Top 5 Retail Buyer Pain Points in 2024
Business or pleasure, we like to be efficient, quick and streamlined wherever possible. In order to satisfy the consumer desire for that convenience as well as offering choice, quality and value, there are a number of retail pain points that retail buyers need to be aware of.
But, what are those retail buyer challenges and how is Simply Brands addressing them?
Let’s take a look at our simple pain points and solutions…
Retail Pain Point 1:
“The supply chain is so unreliable!”
This is something we come across rather a lot in our role. Many category managers say the main challenges are when there are shipping delays, stock shortages and logistical challenges. This can create a frustrating experience for the consumer if they can’t rely on a retailer to stock the product they require.
Simply Solution: Strong Supplier Relationships
We know our strongest asset is our relationships throughout each link in our supply chain. From manufacturer to consumer, we keep business flowing with open and honest communication. Dependable distributors and quality manufacturing ensures our reliable supply chain can be trusted to deliver.
Retail Pain Point 2:
“The quality is never consistent!”
If retail buyers are working with a large number of suppliers and manufacturers, it is almost impossible to monitor and guarantee quality. How do you know the next shipment will be of the same standard as the last? Do you know how or where those products are produced? How are they regulated?
Simply Solution: A large product range from a reliable supplier.
know a huge retail buyer paint point is having to deal with a long list of suppliers with varying degrees of communication, quality, consistency and reliability. We are continuing to grow our product range so our stockist are able to work with Simply Brands over a number of various categories instore. From furnishings to fitness and from travel to toys, our range spans a number of industries, retailers and consumer needs.
Retail Pain Point 3:
“Compliance is a huge retail headache!”
We all want to ensure we are conducting business above regulatory requirements. Changes in laws and regulations make it tricky to stay on top. How can you be sure the products you’re offering are safe? This can be a time-consuming and complicated process for retail buyers when researching new product ranges.
Simply Solution: Let us relieve that pain!
We are always on top of all regulatory and compliance standards for each of our products and the countries they are both manufactured and sold. Each product goes through a rigorous quality assurance process and adheres to all compliance standards. If you choose a Simply Brands product from any of our ranges, you can be rest assured we have done that hard work for you.
Retail Pain Point 4:
“Our market is so competitive!”
Market competition is something every business has to deal with, but in retail it can feel on a whole other level. Not only are the online and instore worlds competing, but so are the brands within them. Consumers are continuously bombarded with messages, offers, products, ideas, solutions. Being noticed can feel impossible as a retailer.
Simply Solution: Work with a competitive Supplier.
We are in the same boat! We know you have a whole world of choice when it comes to which supplier you could work with. We certainly are not the only supplier out there offering a range of products. However, we are highly competitive. We too want to stand out in the crowd and offer products that are of high quality, great value and create market-leading, trend-setting solutions. Consumers love to be inspired. Shoppers love to be intrigued. We continuously monitor market trends and adapt our product offering to meet demands to ensure you’re always one step ahead.
Retail Pain Point 5:
“Managing Inventory is like spinning plates!”
Category manager challenges can feel a juggle of far too many things that something always has to give. It can quite often end up being stock shortages and issues around inventory that fall to the floor. This can sometimes be through no fault of the retailer, but a sudden surge in sales, seasonal or weather conditions, online trends and so on. Unpredictable consumers are demanding, and so a solid and reliable inventory is key to remain favourable, particularly for omnichannel retailers.
Simply Solution: Communication is key.
We have said it before, and we will say it again! The strongest asset to any retailer and supplier relationship is communication. Of course we all want quality products. Of course we need reliability. We all want encouraging profit margins. This is all only possible with the good foundations of communication. Let’s stay in touch. Let’s plan ahead. Let’s brainstorm ideas and create solutions together.
We work on a 6-month lead time for stock ordering and planning to ensure our stockists are always one step ahead and ready for whatever the new season may bring. However, with our dependable manufacturing and distribution network, you can be sure of consistent delivery and high quality.
What other retail buyer challenges are we seeing?
Of course there are more than 5 challenges retailers are facing. Creating a compelling consumer journey, negotiating prices, forecasting trends and handing seasonal demand are all key issues facing retail buyers. However, we truly believe our solid supply chain network, experience in this field and commitment to solid business relationships makes Simply Brands the supplier of choice.
The product quality and value speak for themselves, but when you have a plethora of retail paint points to soothe, it’s the service that stands out above the rest.
