ECRM’s Hair Care Session is getting a glow-up this year through an exciting partnership with Strategic Solutions International (SSI) that will deliver insights, education and innovation to buyers and brands participating this May in Rosemont, Ill.

Led by President Romina Brown, SSI is a business strategy consultancy for the multicultural beauty industry that combines tactical data analytics with deep consumer insights to help brands navigate an increasingly complex omnichannel landscape.

It specializes in category management, market research, business development strategy, and integrated brand marketing, helping businesses transform insights into growth opportunities.

Here is how this partnership is set to deliver "white glove" value to both brands and buyers at our upcoming haircare session.

Solving pain points through innovation

SSI will bring a specially-curated group of brands to the ECRM Hair Care & Multicultural Hair Session that offer traditional hair care products as well as unique tools and accessories. These brands solve real consumer pain points and address white spaces in current retail assortments that hair care buyers are looking to fill.

Exclusive, actionable insights for hair care buyers and brands

Buyers attending the session won't just see new products; they will be armed with exclusive, custom research that hasn't been released anywhere else. In addition, SSI will provide two hours of educational programming with a focus on forecasting and strategic next steps.

Brown emphasizes that the goal is to shift the focus from mere revenue management to what she refers to as the Real Good Experience. "People are willing to pay for experiences,” says Brown. “They're willing to pay for superior product performance. They're willing to pay for the idea that you have made an effort to meet or exceed their needs.”

Creating a ‘Pathway’ for brands

At the heart of this collaboration is the SSI Pathways program. This initiative is designed to be a "double entendre," says Brown – creating a direct pathway to consumers through insights and a literal pathway for brands to reach the retailers of their dreams via connections at the Session.

For emerging brands, the program offers more than just a meeting; it provides a comprehensive curriculum to ensure they are ready to do business. "The curated experience that we have worked together to create with ECRM will allow them more advantages and more handholding and more white glove treatment to make sure that they're ready for these opportunities," says Brown.

Even for established brands that have been in the business for decades, SSI Pathways offers an experiential advantage, providing extra time in front of buyers and refreshed strategies to breathe life back into the retail proposition.

Reserve your spot at ECRM's Hair Care Session now!

This collaboration of SSI and ECRM will ensure that every meeting at the session is focused on long-term growth and repeat purchases. Ready to elevate your haircare strategy? Reach out to the ECRM SVP of Health & Beauty Care Craig Chmielowicz to learn more about the SSI Pathways program and how you can participate in our upcoming sessions!

Watch the full video interview with SSI's Romina Brown below!