Madelon Wallace

Truly beautiful moment for MASAMI! Thank you CEW! We are honored and humbled to be included in CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women)'s Indie 25 report for brands under $10M, including these other amazing indie brands: ASCENTION BEAUTY CO., Inc., fellow Conscious Beauty Collective Shop brand Caire Beauty, JANUARY LABS LLC, Joaquina Botánica, Labomme Beauty, LALAIS, Miss Rizos, Neon Hippie, Ourside, Pound Cake, Beia, Dermasuri, ESW Beauty, good light cosmetics, Josh Rosebrook Skin and Hair Care, Dr. Diamond's Metacine, Furtuna Skin, Good Dye Young, Kate McLeod, KORA Organics, Leaf Shave, LYS Beauty, RANAVAT and wakse™. Per this timely report: "The indie beauty landscape has undergone significant evolution since our last report two years ago. Most notably what has changed is how valuable indie brands are to the overall beauty industry. According to NIQ, their total valuation reached $38.3 billion as of April 2024, up 15% versus 2023. This growth is fueled by several factors, including pushing boundaries and promoting inclusivity; innovating at lightning speed; personalizing outreach to consumers; and creating omnichannel approaches in distribution. And, of course, indie beauty is a force behind sustainable beauty, tracking double digit increases in the number of brands that are biodegradable and vegan, per NIQ. In this Indie25 Report, you’ll find promising brands categorized by sales volume, along with their social handles, founder stories, and valuable advice. Meet the hottest rising stars generating buzz across today’s beauty landscape." #indiebeauty #consciousbeauty #haircare #cleanbeauty #smallbusiness #femalefounders #beautyaward #beautyindustry #brandvalues #vegan

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As we enter Q2 of 2024, I have been asked about key trends relative to the current strength of the consumer in the U.S. Despite headlines showing endless resiliency, we have seen some softness in purchasing behavior on the consumer front, especially in January and February, with a rebound since March.   Q1 also brought dynamic changes in the consumer goods sector's M&A landscape. Key highlights include:   Health Focus: Significant deals like Medbase's acquisition of Zur Rose Group reflect a growing emphasis on health and wellness. Luxury and Efficiency: Firms like Tapestry are strategically acquiring to enhance luxury portfolios and operational efficiency. Tech Integration: Investments in AI and digital capabilities are driving better consumer engagement and operational agility. Strategic Consolidations: Companies are optimizing their portfolios by focusing on core areas and divesting non-core assets. Global Investments: Cross-border M&A remains strong, targeting regions with high growth potential.   Despite economic uncertainties, these trends show the sector's resilience and strategic focus on long-term growth.   #ConsumerGoods #MnA #BusinessStrategy #HealthAndWellness #DigitalTransformation

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https://lnkd.in/eb6FJDV4 So proud of my team at BeyondBrands! Conscious Innovation and Operations are not optional - they are essential! Establishing and growing the next generation of companies that will provide the goods and services we require is not something that can be engaged in a thoughtless way, as beyond providing a "product", they determine how we organize, how we use resources, and how we reward effort. This is important stuff that can transform our society to survive into the 22nd century, or not! Lets make choices together that benefit all of us, and our children! #BeyondBrands #Innovation #ConsciousBusiness

