This Commerce Life

Phil and Kenny try a new format - they talk about an article written by the @RetailProphet on paid loyalty (article is here http://Thscommercelife.shortcm.li/HZdRqs) and how that could apply to small business. They also talk tradeshow season and what to think about, how to be ready.

Phil tells the story about meeting a friend for lunch and the perils of perception. Kenny and Phil talk price fixing bread and the fine line between 'managing retails' and actually collusion and price fixing. They also talk about Facebook and the recent changes to the newsfeed and what it might mean to small businesses running Facebook ads.

Kenny and Phil talk about keeping Kenny's coffee brand up to date and current, and they talk the future of retail. Phil talks about Hubba's latest whitepaper and how SMB's are going to win. They talk experiential and find out they both love Donald's market. Check out Kenny's Commercial Drive Coffee Company here: https://www.facebook.com/thedrivecoffee/ Check out Hubba's whitepaper here: http://bit.ly/2GwfkPs Visit Donald's Market: http://www.donaldsmarket.com/

Brokers can be a key component of your sales strategy if you know when to use them. Jim Shopland from www.shoplandhealth.ca joins Kenny and Phil to talk brokers, when to engage them, and how they can help you gain an inside track to working with retailers. Find out the difference between brokers and distributors and more.

This episode talks about concept to creation. Kenny and Phil get into distribution strategy, pricing, minimum order quantities, case quantities, and the perils of success and failure. They talk about things like expiry dates, how fast a brand needs to move, and how excited they get about doing new things like this.

Phil and Kenny talk small business and knowing when to size up, and when to quit. They talk about two brands - one that's growing but too ambitious, and the other that's been working hard at it, but should probably choose another path. Phil and Kenny are also looking for listeners to chime in. What do you want these two to talk about? Is there something you're working on?

Phil and Kenny talk Whole Foods and their move to "pay for play." They talk about promotional costs and how "pay for play" affects indie brands. They also take apart all the different costs associated for listing products in traditional grocery, store operations, and planograms. Funny story about Phil's first experience calling on a buyer.

Phil and Kenny talk Walmart and Amazon and holiday shopping and what bricks and mortar can do to keep sales from going online completely. They share a laugh about going from being "against" Walmart for most of their careers to now celebrating some of Walmart's successes.

Phil and Kenny talk about retail apocalypse and what Sears employees bring to the marketplace. They also talk about the importance of meaningful relationships in commerce and even spend some time talking about the Hip.

Our first episode of This Commerce Life. Get to know Phil and Kenny and what we'll bring to your podcast life! Find out a little about us and what we can do to help your commerce life.