Caroline Ailstock

University of South Carolina
Retail Management
RETL 369 - 002 - FALL2024

More authenticity, less perfection.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

This post would resonate well with people who are trendy and favor stylish, comfortable products. They may like hanging out with friends, or baking! @RetailPro369

[aritzia @ARITZIA]

Sorry to fuel your fleece obsession but new Airy Terry just dropped. This lightweight French Terry fleece is made from Pima cotton with a looped interior for breezy comfort. https://t.co/eLvKBCA9Uz

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

Hashtags are no longer trendy to use in everyday life, however, companies work hard to make their hashtags impactful, humorous, or engaging for their consumers. And it works. @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

As we talk about the use of Hashtag's as business strategy, I feel like it is insightful to notice of the use of a hashtag has shifted from the consumers, to being trendy for companies to use in their daily communications.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

I agree! Using a influencer as well is a great strategy by FreePeople!

[Chloe Hilfiger @hilfiger_chloe]

Loved how they used Nara Smith as a way to make a joke! Using her making everything from scratch content to relate to outfits is amazing! @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

@RoryParis514 I think Skims staying true to themselves while introducing a male line is so powerful! Great post!

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

@Malloryullom1 @RetailPro369 I agree it is essential! Great post!

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

However, does anyone ever get nervous about the validity of these platforms? I have heard many people getting scammed from ordering through TikTok or Instagram. How can companies do better to protect their greatest assets- their customers? @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

We learned about social media marketing and its new command it has on the retail industry. I personally, enjoy shopping of platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest. I find that the product are curated to my style and it makes shopping online easier for consumers.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

Class Activity: I like Skims marketing strategy here because it is simple, aligns with their brands image, and highlights their expansion to their mens line. It also showcases their brand loyalty and their ability to be simplistic yet effective. @RetailPro369

[SKIMS @skims]

Days off don’t get comfier.

[SKIMS @skims]

Days off don’t get comfier.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

Immediate assistance is one of my favorite parts of AI integration in retail. I am curious about everyone else's opinions of AI retail integration. @RetailPro369 #HeySiri

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

AI Chatbots have been slowly integrated into the retail industry. I know that for me, I run into AI chatbots more often than real customer service associates. Retailers find this beneficial because if the 24 hour assistance and immediate replies.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

My curiosity is, as we have been defining different personas, has anyone found themselves to be the perfect fit for one of your favorite brands? @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

Psychographic segmentation deals with our lifestyle traits. Companies use personas typically to anticipate their ideal buyers. From our discussions we found that these can be as descriptive as a company would like.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

Rare Beauty is a great example of a buyers active evaluation phase! I really liked her post!

[Molly Healy @MollyHealyyy]

@RetailPro369 Consumer behavior has a significant impact on purchase decisions, and the Active Evaluation Phase is when businesses can make their imprint. Take Rare Beauty as an example. Their emphasis on diversity and a unique brand identity distinguishes them.

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

I think this is an interesting take on the beneficiaries of Retail as we know it today.

[Kendall Gadsby @GadsbyKendall]

I find it interesting to think about social media influencers in the context of consumers' values in retail. Many people feel very connected to their favorite influencers online in the form of a para-social relationship. @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

@GadsbyKendall I agree! By trusting these influencers, fewer reviews are being looked at and I know I have personally fallen for it before! Great post!

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

@MollyHealyyy I would say, a companies brand does in fact affect my Active Evaluation phase. Great post!

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

When having a pitch to executives, outlining at least 3 different personas that will engage and benefit from your product, also helps gain support from your peers and co-workers. @RetailPro369

[Caroline Ailstock @carolineailstoc]

After learning about IMC, I wanted to provide insights to how I have used a buyers persona in the past. When marketing your product or service not only to the world, but your own company, it is a good idea to highlight your perfect buyers.