#192 HTE - Spice Up Your Inbox with the Least Boring Weekly Newsletter Around! 🌶

Good Morning Readers!

🔑 Welcome to HTE’s fantastical newsletter, your gateway to a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insights specifically tailored for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands.

Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the realms of digital marketing, customer engagement, and business strategies, where success awaits at every turn.🚀

So fasten your seatbelts, sharpen your wits, and get ready to conquer the day ahead like a true champion! ✨

Alright, so let’s get right to it!

This newsletter is going to dive into the following:

🍿 Unleashing the Retail Media Magic: Popcorn-Popping Secrets and Digital Shopping Adventures!

🎥 Get Your Snack On and Ride the Ridgelicious Wave with Ruffles' Hype-tastic New Flavors

📦 Streamlining Inventory Management and Fulfillment: Tips for Efficient Operations

🎸 TikTok Boogies into Ecommerce, Ready to Rock Western Markets!

📕 Top Reads Of The Week

⚙️ Plenty Of Jobs Await You!

So, scroll down to THE VERY END & read up on what’s yet to come your way!

Unleashing the Retail Media Magic: Popcorn-Popping Secrets and Digital Shopping Adventures!

Have you heard the buzz about retail media and wondered why it's such an exciting prospect? Well, get ready to embark on a thrilling digital shopping adventure because we're about to reveal the secrets behind its success.

Picture this: the way we buy stuff has been forever transformed by the digital revolution. Our purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by the online world. In fact, according to the brilliant minds at Forrester, a whopping 60% of sales in 2022 were digitally influenced. And guess what? They predict that number will skyrocket to a staggering 70% by 2027. Talk about the digital wave taking us by storm!

Let's break it down even further, zooming in on the UK and the US. It's crystal clear that people flock to retailers' websites, even if they ultimately decide to make their purchases in the good ol' brick-and-mortar stores. That's the magic of the retail media landscape – it reaches customers wherever they are on their shopping journey. So, when you're exploring the world of retail media, we've got a few questions for you to ask your favorite retailers. Get ready to uncover the secrets!

💡 First up, ask them if they can measure the Research Online, Purchase Offline (ROPO) effect. It's like magic when you discover how many customers do their research online but make the final purchase in-store. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for maximizing your marketing strategies.

💡 Next on the list, inquire about their loyalty program. Find out how many of these loyal shoppers are brand new to your business. It's like discovering a hidden treasure trove of potential customers who are just waiting to be enchanted by your products or services.

💡 Oh, and don't forget to ask about their attribution window. This fancy term refers to the period in which retailers credit a sale to a specific marketing touchpoint. Compare their attribution window to other media types you invest in. You might uncover a golden opportunity to optimize your marketing mix and reach even greater heights.

💡 Last but not least, delve into the captivating world of viewing rates. Not all retail media inventory is created equal, my friends. Some sparkles and shines brighter than others, capturing the attention of eager shoppers. So, find out what the viewing rate is for your chosen retail media. You want your ads to be seen by as many eyeballs as possible, so you can make a lasting impression.

Now, here's the deal: if your business doesn't have the capability to conquer the realm of retail media, fear not! You have two options that will make you feel like a retail rockstar. Option one: build your own retail media capabilities. It's like crafting a customized shopping experience that's tailor-made for your business. Option two: invest in existing retail media opportunities. Think of it as joining a fabulous retail media party where you can showcase your brand to a whole new audience.

Remember, the world of retail media is a wild ride, filled with opportunities and endless popcorn-popping excitement. So, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and get ready to captivate the hearts of shoppers in the digital realm. It's time to step into the spotlight and make your business shine like never before!

Get Your Snack On and Ride the Ridgelicious Wave with Ruffles' Hype-tastic New Flavors

Get ready to bring the hype to your snacking experience with Ruffles' latest TV spot, "Hype Men." In this energetic and fun-filled commercial, Ruffles, the official chip of the NBA and WNBA, has teamed up with basketball superstars LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and A'ja Wilson to introduce three exciting new signature flavors.

The ad opens with the charismatic LeBron James and the dynamic Jayson Tatum, both pictured on their own chip bags, sandwiched in-between rows of the classic and beloved original Ruffles. They start a spirited chant, building anticipation for the arrival of A'ja Wilson, the 2022 WNBA MVP.

