Private Label Buyer

By using warm, vibrant colors on its private label packaging and investing in an extensive marketing campaign, Family Dollar has managed to post big private label sales gains and provide lessons others can use.

 

In the ultra competitive, ever-changing retail landscape, Matthews, N.C.-based discount retailer Family Dollar has zigged while others have zagged.

Private label pet care is leading the way and fetching big consumer dollars.

 

The furry, feathered and four-legged family members of U.S. households are still as pampered as ever with high-end items ranging from gourmet treats to digitized collars, designer shampoo and spa treatments.  Despite some slow growth due to the recession in 2010, the pet products category overall is poised for expansion as owners continue to demand quality, healthy products for their companion animals, category watchers agree.

Private label oils, vinegars and salad dressings are rolling out new, healthier offerings to attract diet conscious consumers.

 

Say what you will about the popular NBC program The Biggest Loser, you have to admit the show not only gets results but also has helped spark a health and fitness trend across America. While most consumers wouldn’t want buff trainers incessantly yelling over their shoulders as they trot down a grocery aisle, there’s a good chance that the echoes of Loser healthy eating advice are following them in and out of the food retailers as well.

Environmental disasters aside, seafood sales are a rising tide, lifting PL boats along with others. Only canned PL tuna sales are floundering.

 

Although buffeted somewhat by the BP Gulf Coast oil spill in 2010 and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami earlier this year, the fish and seafood market continues to grow, hitting a new record total U.S. sales of $15.8 billion in 2010.

Techie types have been hyping the changes that mobile phones would bring to retailing for at least the past decade. Now, thanks to the growing ubiquity of smart phones with Web capabilities, that hype is becoming reality.

Indeed, the Deloitte 2011 Consumer Food and Products Insights study, released in July, found that 40 percent of U.S. consumers are using shopping lists and recipe management tools on their mobile phones today.