GLG News by Warehouse Club Experts

Roger DavidsonChief Operating OfficerMaGi Foods LLC

August 2, 2009

Analysis of:Colgate Revenue Misses Estimates on Hill’s, Asia | www.bloomberg.com

Unless Colgate changes their "go-to-market" strategy for the Hill's Science Diet product, I predict they will continue to see sales declines in a category that is very profitable and has significant growth potential. My recommendation is that Colgate seriously consider offering their Hills product to the FDMC channel and follow the route previously taken by Procter & Gamble with Iams. Traditional retailers would welcome their brand and pet specialty would not be likely to drop it.

Rick SheaPresidentShea Marketing Consulting Inc.

World Class Packaging

April 2, 2009

Analysis of:FOOD PACKAGER OF THE YEAR: Packaging a big part of General success | www.foodandbeveragepackaging.com

The use and design of packaging is one of the most critical elements in a supermarket products success.Packaging provides multiple benefits and serves many key objectives for food manufacturers. ---Merchandising:Product must merchandise well and provide consumers with a quick,clean understanding of the product. ---Brand Positioning : Packaging conveys a feel and tone about every product including whether its value orientated or premium. ---Quality :Packaging must obviously protect the quality of any food product and contribute to shelf life in many cases. ---Preparation: Many packages need to provide a quick,cost effective way to prepare the product. ---Informational : All key labeling and nutrition info must be accurately and effectively communicated to the consumer ---Sustainable :Cost efficiency and environmentally friendly are very important to retailers and consumers.

Rick SheaPresidentShea Marketing Consulting Inc.

Consumers Drive for Value in Their Food Purchases

March 25, 2009

Analysis of:What Sells in a Recession | www.time.com

The article provides a good descriptive assessment of how consumers supermarket shopping habits have changed in the last 3 months.Nervous, money challenged consumers are more price discriminating than ever before in their food purchases.Private Label sales are growing faster than the category and taking market share.Consumers are increasing their use of stores perceived as discounters. Walmart, Costco, BJ's and dollar stores continue to lead in same sales store growth.

Martin BrillManaging PartnerSweetwater Consulting LLC

Buyers Remorse at Abercrombie & Fitch?

January 15, 2009

Analysis of:Abercrombie full-price strategy proving hard - Guardian.co.uk | www.guardian.co.uk

While Investors at Abercrombie & Fitch have sounded the alarm about Chief Executive Michael Jeffries’ stubborn position not to run sales promotions in the midst of the worst retail environment in decades and the brands poor merchandising strategy, have contributed to the company’s disastrous performance in 2008. The recent extension of Jeffries employment contract as CEO of the company for another five years has industry experts and stockholders scratching their heads in disbelief.