As the chant reaches its peak, the vivacious A'ja Wilson bursts onto the scene, gracing her own chip bag with a vibrant smile. The atmosphere is electric, as the Los Angeles Lakers legend and the Boston Celtics forward cheer her on with unbridled enthusiasm. Their playful banter and camaraderie create an infectious energy that is impossible to resist.

Just when you think the excitement couldn't get any higher, the one and only Charles Barkley steps up to the vending machine, ready to join the celebration. With his signature humor and larger-than-life personality, Barkley announces the arrival of the Las Vegas Aces all-star, adding an extra dose of excitement to the mix.

Throughout the commercial, the tagline "Own Your Ridges" reinforces the unique and unmistakable texture of Ruffles chips. With their distinct ridges and satisfying crunch, Ruffles chips are not just a snack; they're an experience to be enjoyed and celebrated.

As for the soundtrack, no specific songs have been identified for this spot, but you can bet that the upbeat and energetic vibe of the commercial perfectly complements the fun-filled atmosphere. It's all about embracing the joy and excitement that comes with indulging in your favorite snack.

In summary, Ruffles' "Hype Men" TV spot is a playful and lively advertisement that brings together basketball icons and the irresistible appeal of Ruffles chips. With its catchy chant, vibrant personalities, and unapologetic energy, this ad encourages viewers to embrace the ridgelicious fun and make every snacking moment an unforgettable experience.

So, grab a bag of your favorite Ruffles flavor, join the hype, and get ready to own your ridges in style!

Streamlining Inventory Management and Fulfillment: Tips for Efficient Operations

Efficient inventory management and order fulfillment are crucial for any business, as they directly impact customer satisfaction and overall profitability. By implementing effective inventory management systems, automating order processing, and adopting efficient fulfillment strategies, businesses can optimize their operations, minimize errors, and enhance customer experiences. In this article, we will explore key tips and best practices to streamline inventory management and fulfillment processes.

  1. Utilize Inventory Management Systems: Invest in a robust inventory management system that provides real-time visibility into stock levels, tracks sales and purchases, and generates accurate reports. A good inventory management system enables you to track inventory across multiple locations, automate reordering processes, and forecast demand based on historical data. This ensures you have the right products in stock at all times, avoiding stockouts or overstocking situations.

  2. Automate Order Processing: Implementing order processing automation saves time, reduces manual errors, and improves order accuracy. Automate tasks such as order entry, order confirmation, and invoicing. Integrating your inventory management system with your e-commerce platform or point-of-sale (POS) system can help automate the order processing flow, automatically updating inventory levels and triggering replenishment actions when necessary.

  3. Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory: Adopting a just-in-time inventory strategy minimizes holding costs and reduces the risk of excess inventory. With JIT, inventory is ordered and received shortly before it is needed for fulfillment. This approach requires accurate demand forecasting and close collaboration with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries. JIT inventory management can help optimize cash flow, reduce storage costs, and improve order fulfillment efficiency.

  4. Centralize Inventory Tracking: Maintain a centralized inventory tracking system that consolidates data from all sales channels and physical locations. This centralization allows you to monitor stock levels, track movement across different warehouses or stores, and gain a holistic view of inventory. Centralized inventory tracking helps avoid discrepancies, prevents overselling, and enables you to make informed decisions regarding stock replenishment.

  5. Implement Barcoding and RFID: Barcoding and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technologies simplify inventory tracking and improve accuracy. Barcodes and RFID tags enable quick and error-free scanning of products, making it easier to update inventory records and track product movements. This streamlines the picking, packing, and shipping processes, reducing the chances of errors and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

  6. Adopt Dropshipping: Consider integrating dropshipping into your fulfillment strategy. Dropshipping allows you to fulfill orders without holding inventory. When an order is received, the supplier directly ships the product to the customer on your behalf. This approach eliminates the need for storage space, reduces upfront costs, and minimizes the risk of stockouts. However, careful supplier selection and strong communication with suppliers are essential to maintain quality and timely deliveries.

Efficient inventory management and order fulfillment are vital for business success. By utilizing inventory management systems, automating order processing, and adopting

TikTok Boogies into Ecommerce, Ready to Rock Western Markets!

TikTok, the groove-loving social media sensation, is shaking things up in the ecommerce world. With a desire to conquer markets like the UK and the US, this Chinese-owned group is determined to export its vibrant livestream shopping model beyond its homeland.

In an epic restructuring move, TikTok is relocating its Brazil-based team, who were busy gearing up to launch TikTok Shop in their country, to markets where the service has already made its grand entrance, like the UK, US and south-east Asia. Word on the street is that the talented folks hustling to bring the service to Spain are now jetting off to London as part of a broader shake-up of executive positions in the European branch.

