Christine Barton on LinkedIn: Retailers, are you ready for the 2024 holiday season? With steady consumer… (2025)

If you haven’t yet explored the CEO Data Point series, now is the perfect time to dive in. The latest edition shines a light on Scope 3 emissions—an often overlooked but critical aspect of sustainability measurement and goal-setting. While supply chain emissions are, on average, 26 times higher than operational emissions, many companies still focus primarily on tracking and setting targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. But tackling Scope 3 is where real progress happens.I encourage you to check out these insightful data visualizations, based on BCG’s market intelligence, and see how your industry compares. What steps are you taking to address this challenge? https://on.bcg.com/3ARnRgo

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Energy is a crucial but often overlooked force within organizations. In this article I co-authored with Roselinde Torres, Peter Tollman, and Cheryl Berriman, we explore how CEOs can harness and manage energy to drive value creation.It's not about personality or charisma, but rather the ability to transmit alignment, conviction, and purpose across the organization. As one CEO aptly put it, “energy is a byproduct of connectivity, preparation, intent, and self-awareness.”Dive into our findings to discover how energy, when managed effectively, can become a transformative force for leaders.

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Reading through the new Consumer Sentiment Barometer from Patrick Witschi, Gabriela Barrios, Lauren Taylor, and Aparna Bharadwaj, it’s encouraging to see some positive signs that Americans’ financial concerns are easing compared to a year ago. While inflation remains a significant challenge for 35% of households, and consumers are still concerned about ongoing issues, there’s been a noticeable rebound in consumer sentiment over the last year.The findings of this latest research from my friends and colleagues at BCG's Center for Customer Insight suggest a cautious optimism about the future and underscore the resilience of consumers, even in uncertain times. How does this data-informed look into the mind of the consumer resonate with what you've been observing? How have you seen consumer behavior evolving in your industry? https://on.bcg.com/4cHgF3B

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CEOs, how do you stay ahead of M&A trends? I’m excited to share BCG’s latest tool: the M&A Sentiment Index. This index tracks dealmakers' readiness to engage in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, offering real-time insights into the market's momentum. Interestingly, our data shows that dealmakers are more inclined to pursue opportunities now than they were last year.The M&A Sentiment Index is updated monthly, ensuring you have the latest insights at your fingertips to navigate the evolving landscape.Explore the index and see how it can inform your strategic decisions: https://on.bcg.com/3WWzkme

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CEOs, how often do you make time for big-picture reflection? I recently refreshed this article with my colleagues Roselinde Torres, Peter Tollman, Martin Reeves, and Cheryl Berriman on the powerful benefits of reflection, from increased clarity to enhanced creativity. From engaging with hundreds of CEOs, there are many different models. I’d be interested, when do you carve out time for reflection? When do you find it most effective, and how much time do you protect for it? Do you have a preferred location or context? And do you involve anyone like a Chief of Staff, coach or strategic advisor?Read the full article here: https://on.bcg.com/3SRSjgv

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This is a must-read for CEOs as geopolitical risk continues to rise. It’s not enough to merely react to disruptions as they come—leaders need to develop a strong geopolitical muscle, an organizational capability that monitors geopolitical events, anticipates potential disruptions, strategically plans for critical shifts, and prepares for whatever the future brings. Here’s how: https://on.bcg.com/4cbP8ao

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What do customers actually want from a #loyalty program? Often, it’s a personalized experience that makes them feel unique. BCG’s G. Edward Crouch joins The So What #podcast to discuss how loyalty marketing and personalization can transform customer relationships. Discover what this means for your company.

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Check out this month’s CEO’s Digest for key takeaways from BCG’s latest #thoughtleadership. My colleague Paul Michelman and BCG’s AI agent GENE delve into how CEOs can reboot their company’s #innovation system, leverage #retailmedia for brand and business strategy, and make real strides in advancing employee #mentalhealth and #wellbeing. Discover what collaborating with #AI really looks (and sounds) like.

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Specialized B2B e-commerce marketplaces are reshaping #procurement with tailored solutions for specific sectors. These platforms offer a seamless user experience, curated sellers, and individualized pricing.Adopting this model can enhance customer service, improve inventory visibility, and offer flexible delivery options. The operational simplicity and data insights gained can significantly elevate your business strategy and profitability.Discover the benefits of launching a #B2B marketplace and start transforming your procurement process today: https://on.bcg.com/3W4ZrHb

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