News Briefs

Trax, a global computer vision company and provider of image recognition solutions for physical retail, has launched a Signal-Based Merchandising (SBM) solution to provide brands with real-time visibility down to the SKU level.

Available in the U.S., SBM engages a network of shoppers already in the store to gather real-time data points – which Trax calls signals – so brands can make quick decisions about their store-level execution, according to a media release.

“The fundamental principles of merchandising are broken,” David Gottlieb, chief revenue officer at Trax Retail, said in the release. “Brands don’t have visibility into what is happening in store aisles, which results in inefficiencies and lost sales. Consumer habits ebb and flow, and brands need real-time visibility into store and shelf conditions to take corrective action within hours, not weeks.” 

Trax says its SBM solution is a “continuous, signal-driven” approach to SKU collection in critical locations. For maximum impact, Trax directs its “flexible merchandising workforce” – known as the Flexforce – to these key stores on a recurring cadence or expands the store or SKU list.

BlueTriton Brands, Tru Fru (owned by Mars) and Dude Wipes are among the CPG brands that have already tested the solution in beta.

How it works:   

• Signal generation: Once a CPG identifies its priority and retailers, Trax deploys its network to collect data that shows out-of-stocks and the average duration of the issue. It then delivers insights reports in real time.  
• Store selection: Based on the data and additional proprietary insights, Trax identifies “high impact” stores.
• Shelf correction: Trax deploys the Flexforce in “near real time” to evaluate the data, confirm insights and start to take action, such as working with store managers, adjusting inventory, pulling product from the backroom and updating shelf tags to ensure accuracy.  
• Sales increase: Brands and retailers receive continued store-level reporting and Flexforce activation as needed, as well as an “end of program” ROI analysis. 

“With such rapid insight into on-shelf availability of our power SKUs, we were able to make quick decisions during a peak seasonal period in our category, ensuring our products were available where our customers needed them to be,” said Brian Felter, senior sales leader with BlueTriton Brands.

Trax’s in-store execution, store monitoring and retail analytics solutions are powered by proprietary image recognition and machine learning algorithms that turn photos of retail shelves into granular shelf and store-level insights.

Albertsons Cos. has expanded its partnership with R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), a provider of marketing, packaging, print and supply chain solutions, to “transform” its promotional marketing ecosystem and grocery merchandising strategy, according to a media release.

Albertsons is seeking to drive loyalty by reaching its audience beyond transactions and through localized and omnichannel marketing efforts supported by RRD.

“Customer shopping habits are unique to their local markets and their patterns are constantly evolving,” Sean Barrett, chief marketing officer for Albertsons Cos., said in the release. “Understanding the importance of these intricacies and having the ability to personalize and scale is a key opportunity to reach our loyal and valued customers in ways they prefer.”

Leveraging a number of proprietary retail marketing technologies, RRD says it will enhance the “velocity and execution” of personalized promotions at scale to increase return on promotions and engage customers at Albertsons’ chains nationwide with “high quality,” localized content, per the release. 

RRD offers an end-to-end solution that comprises the entire creative and content journey, from photo and video creation to production, print and delivery. Using various technology, processes and automation, RRD creates circular pages, retail signage, as well as promotional, email and social media content to power localized and omnichannel marketing efforts.

“Our goal is to fundamentally elevate the shopper experience for Albertsons customers by reaching them with the right message, on the right channel, at the right time,” said Al duPont, chief commercial officer, RRD. “We’re taking a highly targeted approach to provide Albertsons Cos. customers with personalized, relevant information that speaks to their preferences and inspires their lifestyle and well-being.”

Toy giant Mattel Inc. promoted Krista Berger to senior vice president, Barbie, and head of dolls, in February. She now reports to Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and chief brand officer at Mattel.

“[Berger’s] stellar, 15-year journey with Mattel reflects her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the company,” McKnight said in a media release. “I have had the privilege of working closely with [Berger] for years, and her promotion is a testament to her dedication, strategic vision and exceptional leadership. I look forward to seeing [Berger] excel in her new role and continue to elevate our dolls category to new heights."

Berger will lead product and brand marketing for Mattel’s dolls category globally. Her career at Mattel began in the dolls division, where the company says she established a robust foundation of intellectual property, licensor management and commercial expertise across the dolls portfolio and the U.S. Barbie business, per the release.

When Mattel acquired Mega Brands in 2014, Berger served as a key member of the integration team, leading the Mega strategic rebranding initiative, per the release. In 2017, Berger returned to the Barbie team and helped increase the toy business by more than 60%. Notably, Berger played a pivotal role in reestablishing Barbie as a top global doll property.

