Mark Barrocas

2D #barcodes support improved inventory management, enhanced recall readiness, greater #sustainability, and better product authentication. Learn more about 2D barcodes in the GS1 US on-demand learning module. https://ow.ly/2FVx50Stkfj #TeamGS1US

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Check out our recent blog on our new Single Messenger Wire Snake Max.

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After a couple down years for some key hardware segments, things are looking up for 2024 and beyond. The latest report from the Consumer Technology Association shows hardware representing $341B in value last year alone - and projecting growth in 2024. Everything related to hardware is also tracking UP - gaming, video, smart home, audio, health & fitness - which makes quality hardware more important. Personally, I think your TV is the most important piece of quality hardware you need for your home. Agree? I’m headed to the CTA CEO Summit in Sweden next week to talk to some amazing leaders about the future of tech – and I’m sure we’ll discuss what this growth means for innovation. Will report back!

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In our second episode of All Things Product, Bharat Kapoor, Global Lead at Kearney PERLab (Product Excellence Renewal Lab), sits down with Kevin Nolan, President and CEO GE Appliances, a Haier company, to identify how to make products that excite customers. Listen as Kevin shares the power of humility in ground level consumer-involved innovation. This is an episode that will have you rethinking closed-door R&D! Watch it here: https://bit.ly/3WPSyve

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Manufacturers, there’s still time to validate your 2025 scenarios and crack the code to on-shelf success! Insights powered by Circana's AlwaysOn Analytics™ are available in just days. Based on the most up-to-date data available, it's the information you need to justify your shelf to your retail partners, block competitors, make a case for quality merchandising partnerships, and more. See how you can end the year strong with three packages designed for a range of budgets: https://hubs.ly/Q02YBgpn0

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Solid article from Retail Space Solutions including the following quote: “Use innovative retail store fixtures, like pusher trays, to keep products front-facing and organized, reducing false out-of-stocks and making it easier for staff to restock”.

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Let's talk about how we can make your vendor orders effortless....

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What’s the word for a step above a “masterclass”? Whatever it is, it’s what AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology’s Peter Eelman gives here. Take a listen. Looking forward to IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show See you all next week!

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Did you know? Over 80% of manufacturing companies have critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Join us on December 16, 2024, at the NYIT Long Island Campus for the Ignite LI Cybersecurity Summit. Gain exclusive insights from a special FBI guest and industry experts on safeguarding your business against today's most pressing cybersecurity challenges. 🗓️ Event Details: 📍 NYIT Long Island Campus - Mollie Rogers Auditorium 🕗 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM 🎤 Panelists include top experts in cyber risk, law, and business protection strategies. 📌 Reserve your spot now! https://lnkd.in/edHXrBpS #Cybersecurity #IgniteLI #Manufacturing #LongIsland #LongIslandManufacturing #CybersecuritySummit

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Voice-controlled home devices are increasingly used for meal preparation. Consumers use them to set timers, convert recipe measurements, get recipe ideas, and more. Circana's latest Inside America’s Kitchens report can help you identify shifts in appliance usage. Find innovative ways to solve U.S. consumers’ needs in the kitchen: https://bit.ly/4fow4rS

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Experiential retail is evolving, for example, Ace Hardware’s focus on experiential store models, like Elevate Ace. Their efforts have been driving growth by offering expanded product assortments and brand showrooms. On top of in-store success, online sales are up 16%, showing that brick-and-mortar stores can thrive in the age of e-commerce. With a commitment to opening 200 new stores this year, Ace is proving that physical retail is still relevant in today's digital world. Keep an eye out for innovators that are leading the way in retail trends! #AceHardware #InnovativeStores #BrickandMortar #Retail #Ecommerce

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Many answers are right here! "How can I learn more about the SlugKeeper" www.slugkeeper.com

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Pixar's success is truly a combination of art and science! During a recent visit to the Carnegie Science Museum in Pittsburgh with my daughter, we were captivated by the Pixar exhibit. Seeing the advanced technology and creative artistry that go into Pixar's films inspired me. It got me thinking about the parallels with digital transformation in manufacturing and how a blend of human elements and technology is crucial for success in both fields. #ai #data #digitaltransformation #bigdata #manufacturing #smt #smta

