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Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Data Is Helping Brands Recover Millions Lost to Product Returns
Retailers are leveraging analytics to optimize their product design and merchandise mix, aiming to mitigate the $106 million cost incurred every year when shoppers return goods.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Unexpected Tips for Growing Your Business
Executives from S’well, Jersey Mike’s, Verizon and Toshiba share insights on the seemingly questionable strategies that yielded tangible benefits for their companies and customers.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Virtual Events Have Changed In-Person Business Conferences
In-person events were decimated in 2020 due to COVID-19, but many conference organizers are optimistic about the enthusiasm for their return.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Executives from Kate Spade, Chico’s Explain Optimizing Gift Sales
Brands cite opportunities in gifting services, last-minute solutions and social cause tie-ins to drive business.
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GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Vera Bradley Builds Customer Community With ‘Micro-Influencers’
The company known for its iconic quilted bags is leveraging ‘brand ambassadors’ to reach local shoppers, tapping the playbook of the bracelet startup it acquired in 2019.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Delivery-Only Model Drives Newfound Business for Restaurant Brands
Building on a pandemic-fueled trend, brands including Brinker, Denny’s and Applebee’s expand off-premises dining with new ‘virtual’ concepts that are churning sales and fattening profit margins.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Technology Is Powering Holistic Nutrition Trends
'Functional' foods gain pandemic-fueled traction, as retailers such as Kroger, Thrive Market and Walgreens move to deliver personalized wellness in the grocery aisle.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Brands Rethink Pricing Strategies to Boost Profits
Optimizing sales and promotions via tech will be a key goal for businesses going forward to price right and maximize margins.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Marketing Tactics That Help Businesses Win Customer Loyalty
For businesses seeking to turn consumers into devotees, next-gen loyalty trends incorporate brand values, experiential rewards and forge emotional connections.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Covalent Uses Blockchain Technology to Attract Consumers
Accessories brand Covalent uses verifiable sourcing technology to trace the origins of its products and prove environmental benefits to consumers, who are hankering more for eco-friendly goods.
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