Prior to this move, Berger most recently served as vice president for American Girl marketing, partnerships, content development and sales.

"Having the opportunity to develop products and experiences that allow children to see themselves reflected in the world is a tremendous honor,” Berger said. “In collaboration with my exceptional team, leadership across Mattel and our external partners, I look forward to advancing Mattel’s iconic portfolio of beloved brands for years to come.”

Michigan-based grocer SpartanNash will use Simbe's autonomous inventory robot Tally in 60 additional company-operated stores across the Midwest following a successful pilot program. SpartanNash operates 144 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market.

SpartanNash first piloted Tally at 15 stores in Michigan and Indiana to help associates save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving store guests, according to a media release.

"The real-time data intelligence Tally provides helps ensure our store guests' favorite items always stay fresh, are adequately stocked and priced competitively, helping us deliver the ingredients for a better life,” said Tom Swanson, SpartanNash executive vice president, corporate retail.

Simbe's Store Intelligence platform informs product stocking, ordering, merchandising and e-commerce fulfillment with real-time inventory insights across every store area. This data was designed to help store associates ensure items are available for shoppers with accurate location and price, while freeing up their time for more “engaging, guest-facing work.”  

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Schnucks Markets and Wakefern Food Corp.’s ShopRite are among the other retailers also using Simbe’s Tally robots in their stores.

This move represents SpartanNash's continued investment in technology to enhance the shopper and associate experiences and follows the company's investment in other food technology solutions Upshop Magic and food waste technology company Flashfood, the company said in the release. SpartanNash tapped Flashfood in 2020 and UpShop Magic in 2022 to optimize localized inventory, bolster efficient merchandising strategies and improve sustainability. 

Trion Industries, an American manufacturer of retail fixtures and merchandising equipment, announced the unexpected death of its president and CEO, John Thalenfeld. 

Thalenfeld, who passed away on Feb. 4, was the son of company founder David Thalenfeld.

"All who knew him, his corporate endeavors and years of involvement in community charitable efforts mourn this unfathomable loss,” the company said in a statement. “The corporation’s officers, management and employees extend our deepest sympathies to the Thalenfeld family and pledge to carry on with all of John’s undertakings in his absence. There will be no changes in the operation or management of the company. John would want us to continue serving our customers and our community to the best of our abilities.”

John Thalenfeld was born in Queens, New York, in 1956, and began his career at Trion in 1972 as a packer, working under his father. He worked his way up through virtually every job function before being named president and CEO in 1986, a position he has held ever since. 

After attending New York University and Wilkes College, Thalenfeld was a “moving force” behind relocating the factory to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and has advanced an environmental stewardship, community and employee engagement agenda unique to Trion, the company said.

FMI, the Food Industry Association, elected new members to its board of directors at the association’s January meeting. The new directors further build on FMI’s commitment to a broad representation of the supplier and retailer/wholesaler communities within the association’s leadership.

“The food industry is on the cusp of momentous change, with new technologies poised to alter the way food businesses operate,” FMI president and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin said in a media release. “FMI is proud to welcome these esteemed individuals from both retailer and supplier companies to our board of directors to lend their perspectives and expertise as we seek to navigate these changes together. I’m confident that the addition of these industry leaders to our board will further strengthen our ability to carry out our strategic vision, embrace change and take advantage of new opportunities before us.”

New Directors (three-year term):

• Joe Fantozzi, president, chief operating officer, Allegiance Retail Services, Iselin, New Jersey
• Tony Hoggett, senior vice president of worldwide grocery stores, Amazon, Seattle
• Joel Rampoldt, CEO, Lidl U.S., Arlington, Virginia

Chairman’s Appointees (one-year term):

• Bruce Brown, chief customer officer, WK Kellogg Co, Battle Creek, Michigan
• Tom Flocco, CEO, Pete and Gerry’s Organics, Monroe, New Hampshire
• Dana McNabb, chief strategy & growth officer, General Mills, Golden Valley, Minnesota
• Carrie Sander, chief customer officer, Kellanova, Battle Creek, Michigan
• Terry Thomas, chief growth officer, Flowers Foods, Thomasville, Georgia

“Even as we witness incredible technological change that will drive greater efficiencies for our businesses, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing communities with safe, nourishing food," added Brian George, FMI chair and Alex Lee president, chairman and CEO. "FMI’s new directors are shining examples of industry leaders who have the courage to embrace innovation and the resolve to always put the customer first.”