The Retail Stack Tool Kit, developed by raye the store, is a comprehensive resource designed to assist food, drink, wellness, and beauty brands in navigating the complexities of retail readiness.
It offers detailed guidance across several key areas.
Emphasises the importance of clear brand positioning, including defining a unique selling proposition (USP), mission, and target audience. It also covers packaging compliance with regulatory standards (such as FDA and EU requirements), securing barcodes and GTINs from GS1 for retail scanning, and conducting shelf-life and stability testing to ensure product longevity and quality.
Provides insights into setting wholesale and suggested retail pricing (SRP) aligned with market expectations, understanding retailer margins and trade spend, budgeting for promotions, and establishing MSRP and MAP policies to maintain pricing integrity.
Provides insights into setting wholesale and suggested retail pricing (SRP) aligned with market expectations, understanding retailer margins and trade spend, budgeting for promotions, and establishing MSRP and MAP policies to maintain pricing integrity.
Addresses warehousing and fulfillment options, retailer compliance requirements (including case pack sizes and electronic data interchange setups), minimum order quantities, order lead times, and cold chain logistics for perishable products.
Guides brands in researching retailers to ensure alignment with store values and demographics, developing compelling retail buyer pitch decks, demonstrating proof of consumer demand, and crafting retailer-specific strategies for various retail channels.
Highlights the necessity of securing liability insurance, obtaining relevant certifications (such as USDA Organic or Fair Trade), understanding retailer agreements and payment terms, and protecting trademarks.
Focuses on analysing retail sales data, gaining market and category insights, and establishing feedback loops with retailers to address product performance and optimise strategies.
Emphasises the importance of a robust e-commerce presence, leveraging retailer-specific online platforms, and implementing omni-channel marketing to drive both online and in-store sales.
Final Thoughts
Before approaching retailers, ensure your brand has:
- Strong financials & supply chain readiness
- Retail-friendly pricing & margins
- Marketing & sales support to drive sell-through
- A well-researched approach tailored to each retailer
By following the structured guidance provided in the Retail Stack Tool Kit, brands can enhance their preparedness for retail success, ensuring they meet industry standards and effectively engage with both retailers and consumers.
