Top 5 Sales and Marketing Headlines in 2011
2011 has been an exciting and transformational year in the consumer goods industry. Here, we revisit a handful of the biggest news stories — from Walmart's decision to finally share POS data to Kraft Foods’ big split — which will undoubtedly have a continuing impact on the state of the industry.
1. General Mills/Nestl Takeover Rumors Strike Again
In April, Bloomberg reported that shares of General Mills climbed to the highest level since June 2010 on speculation that the maker of Cheerios cereal and Progresso soup may be acquired by Nestl SA. The rumor mill has since quieted, but here’s a look back at the predictions.
2. Walmart to Give POS Data to Nielsen
Nielsen signed a cooperation agreement with Walmart in July 2011 to receive and analyze sales information from Walmart’s U.S. stores. The agreement marked Walmart’s return to the consumer packaged goods industry’s information-sharing model.
3. Walmart to Close Marketside Stores
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced its decision to shut its four Marketside stores, abandoning the concept after three years. Instead, the retailer is banking on another small-store concept as a potential growth vehicle in rural and urban locations where its larger shops would not work.
4. Store Closings to Top 5,000 in 2011
While most retailers have already closed their worst performing stores and made their operations as lean as possible over the past few years, the uncertain economic climate might lead to a substantial number of store closures in the first quarter of 2012.
5. Kraft Foods to Split into Two Companies
Considered to be the next logical step, Kraft’s Board of Directors said that creating two independent public will increase long-term shareholder value. Get the initial details here.
1. General Mills/Nestl Takeover Rumors Strike Again
In April, Bloomberg reported that shares of General Mills climbed to the highest level since June 2010 on speculation that the maker of Cheerios cereal and Progresso soup may be acquired by Nestl SA. The rumor mill has since quieted, but here’s a look back at the predictions.
2. Walmart to Give POS Data to Nielsen
Nielsen signed a cooperation agreement with Walmart in July 2011 to receive and analyze sales information from Walmart’s U.S. stores. The agreement marked Walmart’s return to the consumer packaged goods industry’s information-sharing model.
3. Walmart to Close Marketside Stores
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced its decision to shut its four Marketside stores, abandoning the concept after three years. Instead, the retailer is banking on another small-store concept as a potential growth vehicle in rural and urban locations where its larger shops would not work.
4. Store Closings to Top 5,000 in 2011
While most retailers have already closed their worst performing stores and made their operations as lean as possible over the past few years, the uncertain economic climate might lead to a substantial number of store closures in the first quarter of 2012.
5. Kraft Foods to Split into Two Companies
Considered to be the next logical step, Kraft’s Board of Directors said that creating two independent public will increase long-term shareholder value. Get the initial details here.