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Sam’s Club | ShadyPaws®️Corporation ——————————————————————- Shifting the narrative to ‘All Year’ around pet protection products in pet stores�� Still today, numerous pet stores continue to underestimate the importance of year-round pet protection. While some may view shade, heat, and ground cover products as ‘seasonal’ needs, it’s crucial to remember that pets require protection from the elements all year long. As pet owners, it's our responsibility to ensure that our furry friends are safe and comfortable at all times. ShadyPaws Corporation is grateful to Sam's Club, for recognizing the importance of pet care for ‘All’ seasons by showcasing our products with such exposure which is more than we could have ever imagined. Let's work together to shift the conversation and acknowledge our consumer’s needs when traveling with animals along with time spent outdoors to ensure we prioritize year-round pet protection for ‘Pawsitively The Best®️’ in pet health care. #ShadyPawsInc #SamsClub #CEO #PatriciaDarquea #Founder #Inventor #Leadership #Entrepreneur #Business #Linkedin #WomanOwned #WomenInTech #Manufacturer #Distribution #K9 #Dog #PetHealth #Commerce #Editorial #Surfing #PublicRelations #SocialMedia #Retail #Outdoorindustry #Buyers #Buyer #Camping #Marketing #SportsIndustry #Boating #K9Training #Yachts #Hiking #Biking #Camping #SurfingIndustry #Womensupportingwomen #PublicSpeaker #PublicSpeaking #PetIndustry #Brand #APPA 🇦🇹🇺🇸

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Here at Ulta Beauty, we believe that beauty is a force for good, for all. So in a world where beauty standards are always changing, our brand new Ulta Beauty study revealed and confimred that every generation shares a deep emotional connection to beauty starting as early as Gen Alpha that is deeply rooted in self care and joy! Introducing our “Generation Joy: Defined by Beauty Enthusiasts of All Ages, United by Joy” report, uncovering a new generation of beauty enthusiasts who are bonded by beauty and united by JOY. We dug deep to discover how consumers across generations, including #GenAlpha, perceive, experience, and are influenced by beauty – and how joy is at the heart of beauty rituals, no matter your age. Among the topline “Generation Joy” insights: ✨Universal Joy from Beauty Routines: All generations look to self-care to increase joy in their lives - with 77% agreeing that maintaining a beauty or wellness routine helps them feel more joyful on a day-to-day basis. ✨Early Beauty Experimentation: Gen Alpha females and males are starting to experiment with beauty products at an average age of 8, five years earlier than Gen Z females. ✨Holistic Beauty Definition: 91% of Gen Alpha believes beauty is about looking and feeling good beyond physical appearance, with a focus on holistic self-care. ✨Parental Guidance: 77% of Ulta Beauty Rewards members who are parents to Gen Alpha actively encourage their child’s interest in beauty, with 70% using beauty routines as a bonding activity. And over two-thirds of these Gen Alpha parents agree that it is healthy and “normal” for their child to want to explore beauty at their age. ✨Natural Preferences: 92% of Gen Alpha prefers a more natural look, 87% prioritize skincare over makeup, and 97% believe skincare is self-care, reflecting their beauty goals – cleanliness, hydration, and enhancing natural beauty. Check out the report to explore how joy and beauty unite us! 👇🏻 https://lnkd.in/gSFpqYXu #UltaBeauty #TheJoyProject #JoyForward

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It’s All in the Guidance At SGG and Associates, we are in the home stretch of our review of the quarterly performance reports of 250 consumer facing companies that we cover and are competing for share of the consumer’s spend, loyalty and “mindset”. The combined impact of inflation and a consumer “reset” in purchase behavior and created tremendous shifts across multiple industry sectors. The Home Furnishings and Furniture sector, and Department Stores have all been affected negatively. The aspirational Luxury sector has slowed. What should we expect for the rest of the year? It’s all in the Guidance provided by the businesses themselves. Here’s a snapshot of full year Fiscal 2024 performance estimates: In Apparel, numerous Retailers and Brands have turned a corner and/or lapping prior year declines. Examples of full year positive Net Sales Guidance includes Abercrombie & Fitch +10%, American Eagle Outfitters +2 to 4%, Aritzia +8 to 12%, Birkenstock +20%, Crocs brand +7 to 9%, Deckers (led by Hoka) +10%, Guess 11 to 13%, Oxford Industries 4 to 6%, Sketchers 8 to 10%, and Steve Madden 11 to 13%. In Beauty, a consumer focus on “self” and “wellness” is driving significant growth for several Brands: Beiersdorf (Nivea) +6 to 8%, e.l.f 20 to 22%, Inter Parfums +10%. Guidance in the Fitness / Sports sectors is quite mixed. But those forecasting full year growth include Acushunet       ( Foot Joy) and Calloway 3 to 5%, Asics 3.4%, Dick’s 2 to 3%, Adidas, Nike and Puma all forecast growth at mid to high-single-digit rates.  ON Running continues to outperform, forecasting +30% for the year. While Lululemon Comps have slowed, they still forecast an ambitious +11 to 12% growth. The Off-Price sector, which has had a non-stop growth trajectory, is continuing to forecast growth for this year, however, at a more tempered pace. Guidance for comparable growth this year: Burlington +0 to 2%, Ollie’s +1 to 2%, Ross Stores +2 to 3%, and TJX +2 to 3%. Overall, the Retail Sector is forecast by the NRF to grow  2.5% and 3.5% in 2024. That forecast means that while there will be plenty of winners and outperformers, as we’ve described, but they will be balanced by a significant number of underperformers as well.  

