Buyers on our Reader Panel have given suppliers a big thumbs down in the festive innovation stakes this week.
More than two thirds were not impressed with the new products on offer for Christmas, with many complaining of a lack of imagination and real innovation.
One said: “The NPD from branded suppliers in our opinion has not been adventurous enough and some of the NPD has just been a roll out of additional variants from last year. This results in diluted volumes across that product compared to last year.”
Another added: “I still feel suppliers are being cautious. It’s variations on a theme but nothing really exciting.”
Most also admitted to availability problems in their categories last year, which were blamed on a variety of factors from poor forecasting and late deliveries to problems in getting goods from the store backroom on to the shelf.
While 100% felt that premium lines would be more important this year, cut-throat competition meant prices were under constant pressure, said one buyer: “The final retail pricing is becoming a major headache with retailers reducing prices and offers increasing on the Christmas ranges almost daily.”
The festive season is more in line with standard trading profiles this year as Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, added one buyer.
“Consumers, we believe, will pull forward the shopping by one day from a normal week so we will be able to forecast fresh products easier and protect availability.”
More than two thirds were not impressed with the new products on offer for Christmas, with many complaining of a lack of imagination and real innovation.
One said: “The NPD from branded suppliers in our opinion has not been adventurous enough and some of the NPD has just been a roll out of additional variants from last year. This results in diluted volumes across that product compared to last year.”
Another added: “I still feel suppliers are being cautious. It’s variations on a theme but nothing really exciting.”
Most also admitted to availability problems in their categories last year, which were blamed on a variety of factors from poor forecasting and late deliveries to problems in getting goods from the store backroom on to the shelf.
While 100% felt that premium lines would be more important this year, cut-throat competition meant prices were under constant pressure, said one buyer: “The final retail pricing is becoming a major headache with retailers reducing prices and offers increasing on the Christmas ranges almost daily.”
The festive season is more in line with standard trading profiles this year as Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, added one buyer.
“Consumers, we believe, will pull forward the shopping by one day from a normal week so we will be able to forecast fresh products easier and protect availability.”
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