Monday, December 8, 2008

What is P&G up to?

Two curious pieces of news on P&G:

The first concerns their venture into direct online selling via the website Essentials.com.

Then this from the UK. They have just bought a small stake in Ocado - British online grocer.

The press release on the Ocado purchase makes it clear that they are looking for intelligence on online shopping habits. Fair enough. But why? I assume they are exploring alternative channels. Perhaps ones where they can engage consumers directly. Perhaps ones where they don't have to compete with private label brands from the very retailers they rely on to sell their own.


One other interesting but not directly related news is opening of Tide dry cleaners in the US.

I guess you cannot blame P&G for getting restless with modern retail and seeking ways to go directly to the consumer.

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