How seriously should CPGs take the idea of creating distinct voice presences to help them stand on Alexa and other voice assistants? How should brands go about “finding their voice”? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Ad agencies have seen their reason for being questioned in the face of advertising becoming more about data science … Continue reading Do CPGs need their own voice for Alexa?
What kind of brick-and-mortar strategy, if any, makes the most sense for Google to support its hardware lineup? What lessons should Google take from pushes by Apple and Amazon into physical retail? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: This will continue to confirm the strategy that in most cases, you need a physical retail location … Continue reading Is the time ripe for Google stores?
Does it make sense that only a minority of repeat returners are driving up the high rates of online returns? Do the findings from the NPR/Marist poll do more to justify free shipping policies or bans of abusive returners? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: As the saying goes, “it’s the price of doing business” … Continue reading Are chronic online returners only a few bad apples?
Do you support or oppose the proposed changes to the SNAP program made by the Trump administration? If enacted, how would you see the changes affecting grocery retailers? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Yet another well-run program that the Trump administration is trying to undermine when it does not need fixing. Can you imagine … Continue reading Grocers say Trump’s SNAP plan would screw up a well run program
Will Instacart and Shipt be able to hold their own — perhaps even gain ground — against Amazon? Are you more bullish on one company’s prospects versus the other in near- and long-term? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: First, I hope both are able to compete with Amazon as we need to balance the … Continue reading Will Instacart and Shipt give Amazon a run for its money?
What were your favorite and least favorite commercials from this year’s Super Bowl broadcast and why? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: The Toyota spots were the most memorable to me because they did not focus on their cars. They left me with a good feeling about Toyota and that some companies try to see … Continue reading Which commercial won the Super Bowl?
What can Super Bowl ads do for brands that regular ads can’t? Has the value derived from Super Bowl ads increased or diminished in the last few years? Do they work better for established brands or for newer brands and product launches? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: There are so few events that are … Continue reading Is a Super Bowl ad worth $5 million?
What advice would you have for retailers looking to create a culture of change? What hurdles do retailers face when encouraging associates to embrace many of the new or soon-to-arrive digital tools? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Most companies are indeed risk averse or change averse so the challenge is always around educating the … Continue reading Walmart CEO: ‘Retail is about change’
Do you think Kohl’s is on the right path with its plan to lease space within its stores to grocery and/or convenience store partners? What do you see as the challenges with such an arrangement? Are there companies that you think would make ideal partners for Kohl’s? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Bad move. … Continue reading Kohl’s to share space with grocery store partner(s)
How will Whole Foods’ new program requiring vendors to help pay for shelf space, displays and in-store sampling affect its business? What will it mean for rivals and for its vendor relationships? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: This is so not what Whole Foods should stand for. It seems the Amazon takeover of Whole … Continue reading Whole Foods asks vendors to pay to play
