TNG BLOG

Our company looks forward to the future and is excited about continuing to lead in the retail and merchandising space. These are growing areas for us as we see new solutions for our customers.

Below is a press release from the Jim Pattison Group:

"JIM PATTISON GROUP AGREES TO SELL U.S. MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION RELATED ASSETS TO AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, LLC

VANCOUVER, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jim Pattison Group (JPG) today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its United States magazine distribution business (TNG), including their interest in The News Group LP, to American News Company, LLC (ANC). The sale is expected to close by December 31, 2018 at which time executive management, and the approximately 1,500 employees of the acquired businesses, will transition to ANC and continue to oversee the day-to-day operations.

Being part mind-reader, part strategist, helps

So much is in the news about how retail is stumbling, sinking, closing and shuttering. It is true. There are many dying retailers. As times change and customer demands evolve, retailers must keep up or stay ahead. Actually, the successful retailers are the ones that anticipate what their customers want before the customers know themselves – part mind reader, part strategist all wrapped in the most enticing of packaging.

Every retailer knows that times are tough right now. It can seem unrelenting with an onslaught of new issues every day. With one part of the puzzle in hand, another seems to falter in a constant battle to remain relevant and thriving. The pinch is real.

A recent article outlines the wildcard nature of the supply chain as the integral link for retail success. It starts the discussion with: “…as much as grocers continue to invest in building a better shopping experience, consumers still think of a trip to the grocery store as a chore”^1. If that is the case, then consumers will continue to look for alternatives to cut out just one more ‘chore’ in their already busy lives. If we look at retailers that are doing “better than” some of the others, are there patterns? Does the excitement of discovery and treasure hunt in a Costco make the shopping experience better for the shopper? If so, how does grocery incorporate more of that element into their stores? It could be that they customize more, experiment more with different products or try to localize products. It could be how they present that product to shoppers. The store within a store is gaining ground. Retailer operations along with limited distribution space often don’t make this an easy task, however.

You’re wanting a new front-end look and are designing your checkout. When does it make sense to bring in a supplier to help?

Recently, a large retailer, based upon what they were hearing in the marketplace and on the advice of some interested parties, decided to change up their front-end checkout units. The result was an aesthetic look that didn’t quite turn out like they had hoped in terms of ensuring the space was productive.

Adaptability, flexibility are key to surviving the turbulent retail times.  Uncertainty is always scary when tied to the bottom line, and on a personal level - how we make a living. This is a time of reinvention. How to, Where to, and Who will reach the consumer is the billion dollar question of our day. In this case, even the planning is unchartered territory. We know shoppers should be placed at the center of decision-making, but what does a retailer do to realize that in their brick and mortar stores?