It was a pleasure to sit down with Caitlin Allen, SVP of Marketing at Simbe Robotics, to discuss how robotics technology is revolutionizing the retail industry. As Simbe’s site notes, the company provides “multimodal shelf intelligence solutions proven to deliver chain-wide value at global scale, while delighting shoppers and store associates.”
As Caitlin explains, Simbe’s technology helps retailers in many meaningful ways, including optimizing inventory, reducing shrinkage, and enhancing omni-channel data usage. It also addresses nettlesome issues such as out-of-stock items, pricing errors, and labor shortages, which affect 85% of shoppers.
Beyond learning about how Simbe’s technology is helping to accelerate the retail industry’s modernization, I was interested in hearing about Caitlin’s marketing philosophy for Simbe. She emphasizes the importance of deep qualification, FOMO tactics, and leveraging champions for B2B marketing success.
Discussion points include:
- The common frustrations consumers face in stores, such as out-of-stock items and price discrepancies, and how these issues lead to brand switching.
- The impact of accurate inventory levels on e-commerce platforms like Instacart and DoorDash.
- The importance of omni-channel data usage, where the shelf is the linchpin of the supply chain.
- How CPG brands can use Simbe’s tools to monitor shelf conditions in real-time, eliminating the need for paid gig workers.
- The concept of planograms versus reality, where actual store layouts often differ from planned ones.
- The future of predictive inventory management and how it could eliminate the need for shoppers to ask store associates for items.
- In terms of B2B marketing, the importance of compelling proof points and leveraging strategic advisors and investors for introductions.
- The importance of marketing proving “air cover” for sales-driven organizations and the role of media in creating brand awareness.
- The importance of partnered audience building, the convergence of brand and demand generation, and customer-led growth.
