"The 10 Things" Framework For Retail Growth (ft. Ashley Robinson)

Apr 7, 2025

Ashley Robinson, CEO of Seeker Group and an expert in retail real estate, dives into her '10 Things' framework for retail growth. She highlights the fusion of creativity and analytics necessary for market expansion. The conversation touches on strategic site selection, understanding customer pools, and the importance of adapting to market dynamics. Ashley emphasizes learning from setbacks and nurturing curiosity, underscoring its value in personal and professional realms. Her insights provide a fresh perspective on driving profitability and enduring success.

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INSIGHT

Three Reasons for Retail Failure

Many retail concepts fail due to neglecting the scientific method, underemphasizing the art of business, and not utilizing holistic approaches.
Siloed information and linear planning contribute to this failure rate.

ADVICE

The 10 Things Methodology

Consider "The 10 Things" methodology to holistically analyze sales drivers and cost drivers for profitability.
This approach helps make objective decisions and mitigate common retail failures.

ANECDOTE

Sequencing in Manhattan

A trendy salad concept in Manhattan might fail if it prioritizes Times Square over smaller, trendier areas.
Sweetgreen succeeded by focusing on local consumer preferences instead of Times Square's high traffic.

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In this episode, Ashley Robinson, CEO of Seaker Group, discusses her extensive experience in retail real estate and the creation of the Seaker Group. She elaborates on the '10 Things' methodology for retail expansion, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that combines art and science in decision-making. The discussion covers various aspects of market strategy, including market build-out, customer pools, sequencing, multi-unit efficiencies, and more. Ashley shares insights on the significance of curiosity in business and personal relationships, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to learning from setbacks.

Chapters:

(00:00) Understanding Seaker's Methodology for Retail Expansion

(06:22) The Importance of Market Build-Out and Sequencing

(09:14) Determining Market Potential and Customer Pools

(11:56) Sequencing Strategy in Market Expansion

(15:54) Multi-Unit Efficiencies and Operational Considerations

(20:00) Consumer Perception and Brand Alignment

(24:05) Top Line Revenue and Its Challenges

(29:58) Construction Costs and Market Indexing

(32:57) Competition and Market Share Dynamics

(34:02) Market Share and Competition Analysis(36:13) Identifying True Competitors

(39:31) Understanding Labor and Business Climate

(47:04) Occupancy Costs and Real Estate Decisions

(48:54) Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and Distribution

(50:58) Profitability and Strategic Modeling

(54:31) Learning from Setbacks and Philosophy of Curiosity

Learn more about The Seeker Group.

Follow Ashley Robinson on: LinkedInListen to Consumer Code on: Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Follow Lyden Foust on: LinkedIn | Instagram

About Spatial.ai:

Spatial.ai’s PersonaLive is an advanced consumer segmentation platform for developing data-driven marketing strategies. PersonaLive categorizes U.S. households into 17 groups and 80 segments using consumer behavior data from transactions, mobile visits, and social media activity, providing marketers with deep insights for effective audience targeting. From mid-sized retailers and agencies to Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of businesses use PersonaLive to drive strategic decisions and enhance marketing performance.

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