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It’s All in the Guidance At SGG and Associates, we are in the home stretch of our review of the quarterly performance reports of 250 consumer facing companies that we cover and are competing for share of the consumer’s spend, loyalty and “mindset”. The combined impact of inflation and a consumer “reset” in purchase behavior and created tremendous shifts across multiple industry sectors. The Home Furnishings and Furniture sector, and Department Stores have all been affected negatively. The aspirational Luxury sector has slowed. What should we expect for the rest of the year? It’s all in the Guidance provided by the businesses themselves. Here’s a snapshot of full year Fiscal 2024 performance estimates: In Apparel, numerous Retailers and Brands have turned a corner and/or lapping prior year declines. Examples of full year positive Net Sales Guidance includes Abercrombie & Fitch +10%, American Eagle Outfitters +2 to 4%, Aritzia +8 to 12%, Birkenstock +20%, Crocs brand +7 to 9%, Deckers (led by Hoka) +10%, Guess 11 to 13%, Oxford Industries 4 to 6%, Sketchers 8 to 10%, and Steve Madden 11 to 13%. In Beauty, a consumer focus on “self” and “wellness” is driving significant growth for several Brands: Beiersdorf (Nivea) +6 to 8%, e.l.f 20 to 22%, Inter Parfums +10%. Guidance in the Fitness / Sports sectors is quite mixed. But those forecasting full year growth include Acushunet       ( Foot Joy) and Calloway 3 to 5%, Asics 3.4%, Dick’s 2 to 3%, Adidas, Nike and Puma all forecast growth at mid to high-single-digit rates.  ON Running continues to outperform, forecasting +30% for the year. While Lululemon Comps have slowed, they still forecast an ambitious +11 to 12% growth. The Off-Price sector, which has had a non-stop growth trajectory, is continuing to forecast growth for this year, however, at a more tempered pace. Guidance for comparable growth this year: Burlington +0 to 2%, Ollie’s +1 to 2%, Ross Stores +2 to 3%, and TJX +2 to 3%. Overall, the Retail Sector is forecast by the NRF to grow  2.5% and 3.5% in 2024. That forecast means that while there will be plenty of winners and outperformers, as we’ve described, but they will be balanced by a significant number of underperformers as well.  

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Always an honor to share the stage with Gary Vaynerchuk! CMOs and creators need to wake up! Social media and advertising is changing. The most pressing issue we addressed at POSSIBLE? Staying relevant. How do you do that? 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 ❇️ It’s undervalued & underpriced ❇️ The only merit-based thing left. People are telling you what they think. Are you listening? 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙨 ❇️ It’s about relevance to each consumer ❇️ That means knowing & segmenting your audience 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚/𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 ❇️ Win the first second (stop the scroll) ❇️ Post-creative strategy: audit your wins and losses every time! “We romanticize the past, are blindly optimistic about the future, but are failing in the present” -Gary Vaynerchuk. If attention is the modern currency, understanding and adapting to these changes are essential. Do you agree? 📧 Connect with me to explore updating your strategies to maintain relevance in your marketing. **Thank you Gary for the shoutout in your book! #marketing #modernmarketing #possible2024 #marketers #marketingevent

