. Are grocers under-marketing their store brands? This was the topic of one of RetailWire's discussions . Retail experts talked about Where food retailers are missing opportunities to drive private brand growth. Here’s what Jeff Sward stated:?

Inflation rising and cutting back on spending

Retailers and suppliers. Retail suppliers are pushing back against retailers who are asking them to absorb the rising costs of raw materials and transportation, which has led to inflation and higher consumer prices. Suppliers are arguing that they are also facing cost increases and are unable to bear the additional financial burden without raising prices themselves. Some suppliers have threatened to reduce product offerings or discontinue business with retailers who refuse to raise prices to consumers. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discretionary spending. According to a recent survey by Bank of America, Millennials are cutting back on their discretionary spending , including dining out, travel, and entertainment, due to inflation and the ongoing pandemic. The survey also found that popular brands among this demographic include Amazon, Nike, Target, and Walmart, as they offer both affordability and quality. However, the report noted that the shift toward e-commerce may also lead to a decrease in brand loyalty, as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and availability over brand recognition.