Bringing Your A Game: Omni-Channel Retailing

We are well into 2015 now, and that means that our New Year’s resolution to take into consideration the newest retail trends should be well underway. This is, after all, critical. Today’s consumer is far more tech savvy and sophisticated, no matter the demographic grouping they fall under, than ever before, and that means that our marketing and retail strategies should reflect this.

Today’s consumer has also become conditioned to expect far more than ever before, largely as a result of the evolution of retailing itself, specifically with regard to omni-channel retailing. Omni-channel retailing means delivering a seamless shopping experience, no matter the channel being accessed (ie. personal computer, bricks-and-mortar store, smartphone, over the phone). 

Want a great example of how some retailers are making the most of everything omni-channel retailing has to offer? Check out this recent article from Tech Times, “Like2Buy turns Instagram into instant shopping haven. Ready, set, click!”: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/14390/20140829/like2buy-turns-instagram-into-instant-shopping-haven.htm.

According to the article, marketing and analytics company Curalate has seen the value of omni-channel retailing, developed the platform Like2Buy, and has it currently up and running on several big name brands’ Instagram sites.

What does the platform do? Recognizing the frustration retailers have when consumers see their items on Instagram but are not given the chance to purchase, Like2Buy helps boost sales by solving the problem - it lets Instagram users purchase what they see on their feeds! A true omni-channel retailing experience. And since omni-channel shoppers spend 35-50% more than one-channel shoppers according to IAC Retail Insight, we see this as an important development in the omni-channel world.

Things to think about when implementing an omni-channel strategy:

• Content needs to flow seamlessly across all channels
• Retailers need to stay connected and remain transparent
• Business strategies for all channels need to be consistent

When it comes to omni-channel retailing and your packaging strategy, here are a few things you should consider:

• Emphasis should be placed on creating a unified packaging strategy through all channels, considering shape, style, colour and branding.
• Packaging needs to be strong and sound to withstand the test of online delivery - if the product is not in pristine condition when it arrives, the customer will not be satisfied.
• Structural design should also take into consideration shipping costs and how to minimize them.
• Package branding needs to be consistent throughout all channels.

See the value in omni-channel retailing and want to get a campaign started? Packaging Technologies Inc. can help. Contact us today by calling 1-800-303-5883. 

Beer Packaging: Ontario-Based Brewers in Beer Store

For those of you as yet unaware, a great deal has been brewing in the beer industry (sorry, the pun just could not be avoided). Early in January, the Beer Store announced that it would be opening its doors to Ontario craft brewers, giving them the chance to break down the barriers that have previously hindered their growth (although one might counter this statement by the fact that even with the Beer Store monopoly, sales of craft beer have increased by 575%).

As the only sanctioned private outlet for beer sales, the Beer Store opening ownership to small brewers is no small thing, especially since this will give craft brewers a chance to grab some of the 80% of beer sales done by the Beer Store. The agreement states that “Ontario brewers that sell more than five million litres a year would pay $1,000, and smaller brewers $100, to become owners and get a Class E or Class F share in the Beer Store.”

You can read more about this here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/beer-store-opens-ownership-to-all-ontario-based-brewers-1.2892251

However, the story does not end there. Following the announcement regarding craft brewers, brewer and lawyer Michael Hassell has informed the Ontario government that he will be taking legal action “to strike down a section of the Liquor Control Act that makes the Beer Store monopoly status the only private firm allowed to sell beer directly to consumers without brewing it on the premises.”

This coincides with a separate $1.4 billion class action suit filed against the LCBO and the Beer Store regarding the sale of beer and an accord struck between brewers and the LCBO. Check out more about this here: http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2015/01/14/charles-sousa-warns-change-brewing-for-beer-store-monopoly.html. 

Clearly change is coming.

For more about the impacts of these changes, or for strategies to compete in the competitive beer market with custom beer packaging, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Flexible & Reliable: Kisko on Why Packaging Technologies Inc.

Any retailer or brand knows that, when it comes to production and manufacturing, the right relationship can yield great benefits. Here at Packaging Technologies Inc. we like to think that our relationship with our partners is important, and as such we take seriously our commitment to provide the very best service, with high-quality products.

Check out this video in which Mark Josephs, President of Kisko Products, speaks about the relationship between his company and Packaging Technologies Inc.

Why PTI? For Josephs, as the head of a family-owned and operated business, shared values is important, and a commitment to service and quality is key. Flexibility and reliability are also key; being able to call PTI and request a shipment on short notice, quick turn-around, and the ability to change production schedules based on consumer demand are never a problem.

And when it comes to the packaging, “PTI has been able to provide for us dynamic packaging, in a preprint format, with lower quantities than are required by other suppliers… The packaging is great, product stands out well.”

Packaging Technologies Inc. is committed to what we do - and that means delivering high-quality product exactly when you need it. Contact us today by calling 1-800-303-5883. 

The Link Between Brand Identity and Custom Packaging

Naming companies exist that assist companies with coming up with the perfect name for their new business or new product. The creative teams within these companies come up with name options, check what names are available for trademark, which URLs are available, etc. 

They conduct linguistic checks to be certain names are pronounceable, unique and appropriate in other languages and cultures. There is a great deal that goes into creating the perfect name and thus establishing brand identity.

Brand identity starts with a name, but is a name all there is to it? Brand identity may start with the perfect name, but the path does not end there. The next step? Creative packaging. Just as a great deal of time and work goes into coming up with a great name, so too should emphasis be placed on developing the perfect design.

Your product packaging should be designed to provoke deeper associations with the name and product, to invoke an emotional connection. So how can a packaging design company help you build the perfect package?

Here are some things to consider:

• What is the message you want to convey? Tell a story with your design, and have it set the stage: elegance, comfort, sustainability, modern, confidence, etc.
• Keep it cohesive with the image you are trying to create and with the product itself.
• Use colour psychology to provoke the desired emotion and reaction in the customer. For example red = energy, blue = security and trust, black = modernity and luxury.
• What are the current trends when it comes to packaging design? Make sure that your company is up-to-date and will use colour, shape, design and material that is in keeping with these trends.

Creative and unique custom packaging is one of the best ways to help distinguish yourself on the shelf. By differentiating your brand, you can quickly carve out that position for your product, regardless of what the competition is doing.

With any new business or product, a name is an essential ingredient for success, but once you have the perfect name you can’t stop there. After all, a great name and bland packing won’t garner attention, but a great name and eye-catching custom packaging will reel in the sales.

For more about custom packaging and brand identity, call Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883. We have the creative team that will help you achieve real results.