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“I don’t really talk about our vision for the company to #WallStreet because they might lock me up.” This profile on RH #CEO Gary Friedman reads like the stories of so many other #CultOfPersonality leaders that are behind so many of the #stores and #brands we love to shop. The story of #retail is full of brands that trace their roots to humble beginnings. From the >100-year-old brands named after their founder (#Kroger, #Lowe, #Macy, #Nordstrom, #Butt (H.E.B.), #Brooks (Brothers) among others) to the wave built in the 1960s-70s on the back of suburban expansion (Walmart, The Limited, Kmart, The Gap, Home Depot) to the more recent visionaries who invented / reinvented brands (Millard 'Mickey' Drexler at Gap and later, with Jenna Lyons at J.Crew, Lew Frankfort at Coach, Howard Schultz at Starbucks, Jeff Bezos at Amazon). And many many others. All had a combination of vision, hustle, grit, and outsize personality that enabled them to build a business. And it keeps on happening. Scott Galloway makes an excellent point that we should be more aggressive breaking up industries where the the top 2-3 companies control more than two-thirds of the market. This is essentially how most of US retail operates. The top 10 retailers generate 35-40% of industry sales, far lower than in banking (55%), energy (74%), telco (84%), or auto (92%). More than most industries, retail is the embodiment of #TheAmericanDream — the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can rise to success largely through their own merits.* *Yes, I recognize that there is more than one definition of The American Dream, and also that business success requires multiple factors and multiple people. The point is more about the https://lnkd.in/ex5UfjnR

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It’s All About The Experience At SGG and Associates, we are well into Q1 Earnings Season and our review of the 250 consumer facing companies that are competing for share of the consumer spend, loyalty and “mindset”. Especially striking is the extraordinary and growing divide between Walmart and Target. Walmart U.S. Comp Sales (x Fuel) were +3.8% while Target Total Comp Sales declined 3.7% There is no question that both retailers have broad appeal and audiences and offered a sense of value.  But their approaches to the consumer have dramatically changed. Target was always known as the “cool” big box store, with incredible designer capsule collections that created lines before store opening and sold out immediately. Walmart built their following on the promise of “always low prices” and incredible value. Their roles have changed dramatically.  Target just announced thousands of price cuts in their recent earnings report, a clear nod to the impact inflation has had on their customers, and an attempt to reverse their sales trend. A trip through Target will illuminate their almost complete shift to private labels. Walmart has introduced a balance of designer and private label brands. In their pilot “stores of the future” concept, these brands are showcased in “shops” complete with lifestyle presentations. Newness is continuously introduced into these stores. This concept test has worked and Walmart is now rolling the concept out nationally. But even more striking is the dramatic difference between Walmart and Target in the “customer experience”. At a recent visit to a newer Target store, we were greeted by an expansion of categories that were locked behind glass doors. This included everything from laundry detergent to Men’s socks and underwear. Pressing a red button on the case would supposedly summon an associate.. who never came. During the same week at several Walmart stores, associates were folding inventory, and refreshing displays. And, when asked about the location of a department, associates ( on numerous occasions) escorted us to the correct aisle. Indeed, it’s no wonder that Walmart Doug McMillon reported in last week’s earnings report that Walmart gains were coming from higher income customer. It’s not just about price.. it’s about creating a comprehensive and compelling customer experience that includes price, presentation and service. 

