Barbara Thau on Muck Rack

Barbara Thau

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  • Editorial Director, Features, CO
New York
As seen in: CO, UOL, Forbes, Aol, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Flipboard, Yahoo, The Real Deal, Retail Dive, NewsBreak and
Editorial Director, Features, CO— @growwithco by @uschamber Biz reporter/editor spec. in retail, consumer trends, ex-Forbes Minding the Stores writer.

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Barbara Thau’s Biography

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I'm a longtime reporter/editor specializing in the retail sector and the consumer economy, with coverage extending to business industries ranging from fashion, beauty and home to hospitality and real estate.

My work can currently be found on Forbes.com, for which I write the Minding The Stores retail column, and has appeared in CNBC, Fortune, The New York Daily News, among other media outlets.

I also work as a content writer/editor, producing thought-leadership pieces, reports, white papers, b…

Barbara Thau’s Journalist Portfolio

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Microsoft: Reimagining Retail

Microsoft: Reimagining Retail

Industry white paper on the digital transformation of the retail industry.

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Blogs | IBM Big Data & Analytics Hub

Blogs | IBM Big Data & Analytics Hub

As competition heats up in the grocery aisle, big data is gaining traction as the tool supermarkets need to c…

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Collaborative Commerce and the Democratization of Retail - Microsoft Enterprise

Collaborative Commerce and the Democratization of Retail - Microsoft Enterprise

Consumers used to be retailers' marionettes. Now it's the shoppers pulling the strings. What's changed the re…

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A Shock to the System: Transforming from Within - Microsoft Enterprise

A Shock to the System: Transforming from Within - Microsoft Enterprise

As the retail industry undergoes a digital transformation, retailers and CPG brands are breaking out of their…

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In the Era of Digital Technology, the Personal Touch Still Makes a Difference

In the Era of Digital Technology, the Personal Touch Still Makes a Difference

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Converting Stores Into A Competitive Advantage: 6 Step Playbook

Converting Stores Into A Competitive Advantage: 6 Step Playbook

E-Book on proximity marketing in retail.

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Articles

Aldi and Trader Joe’s Groupies Underscore the Massive Marketing Power of Fandom Today

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By Barbara Thau Verified
| CO Verified
Trader Joe's pastel mini canvas totes, which resold for hundreds online. — Trader Joe's Aldi and Trader Joe’s have turned its customers into ‘Super Fans’ via adaptable strategies. Curated private label ‘cult’ products turn value into discovery. Scarcity—limited-edition drops, seasonal finds, and surprise merch—creates social currency and brand devotion without relying on loyalty programs.
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7 Winning Startups Share the (Adaptable) Secrets to Their Success

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By Barbara Thau Verified
| CO Verified
Small business takeaway: Startup founders across industries—furniture, fintech, gut health, fitness, AI, and coffee—credit success to strategies rooted in market alignment and execution. From scaling with a realistic product-market fit and leveraging storytelling to build emotional ties to prioritizing ROI-driven decisions, their advice underscores the importance of conviction, adaptability, and partnerships in navigating markets and scaling profitably across sectors.
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CO— Trend Watch: Redefining Adulthood and the 'New Young,’ the Rise of Resale, and Video for Brand Growth

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By Barbara Thau Verified
| CO Verified
As the business landscape continues to evolve, small businesses are finding new opportunities to innovate and grow. In this episode of CO— Trend Watch, Editorial Directors Ciara McGibbon and Barbara Thau explore three key trends that are reshaping industries and consumer behavior. From redefining life stages to the rise of resale platforms to the power of video as a marketing vehicle, these trends offer actionable insights for small businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve and drive growth.
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