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If it feels like we have been in Holiday Sale mode for some time, we have.. actually since before Halloween. We are entering the all-imporant home stretch of the retail season with some reasonably positive traction. Short term consumer sentiment in the U.S. is up 17% . Consumers are relieved to have the election over, for now. Retail and brand performances for the last quarter and YTD, which are barometers for the rest of the year, reflected consumer resilience. But consumers are continuing to reward brands and retailers that have unlocked consumer experience, product and pricing preferences. Walmart continued to outperform in the quarter and YTD with U.S. Comps ex Fuel +7%; Target’s YTD Comps were -2%. At Walmart, they have balanced National Brands such as U.S. Polo Assn., and Wrangler with their powerful portfolio of private label brands such as No Boundaries and Free Assembly each a multi-billion-dollar brand. Consumers continue to love the “hunt”, whether in the Clubs or in the Off-Price sector. In the last quarter, comp sales were +7% at Sam’s (x gas) , +3.8% at B.J., and +7.7% YTD at Costco U.S. (x gas). Even lapping several years of incredible growth, “Off-Price” continues to trend positively with comp sales last quarter: Burlington +1%, TJX +3%, Ross +1%, Nordstrom Rack +4% comp. The shift to specialty, vertical brands continues. The stars include Abercrombie & Fitch +16% total comp, Aritzia +6.5% comp, Decker’s +17% DTC comp (led by Hoka), Athleta (GAP) +5% comp, Sketchers +16%, and Anthropology +5.8% comp (Urban Outfitters). And Levi’s and Kontoor Brands (Wrangler) have intensified their Direct-to-Consumer platforms to fully control the customer experience with very positive results. The Department Store sector continues to try to re-engage with consumers, especially younger consumers. But In spite of multiple attempts to energizet Kohl's with new concepts, their stores lack of true point of view, as reflected in their -9% comps. Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s howver, have worked hard to restore the customer experience.The new jewelry and watch department at a suburban Bloomingdale’s is world class, with staffing to match. Positive improvements can be felt at the Macy’s go forward stores also, with imrproved comps. Nordstrom comps were +3.9% reflecting better assortments and service. The Luxury sector has hurt by multiple factors, including economic headwinds that left aspirational consumers on the sidelines; and the China marketplace for luxury has imploded. Exceptions include Hermes+14% and Prada +18% ( fueled by Miu Miu). The Home sector continues to struggle, facing a trifecta of high interest rate and mortgage rates, and inflation deflating demand for furniture, appliances and home improvement. Two shining exceptions: Shark Ninja +30%, and Yeti +10%. They have driven sales through product development and great innovation. After Thanksgiving, we will comment on the Fitness, Travel and Jewelry Sectors. Happy Thanksgiving!  

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More as we continue our series on common customer characteristics that businesses should be aware of when interacting with their customers: Connected to Various Devices & Channels: Customers use multiple devices and communication channels. They might start an inquiry via email, continue on chat, and then call for further assistance. Being prepared to engage across different platforms ensures a seamless experience for the customer. If you found this valuable, please repost.

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This is great news for customers and retailers! 👏 I truly believe any review is better than no review. Even if the review is not positive, brands can learn from their customers, create a dialogue with them, and improve the customer experience with feedback. As for customers - they also have the opportunity to weigh in if another’s opinion or review is applicable or matters to them. #Retailers #Reviews #FakeReviews

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How Manufacturers Can Deliver Like Doorbusters: What Black Friday Teaches B-B Firms About Real-Time ATP and Customer Trust 🏭 Peak demand feels like Black Friday chaos for manufacturers. Success hinges on mastering key metrics: OTD (On-Time Delivery), OTFP (On-Time to First Promise), and CELT (Customer Expected Lead Time). Real-time visibility and smart prioritization ensure you deliver what your customers need, when they need it. Surpass expectations by aligning promises with performance—because in manufacturing, reliability is the ultimate doorbuster. #ManufacturingExcellence #DigitalTransformation #Ontimedelivery #OTD #OTTFP #ATP #Availabletopromise https://lnkd.in/esNiFbud

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Yesterday was Earth Day. Earthday.org demands a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. With the new Formlabs Form 4, we redesigned our resin cartridges from the ground up with sustainability in mind. The cartridges have 63% less plastic waste than our prior generation. And by printing low volume parts onsite, CO2 emissions from shipping around the world can be eliminated. The Form 4 cartridges also perform better. They fill resin tanks 5-10X faster. And they take up 30% less shelf space. Sometimes, you can have it all. #3dprinting #additivemanufacturing #innovation #sustainability #design

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