The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the way consumers shop. First of all, with a limited number of brick and mortar stores open and people concerned about social distancing, many people have turned to ecommerce. On top of this, with millions of people now out of work, finances are playing a major roe in shopping decisions. These are just two of the topics I discuss with Wendy Liebmann, CEO & Chief Shopper of WSL Strategic Retail, which just fielded some new research on how the pandemic is impacting consumers’ shopping habits.

Learn more about the study: http://www.wslstrategicretail.com/

The beauty category may not technically be among those "essentials" customers are yanking off the shelves such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but many consumers are turning to products like face masks, hair care and bath bombs for self-care and to bring a sense of normalcy to self-isolation.

In this podcast, ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Marlea Clark, Chief Marketing Officer for digital marketing agency Stella Rising, about how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the beauty category, and how beauty brands can leverage social media to stay engaged with customers until they can get back into stores.

#ecrmrangeme #beauty #skincare #haircare #socialmedia #coronavirus

In this episode, ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Nicholas Bertram, President of The Giant Company, about how his company has adapted to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. They touch on how the company has dealt with supply chain issues and finding new sources of products that are out-out-of stock from panic buying, how daily operations have evolved to accommodate the new normal, as well as the surge of online shopping and how they are handling it.

Nicholas also discusses how Giant has engaged its community -- including providing jobs for those affected by layoffs, and the role of it's in-store technology in helping customers maintain social distancing.

They wrap up with Nicholas providing recommendations for retailers who are experiencing this or may soon be.

The Giant Company is part of Ahold-Delhaize USA, and operates approximately 190 stores in the Northeast.

Website: https://www.aholddelhaize.com/en/brands/united-states/the-giant-company/

If you're running a restaurant operation during today's challenging times, then you definitely need to listen to this episode. ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Donald Burns, also known as The Restaurant Coach, who is the author of two books on running successful restaurants, has spoken at restaurant events around the country (including at ECRM programs), and coaches restaurant owners and operators around the globe.

In this episode, they discuss the challenges that restaurant operators face during the coronavirus pandemic, and what they can do to not only survive it, but to emerge from it stronger than ever. Tons of practical information in here that you can put to use RIGHT NOW!

The Restaurant Coach website: https://www.therestaurantcoach.com/

If you're running a restaurant operation during today's challenging times, then you definitely need to listen to this episode. ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Donald Burns, also known as The Restaurant Coach, who is the author of two books on running successful restaurants, has spoken at restaurant events around the country (including at ECRM programs), and coaches restaurant owners and operators around the globe.

In this episode, they discuss the challenges that restaurant operators face during the coronavirus pandemic, and what they can do to not only survive it, but to emerge from it stronger than ever. Tons of practical information in here that you can put to use RIGHT NOW!

The Restaurant Coach website: https://www.therestaurantcoach.com/

In this podcast episode, ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Kim Kirchherr, President of K2 Outcomes, which specializes in the connection of agriculture, food and health for individuals and organizations. Kim is a Registered Dietitian and certified personal trainer, has worked for 10 years at a major food retail chain, and has pretty much been in the food and agriculture industry her entire career.

They discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way consumers think about food from the perspective of shopping, storage and meal prep, and how retailers can best engage them in today's environment, as well as once this pandemic passes.

Great insights here for food retailers as well as their suppliers!

Kim's website: https://kimkirchherr.com/

ECRM Food & Beverage Efficient Supplier Introductions: https://ecrm.marketgate.com/Sessions/ESI/Grocery#utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=KimKircherr

In this episode, ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Mike Watts and Scott Glaser of LoveHandle Smartphone Grips, a RangeMe Premium member and ECRM program participant that attended our Impulse, Front-End & Checklane as one of The Shark Group suppliers, and showcased its innovative American-made product that makes it virtually impossible to drop your cell phone while using it.

They discuss the origin of the company, how they are working with Daymond John and The Shark Group, and their experience with RangeMe and ECRM.

They also talk about the challenges they are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, as many of the company's customers are event companies.

It's a great discussion about entrepreneurship in the face of adversity!

Check out the Lovehandle website:

https://www.lovehandle.com

ECRM: https://ecrm.marketgate.com

Datassential update on how the coronavirus is impacting the restaurant industry. This is a video version of the podcast interview with Ian O'Neil in which he and ECRM 's Joseph Tarnowski discuss Datassential's most recent update on how Covid-19 is impacting restaurants, as well as the way consumers are purchasing food from them. Among the topics they cover are:

- The impact of restaurants shifting to delivery/takeout

- Shift in focus from taste to cleanliness/sanitization

- Gaining the trust of foodservice consumers

- How people have shifted their food ordering habits

- The popularity of ordering pizza during self-isolation

We'll be giving these updates with Datassential regularly on an ongoing basis moving forward. See the links to the report download and the Datassential page in the comments!

YouTube version of podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RztjvjEEVhU

Download the slide deck: https://mcusercontent.com/45027c46b385d9b28f2d3a6d7/files/6b9a99f8-49a9-4767-b650-48f6cdf9c0e2/Datassential_Coronavirus_031920_final.pdf

ECRM: https://ecrm.marketgate.com/

#ecrmrangeme #foodservice #restaurants #delivery #takeout #coronavirus #covid19

In this episode me and Stephanie Nicklos from our foodservice team speak with Park Plank, Director of Business Development - New Suppliers for Dot Foods, Inc., which, as a national re-distributor, sits between the manufacturers and distributors to add efficiencies into the entire food supply chain.

We cover the history of Dot Foods, how it drives these supply chain efficiencies, and what Park looks for in the suppliers with which he decides to do business. Definitely a must listen for any suppliers looking to do business with Dot Foods!

https://www.dotfoods.com

ECRM Program List:

https://ecrm.marketgate.com/sessions

ECRM Efficient Supplier Introductions:

https://ecrm.marketgate.com/Blog/2020/03/ECRM-Virtual-Platform-to-Help-Buyers-Continue-Sourcing-Amid-Travel-Restrictions

In this episode, ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Datassential's Ian O'Neil about menu trends in the foodservice industry based on recent research from the company.

They address four key areas:

- Generational shifts in food consumption

- The influence of global flavors

- College & university food behavior

- Impact of health and wellness on menus