While the social media ecommerce model has been jamming in Asia, TikTok Shop has faced a few hurdles outside its comfort zone, struggling to captivate Western consumers and content creators. But fear not! TikTok is determined to crack these markets by pausing its international expansion plans and refocusing on countries where its ecommerce service is already strutting. Launch plans for new territories are still under wraps, but TikTok is taking its time to fine-tune its moves.

The mastermind behind TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, made its debut in the UK with TikTok Shop in 2021, and now it's set its sights on even bigger adventures. The service allows brands and influencers to groove with their audiences, linking products for purchase directly in videos or rocking the stage live to sell the hottest items available within the app.

The fun twist in this dance is that TikTok had to remix its strategy to make its mark beyond China. This led to a thrilling revamp of its European ecommerce operations in mid-April. The team in Spain received the news that they had to pack their bags and move to London, where they'll be offered two flights home per month and six months of rent payments in their new digs. Now that's what we call a smooth transition!

One rising star in TikTok's ecommerce universe is Joe Jiao, who recently earned a promotion to oversee ecommerce for small businesses in the UK. His journey with ByteDance began in 2017, and he's ready to bring his groovy expertise to new heights.

Joshua Ma, the former head of TikTok Shop in Europe, decided to step down after revealing his disbelief in maternity leave. Shocking, right? But fear not, he's still lingering within the company's corridors.

Patrick Nommensen took the stage in the interim, but his role has recently shifted focus. Instead of overseeing the entire European operation, he's now strutting his stuff with UK key accounts and brands. TikTok believes that serving key accounts and small businesses requires different moves, so they decided to have dedicated leaders for each area as the product continues to evolve. Nommensen, however, still holds the reins of overall UK operations. Quite the dancefloor shuffle.

The London-based ecommerce crew received some big news as well. Starting in September, they must hit the office five days a week—no ifs, ands, or buts. TikTok wants to emphasize their dedication to the project, even if it means others in different departments enjoy a more flexible work situation. According to TikTok, their official policy is to be in the office three days a week, with a minimum of two days required. Leaders can boogie with alternative policies for specific teams. Let's hope they find the right rhythm.

ByteDance, the mastermind behind TikTok, dreams of turning social commerce into a money-making sensation in Western markets. Their sister app, Douyin, has sold a jaw-dropping 10 billion products, proving that this model can cha-cha with profits. And ByteDance's earnings have skyrocketed, with a staggering 79% surge in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization, reaching around $25 billion in 2022. Talk about hitting the high notes!

But alas, not all dance moves translate smoothly across cultures. Live shopping, a massively popular format in Asia, seems struggling to find its rhythm with Western consumers. The challenge lies in resonating with their tastes and preferences. TikTok is determined to find the perfect melody to captivate Western hearts and wallets. They're pausing, reassessing, and unleashing their creative powers to create an ecommerce experience that will make everyone want to get up and groove.

TikTok's CEO, the illustrious Shou Zi Chew, appeared before the US Congress in March to add a twist to the plot. This, coupled with lawmakers pondering whether to ban the app altogether, put a speed bump on the road to expansion. It's as if the dance floor suddenly got crowded, and everyone had to pause quickly. But fear not; TikTok claims that the launch in the US hasn't been delayed. They're "excited" to keep expanding their testing phase and invite more sellers to join the TikTok Shop party.

As for the rest of the world, TikTok keeps us on our toes. They've clarified that they haven't finalized any launch plans or dates for TikTok Shop outside of the UK, US, and south-east Asia. But fear not; they're diligently evaluating opportunities for further international expansion. So who knows? We might soon witness the TikTok shopping frenzy take the global stage, captivating audiences worldwide.

And there you have it—the latest chapter in the ever-evolving TikTok Shop tale. From the UK's recorded video revenue domination to the US hiccups and the global expansion dreams, TikTok keeps us enchanted with their dance towards ecommerce glory.

Top Reads Of The Week

IN NEED OF A JOB?  WE'VE GOT PLENTY AWAITING YOU!

E-Commerce Manager - Jimmy Jazz

System Architect - Eaton

E-Commerce Associate - Hot Buys

Customer Success Manager - CommerceIQ

Front End Developer - Colgate-Palmolive

CHOOSE SUCCESS below and have a great weekend! Get that DTC business runnin’.