Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Brands Like Joybird Are Revamping Their Consumer Ad Strategies

To break through online advertising clutter, brands embrace data-driven, ‘out of the box’ consumer messaging strategies.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Big Brands Court Gen Z With Inclusive Messaging and ‘Realness’

Aerie, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Doritos are tapping a targeted marketing playbook to appeal to this generation of consumers.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Startups Bookshop.org, New Masters Academy and FitVine Wine Achieved Profitability

The founders of Bookshop.org, New Masters Academy and FitVine Wine on leveraging their unique positions in the marketplace to reach a coveted business milestone: profitability.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Brands Like Barbie & Looney Tunes Are Monetizing Licensing

Marketers of everything from toys to T-shirts tap NFTs, social causes and DTC sales to grow business and win over today’s consumers, which could help connect smaller brands to bigger audiences.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Restaurant Owners Discuss Ways to Solve Labor Challenges From COVID-19

Digital ordering, streamlined operations and a focus on providing a desirable work environment are helping the industry weather the staffing crunch, executives said.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How the Pandemic Helped Brands Discover New Revenue Streams

Digital platforms that offer DTC, B2C and B2B sales pipelines appear to have staying power for some brands.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Brands Use Tech to Facilitate Order Management & Reduce Labor Costs

As e-commerce sales surge, B2C and B2B businesses are automating ordering tasks, freeing up employee time for customer service, social media marketing and more.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Indoor Farming Businesses Meet Growing Demand for Local Produce

High-tech greenhouse startups are supplying crops to local supermarkets and restaurants as consumers increasingly crave locally grown food.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Preventative Care Emerges as Lucrative Niche in Booming Pet Business

Pet products reached $100 billion for the first time amid increased ownership during the pandemic, driving up sales of health monitoring cat litter to CBD-infused dog treats.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Data Is Helping Brands Recover Millions Lost to Product Returns

Retailers are leveraging analytics to optimize their product design and merchandise mix, aiming to mitigate the $106 million cost incurred every year when shoppers return goods.