Most brands don't have a retail problem. They have a readiness problem. Before the buyer meeting, before the distributor pitch, before the shelf resets: know where you actually stand.
Know which channel you're ready for.
WHO IT'S FOR
This is for brands navigating a specific moment.
Your retail expansion has stalled, and you're not sure whether the problem is the product, the pitch, or the channel.
You've built a business on Amazon or DTC and you're ready to move into physical retail, but you don't know where to start.
Your distributor is underperforming, and you can't tell whether to fix the relationship or replace it.
You're preparing for your first major buyer meeting and you need to know what they're actually evaluating.
Your MAP and pricing integrity are breaking down across channels, and it's starting to cost you placements.
A written strategy. Not a presentation.
Every engagement delivers a concrete, written strategy document. Not a deck. Not a framework diagram. A document you can execute against.
Channel Gap Analysis
A clear assessment of where your brand stands relative to the requirements of each target retail channel.
Retail Readiness Scorecard
Scored evaluation across five dimensions that determine whether a buyer will take the meeting and whether you will survive the placement.
Distributor Assessment
Honest evaluation of your current distribution relationships, performance gaps, and whether your partners are positioned to support retail velocity.
GTM Sequencing
Which channels to approach first, second, and third. The order matters more than most brands realize; wrong sequencing burns credibility.
Written Strategy Document
The deliverable. A complete, written retail channel strategy you can hand to your team and execute against immediately.
Optional Retainer
Monthly strategy call, written recommendations, and distributor/retail execution support. 40-60% of build clients continue on retainer.
HOW IT WORKS
Four steps. No runaround.
Free Channel Gap Audit
— A 10-minute assessment of your current channel situation. Submit it online. No call required.
Discovery Call
— If the audit signals a fit, we schedule a 30-minute call to scope the engagement.
— Scoped work begins. Channel analysis, distributor assessment, GTM sequencing. You get a written strategy document, not a deck.
Engagement
— Complete written strategy in 14–21 days. Execution-ready. Optional retainer for ongoing support.
Strategy Delivered
Every channel tests something different.
This framework was built from running channel programs at scale across every major US retailer. Each channel has a specific test your brand needs to pass.
| Channel | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Cost discipline. Can you hit aggressive price points with margin integrity? |
| Target | Shelf clarity. Does your brand and packaging communicate value in 3 seconds? |
| Best Buy | Associate-driven usefulness. Can a floor associate explain your product in one sentence? |
| Costco | Inevitability. Will the member feel foolish walking away from this deal? |
| Amazon | Product-market fit through behavioral data. Conversion, reviews, velocity don't lie. |
Scoped to your situation.
Every engagement is built around a written strategy document delivered in 14-21 days. Pricing reflects scope, not hours.
Inbound demand systems and local channel strategy for appointment-based or local businesses entering retail.
- Gap analysis
- Local distributor assessment
- GTM sequencing
- Written strategy doc
- Delivered in 14–21 days
Full retail channel and distributor strategy for consumer brands targeting national retail placement.
- Full scorecard
- Gap analysis across 4+ retailers
- Distributor assessment
- GTM sequencing
- Written strategy doc
Multi-channel readiness with trade and distribution layer for manufacturers selling through complex channel structures.
- Multi-channel readiness
- Full distributor/rep network assessment
- Channel conflict analysis
- Priority sequencing
- Written strategy doc
Monthly strategy call, written recommendations, distributor and retail execution support. 40–60% of build clients continue.
FREE CHANNEL GAP AUDIT
Find out where you actually stand.
Submit the free audit — a 10-minute assessment of your current channel situation. Written findings delivered within 48 hours. No pitch. No commitment. No sales call unless you want one.
About
Built from both sides of the table.
Steven Bickers is Director of Global Sales at Cleer Audio, where he runs retail and distribution channel programs. He previously worked for Swann Communications where he partnered with major US, Mexico & Canadian retailers & ecommerce outlets.
The Retail Readiness framework comes from running these programs at scale; pitching buyers, managing distributors, building assortments, and navigating the operational reality of every major retail channel.
Holly Sweezey spent four years at TJX Companies, working from merchandise assistant to buyer across TJ Maxx and HomeGoods; apparel, furniture, and wall art spanning the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She then moved to BoxLunch, where she grew toys & collectibles category from under $500K to nearly $50M annually in three years. She partnered with the likes of Disney, Netflix and Marvel to bring to market exclusive product lines, at record scale, and aligned with key movie & videogame release schedules.
Steven has been in the room selling. Holly has been in the room buying; and building categories from scratch.
Together they advise consumer brands on retail channel strategy, margin architecture, and buyer-readiness through Draymoor Ventures.
Learn more at draymoorventures.com