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Legacy doesn’t need to rebrand. It stands the test of time… and that can only come from people like our founders, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields who are both WORLD RENOWNED, Stanford trained dermatologists, who still practice in the Bay Area. They have been ranked in the top 50 self-made women by Forbes. After creating the well-known, acne regimen for teens called Proactiv, they moved on to create another brand focusing on more diverse skin issues including Anti-aging and this started Rodan + Fields in 2002. These two ladies are business savvy and they sure do know skincare! Here’s a question to consider, We all know the success the doctors had with Proactiv, right? If they had asked me if I wanted to join them with Proactiv, knowing what I know now, would I? Well, gosh absolutely! I’d be silly not to, right?! Here’s the thing…we have that opportunity now with Rodan + Fields. This is their legacy brand, and they are inviting you and me to grab a piece of the multi-billion dollar skincare market. They will formulate all the products, they will handle the packaging, shipping, customer service, and give you a ton of resources and business tools at your fingertips so you can find success. All you have to do is share about these products to as many people with skin and now Hair as you can! And most importantly, this is your business! You are in business for yourself, but never by yourself, you’re surrounded and supported with the team of like-minded people who are there to help and mentor you. There is no glass ceiling, and you build it around your life style! You decide what you want this business to be! Not ready to Become a become a consultant like me…. become a customer, try it~ you’ll love it. Message me for more info.

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As a consumer insights professional, you have to accept you will never understand all of your consumers' behaviors all of the time. For example, there is NEVER ANY REASON TO REACH OVER THE SNEEZE GUARD AT CHIPOTLE. EVER! Even if you are Barack Obama, I can assure you that the worker knows what "pico" or "no corn" or "yes, I know guac is extra" means without your grubby hands reaching into the food area. There is no data or research or analysis that will ever make this understandable or acceptable. #ConsumerInsights #MRX #MarketResearch #Chipotle

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As the founder of Holistic Nurture, my journey is deeply personal and driven by a mission to help others and protect our planet. My story begins with my battle with acne, a challenge that profoundly impacted my life. Through this struggle, I discovered the healing power of organic skincare, leading me to create Holistic Nurture, a brand dedicated to providing natural and effective solutions for healthy skin. Surviving acne was not just a physical journey but an emotional and psychological one. The constant search for effective treatments led me to realize the importance of pure, natural ingredients. Conventional products often exacerbated my condition, but organic alternatives brought relief and healing. This personal experience ignited a passion in me to help others facing similar struggles, inspiring the foundation of Holistic Nurture. Holistic Nurture is built on the principles of using locally sourced, organic ingredients that are gentle on the skin and kind to the environment. Our products are free from harmful chemicals, focusing on natural solutions that promote overall well-being. By choosing organic, we not only support healthier skin but also contribute to a healthier planet. Organic farming practices reduce pollution, conserve water, and enhance soil fertility, making a positive impact on our environment. In addition to helping individuals achieve better skin health, Holistic Nurture aims to raise awareness about the benefits of organic products. By educating our customers, we empower them to make informed choices that benefit both their health and the environment. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging, which is designed to minimize waste and promote recycling. My journey from an acne survivor to the founder of Holistic Nurture is a testament to the transformative power of nature. Through this venture, I strive to help more people embrace their natural beauty while contributing to a more sustainable world. By choosing organic, we can all take steps towards a healthier future for ourselves and our planet. In conclusion, Holistic Nurture is more than a skincare brand; it is a movement towards healthier living and environmental stewardship. My personal experience with acne has shaped my commitment to providing natural, effective solutions that empower individuals and protect the planet. Together, we can make a difference, one organic product at a time.

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Swolverine has grown at an astronomical rate the last few years. The biggest challenge, you guessed it - scalability. We have reached a point, that if we want to continue that growth, release new product formulations, and hold our momentum, we'll need a partner. Operating cash flow is what ultimately the decider of success in this business, and with growth comes increased demands, and bigger investments in marketing and inventory. Swolverine has an incredibly strong brand presence, brand equity, and the ability to cross into multiple product categories within the health and fitness space. It's what makes a brand like ours, so attractive. If you're looking for an investment opportunity, or know of an individual or group, that would be interested in becoming a capital investment partner, or private equity partner, we'd love to hear from you. #swolverine #marketing #supplements #smallbusiness

