Yet challenges remain; supply chain continues to be an issue, inflation is challenging discretionary spending, and global unrest may bring about negative economic impacts. So instead of a celebratory attitude among our member stores and brands, the channel is wisely shoring up its defenses by focusing on how to get better at, well, just about everything. For instance, stores are improving buying efficiencies with the new tools coming available, implementing targeted marketing strategies, and curating product assortments that entice customers to shop in their stores.
The RIA will focus on each of these elements in 2022, with data and information being the key drivers for member support. For example, many of the stores who signed up for our newest benefit, RIA Weekly Snapshots powered by Cadence, are seeing remarkable results. In addition, this spring we’ll take you through a series of webinars and informational reports to form a forward-thinking narrative that will culminate in workshops and brand meetings at Runchella, May 16-19 in Chicago. This is an event planned by,and exclusively for,RIA members. We’ll move away from lectures and panel discussions, and instead offer hands-on learning in workshop formats and peer sharing sessions each morning, with brand sessions each afternoon. Runchella is your show, your way…sign up for the programming that benefits you most, and schedule time with the brands that drive your business.
In the coming weeks we’ll be providing specifics on how retailers and brands can participate, and for a sneak peak, we’ve included details in this issue of the RIA Pulse Newsletter. We’re looking forward to doing our part to support another productive and successful year for the run specialty channel, and we invite you to come along with us.
