#193 - How to Drive Velocity with Matt Merson
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Show Notes
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with CPG veteran Matt Merson to dive deep into one of the most critical topics for emerging brands: velocity. With over three decades of experience from industry giants to emerging brands, including Coca-Cola, Dannon Yogurt, Glaceau Vitaminwater, Zico, Boxed Water, Haven’s Kitchen, and now Once Upon a Coconut—Matt shares hard-earned insights on what it really takes to drive product velocity in retail.
They explore everything from the pre-launch groundwork that sets brands up for success to the nuances of working with retailers, optimizing shelf placement, leveraging data, and understanding buyer expectations. They also break down in-store vs. out-of-store tactics, how to effectively run promotions and demos, and how to use merchandising partners to gain a competitive edge. For bootstrapped founders and well-funded startups alike.
Matt’s advice offers a roadmap to building a brand that turns quickly, wins over buyers, and scales sustainably in retail. Tune in now!
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Listen in as they share about:
- Velocity in Retail for CPG Brands
- Pre-Launch Strategy
- Driving In-Store Velocity
- Merchandising
- Out-of-Store Strategies
- Data & Velocity Metrics
- Distribution & Stockouts
- Bootstrapping Advice
Episode Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-merson/
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Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
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- Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
- Episode music by Super Fantastics