Consumer Code

Douglas Munson, former CEO of MTN Retail Advisors, dives into the world of grocery retail site selection. He shares fascinating insights on the evolution of data collection, from traditional methods to digital tools. Munson emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground analysis and consumer behavior in retail strategies. He also discusses market dynamics, including saturation and competition, and the impact of AI on grocery operations. Plus, he explores generational spending habits, underscoring how values shape today's retail landscape.

Karlyn Mattson, a seasoned merchandising expert with experience at major retailers, dives into the art of merchandise localization. She discusses how understanding customer demographics is crucial for tailoring products to local markets. Karlyn emphasizes the synergy between data analysis and effective communication in refining strategies. She also highlights the transformational impact of AI on retail, exploring opportunities for enhanced decision-making and customer engagement. Her insights reveal the delicate balance between analytical skills and creativity in successful merchandising.

Jack Thompson, former CEO of Tango Analytics and strategist for major brands like McDonald's and Taco Bell, shares his fascinating journey from real estate developer to retail analytics leader. He reveals innovative methods like an 18-point survey for site selection, emphasizing the need for collaboration between operations and real estate. Jack also discusses the challenge of aligning marketing with site selection and the significance of consumer behavior insights in strategic decision-making, offering invaluable advice for today's retail leaders.

Gary Menger, the founder of Applied Geographic Solutions and a pioneer in market research, shares his fascinating journey from geography enthusiast to industry leader. He discusses how CompuSearch revolutionized retail research and the crucial role of trade area analysis for retail success. Menger emphasizes the blend of intuition and data in market strategies, detailing his collaboration with Experian on the Mosaic segmentation system. He also covers the challenges of income estimation models and the importance of innovative approaches in understanding demographics.

Gary Menger, founder of Applied Geographic Solutions, dives into the evolving landscape of retail analytics. He discusses how retailers can harness demographic data while navigating its limitations. Menger emphasizes the importance of site selection in the AI age and addresses the need for a unified strategy that blends online and offline success. He also highlights how embracing failure can drive innovation and shares insights into the delicate balance between intuition and data interpretation for better retail decision-making.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Hannibal Baldwin, CEO of SiteZeus, shares his journey from the yogurt industry to pioneering machine learning in retail site selection. He emphasizes the pivotal role of data in informing site decisions for brands like Raising Canes and Culver's. The conversation dives into strategies for emerging brands, the fusion of creativity with data, and the importance of proactive real estate planning. Baldwin also highlights the balance between analytic insights and real-world experience necessary for successful market expansion.

In this episode, Michael Weiss shares his extensive experience in geodemographics, discussing its origins, key pioneers, and early applications in business and politics. He recounts his journey across America to meet various lifestyle segments, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer behavior through data. Weiss also reflects on his time at Environics, the evolution of segmentation, and the future of geodemographics in the age of AI.Chapters:(00:00) The Origins of Geodemographics(11:46) Pioneers of Geodemographics(18:33) Applications in Corporate and Political Worlds(22:20) The Journey of Discovery(26:55) The Evolution of Car Sales and Segmentation(27:40) Memorable Stories from the Field(32:52) The Importance of Ethnographic Research(35:24) Transitioning to Environics and PRIZM C2(37:03) The Role of Naming and Imaging Segments(40:32) Innovations in Geodemographic Segmentation(44:40) The Enduring Relevance of Geodemographics(50:24) Creative Applications of Geodemographics(53:10) Personal Reflections on Data-Driven InsightsFollow Michael Weiss on LinkedIn or contact him at mikejweiss2@gmail.com for more information.Listen to Consumer Code on: Spotify | Apple | YouTubeFollow Lyden Foust on: LinkedIn | InstagramAbout 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. Learn more at spatial.ai or schedule a free 30-minute demo.

Jonathan Silver, CEO of Affinity Solutions, shares his diverse journey from launching a potty training product to analyzing consumer purchase data. He delves into the importance of behavioral insights in retail, emphasizing how data-driven strategies can redefine consumer experiences. Jonathan highlights collaborations with the National Retail Federation and discusses unexpected spending patterns post-pandemic. The conversation touches on the critical role of mobile data and its impact on understanding demographic trends, crucial for adapting to the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Nicole Larson, National Manager of Retail Research at Colliers, offers keen insights into the retail landscape for 2025. She discusses cautious optimism among retailers, driven by a mix of consumer sentiment and AI's role. The conversation highlights the significance of partnerships and alternative revenue streams while acknowledging shifts in consumer spending due to inflation. Larson also emphasizes the impact of social media influencers on rebuilding trust and shares exciting visions for innovative retail experiences.