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A great in-and-out doesn't make a great permanent item. I love, let me say that again, love Crumbl Cookie and am excited to see this launch. I can see this driving significant trial but my hunch is that repeat will be meh. Consumers have been trained for a long time to come to the cereal aisle and find exciting limited-time offers. Most of these have a high failure rate when excited brand marketers try to make them full-time solutions - it’s just extremely competitive. What this has going for it: 👍 strong brand and breakthrough Where it could struggle: 👎 replicating the real Crumbl experience. They are soft and indulgent and an afternoon/evening treat. I think these would make a great in-out or Costco-exclusive treasure hunt. I think the jury will tell if these can be sustainable everyday items. I don't think so but would love to be proven wrong. Will try and report back. What do you think? 👋

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Warehouse clubs are taking market share from other retailers, even in categories where sales are sliding. Retailers like Costco and BJ’s Wholesale, long known for selling household essentials and food in bulk, are increasingly attracting Americans looking to save when buying products such as playground equipment and furniture, the companies say. The strength in discretionary categories could allow warehouse clubs to pick up a greater portion of shoppers’ spending dollars as competitors struggle to drum up demand for their apparel and appliances. And more shoppers perusing the aisles of Costco and BJ’s stores can translate into higher sales of everyday essentials. Costco and BJ’s require memberships, so their clienteles tend to be higher income and have more cash on hand to spend than those of some other big-box retail chains. Recent results from the chains point to a customer base still splurging on discretionary goods, but looking to save on each purchase. #inflation #groceryindustry Ben Glickman https://lnkd.in/eH_7JvXS

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Americans are showing strong support for local small businesses, with consumers expressing a willingness to spend an additional $2,000 in 2024 to help their favorite shops thrive. Over 65% of Americans visit their local Main Street regularly, and the closure of these shops evokes strong emotions in nearly 75% of consumers. The pandemic has led to a newfound appreciation for local businesses, especially among suburban residents, with over 70% citing local economic contribution as a key factor in their shopping choices. Notably, younger generations such as Gen Z and millennials are particularly enthusiastic about the success of their Main Streets. Small businesses play a significant role in the U.S. economy, representing almost 44% of the GDP and employing nearly half of the nation's workforce, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Supporting local businesses is vital for community growth and sustainability. #SupportLocal #SmallBusinesses #CommunityEconomy #Locally

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In today's rapidly changing marketplace, it's essential to appeal to different generations of #consumers to stay relevant. To appeal to #GenZ, Walmart is taking a unique approach. Gen Z, for example, is looking for companies that are socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and inclusive. By adapting to the evolving needs and expectations of various consumer groups, organizations can position themselves for long-term success and growth in a competitive landscape. Embracing diversity and catering to the preferences of multiple generations can ultimately lead to increased brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. #Retail #GenZ #CustomerSatisfaction

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“It’s impossible to not communicate with your consumer, but are you listening?” - Wendy Liebmann Wendy is someone whose company and brand are built on following the shopper. Many of us in CPG will communicate with the consumer But listening…that’s a different thing Telling someone what they need is not the same as hearing what they desire Here are five ways to listen to your consumer: 1️⃣ Conduct a survey Send out targeted surveys to get feedback to gather intel about your consumer’s experiences and expectations of your brand. 2️⃣ Review Customer Support Interactions Many of us have a contact line, but are you reviewing those messages? Check what folks are saying to uncover common issues or suggestions. 3️⃣ Engage on Social Media Host a live event, or participate in conversations to understand what consumers are actually saying about your brand. 4️⃣ Conduct a Focus Group Organize a focus group with a mix of consumers to dive deeply into their perceptions, usage, and attitudes toward your products. 5️⃣ Check Online Reviews Analyze customer reviews on your website and other places where your product is sold to identify common praises or complaints. So, are you listening to your consumer? – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, your bridge from niche market to major retail. I’m a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale. Ready to expand your reach? Book a discovery call and let’s explore how we can elevate your brand together.

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