NRF Special: Retailing in Today's K-Shaped Economy (Cambridge Coffee Corner) скачать в хорошем качестве

NRF Special: Retailing in Today's K-Shaped Economy (Cambridge Coffee Corner)

Navigating the K-Shaped Economy: What Retailers Need to Know The retail landscape is splitting into two distinct markets—and it's reshaping everything from supply chains to AI strategy. In our latest Cambridge Coffee Corner, recorded at NRF 2026, CRA's Duncan Taylor sits down with Guy Courtin (Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances, Tecsys) and Ken Belanger (VP, Cambridge Retail Advisors) to unpack the K-shaped economy phenomenon. The numbers tell the story: the top 10% of earners now account for nearly 50% of all retail sales, creating a fundamental challenge for retailers trying to serve both affluent consumers and budget-conscious shoppers. Key Takeaways: The Private Label Opportunity: Retailers can address both market segments with similar products under different brands—protecting premium brand equity while offering affordability. Supply Chain Complexity: Serving divergent customer needs means rethinking everything from packaging sizes to shelf placement. The challenge? Supply chains don't pivot overnight. AI's Real Value: Forget the hype about AI solving all supply chain problems. The wins come from narrow, focused use cases—inventory optimization, shelf management, and pricing strategies that account for K-economy dynamics. Bottom line: Retailers who haven't started planning for this bifurcated market will face a scramble in 2026. The K-economy isn't temporary—it's the new reality.