A passion for small and diverse-owned brands.

Our passion for helping small brands get their big break is nowhere more evident than in our regular participation at retail webinars and CPG trade events. We love the Top Shelf program, sponsored by Walgreens and hosted by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), where Retail Smarter founder Angie Echele is a regular annual presenter.

What is Top Shelf?

The Top Shelf supplier diversity initiative is an 8-week program that helps women and minority-owned businesses learn how to become a valued partner with large retailers. This year, more than 40 women-owned businesses participated in Angie’s presentation: “Is your small brand ready for big retail?” 

The Retail Smarter webinar focused on key areas in your presentation that are important to CPG category managers when considering new products for in-store distribution:

• Product Performance (History)
• Retailer-Shopper Fit
• Consumer Awareness
• Competitive Advantage
• Custom Market Research (and D.I.Y.)
• Product Trial
• Marketing Plan 

Developing a retail strategy that’s ahead of the curve.

Angie explained how retail buyers typically approach each section, and suggested strategies for aligning your presentation with retailer expectations. The experience was energizing and engaging. We’re so grateful to have connected with such amazing brands and CPG founders (who asked some really great questions!). And we’re truly honored to be the only webinar that received a 100% satisfaction rating from attendees.

Of course, no two products or brands are exactly alike, and sometimes all you need is a little help. That’s why we offer services by the hour, by the project, or even month-to-month. From coaching emerging startups to fractional retail services for larger CPG brands, we want to help. If you’re ready to retail smarter, let’s talk.