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I help companies predict consumer behavior…
Articles by Joan
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Joan Braatz posted thisAccording to preliminary data released by Visa, 2025 Holiday Spending increased +4.2% YOY across all payment method. Wayne Best from Visa stated “This season also marked a turning point, with artificial intelligence shaping how people discover products, compare prices, and interact with offers. This led to a more informed, more intentional consumer, ensuring they could stretch their discretionary spending.” Read on below for more insights from Chain Store Age's Marianne Wilson: https://lnkd.in/gQxxQdKx
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Joan Braatz posted thisGreat article from Chain Store Age's Marianne Wilson: A record 202.9 million consumers shopped from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. The figure is up from 197 million shoppers last year and surpasses the previous record of 200.4 million set in 2023. It was the largest turnout since the National Retail Federation started tracking the five-day period in 2017, and surpassed the group forecast of 186.9 million shoppers over the holiday weekend. Read on below for more: https://lnkd.in/ghJwuwQn
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to Adobe, U.S. consumers spent a total of $14.25 billion online on Cyber Monday, a 7.1% year-over-year increase. During the five-day stretch from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, consumers spent $44.2 billion online overall — a 7.7% year-over-year jump. A significant chunk of that came from online spending on Black Friday, which totaled $11.8 billion and grew by 9.1% year over year as shoppers sought out early deals. Read on below for more insights on Black Friday - Cyber Monday results from CNBC's Melissa Repko: https://lnkd.in/gQwKVEJRHoliday shopping turnout jumps to 202.9 million people during Thanksgiving weekend, NRF saysHoliday shopping turnout jumps to 202.9 million people during Thanksgiving weekend, NRF says
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, a record 202.9 million consumers shopped during the five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. The figure is up from 197 million shoppers last year and surpasses the previous record of 200.4 million set in 2023. National Retail Federation's Matthew Shay stated “This year’s record turnout reflects a highly engaged consumer who is focused on value, responds to compelling promotions, and seizes upon the opportunity to make the winter holidays special and meaningful.” https://lnkd.in/g3WZSbwp
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to Mastercard's Spending Pulse, preliminary data released Saturday, Black Friday e-commerce retail sales increased 10.4% year over year while in-store sales grew more conservatively at +1.7% YoY. Read on below for more insights from Retail Dive's Dani James: https://lnkd.in/gpv27AC3E-commerce growth surpasses stores on Black Friday, with sales up over 10%E-commerce growth surpasses stores on Black Friday, with sales up over 10%
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Joan Braatz posted thisIs retail headed for a "rocky start" to the holiday season? According to recent Circana survey, in October, consumers continued to prioritize spending on food over more discretionary purchases. Discretionary general merchandise retail dollar sales declined 1%, and unit demand fell 4% compared to the same period a year ago. Circana's Marshal Cohen stated "The holiday season does not bring more money into consumers’ pockets, which means pockets of retail growth will not be robust." Read on for more from Chain Store Age's Marianne Wilson: https://lnkd.in/dwQ2PBwc
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to recent Circana survey, more than 40% of U.S. consumers say they plan to start shopping for the holidays earlier than they usually do, and nearly half plan to start before Thanksgiving. The headline? If that research holds, less than 20% will wait until December — the fewest last-minute shoppers in four years. Marshal Cohen remarked, “Getting an earlier start on holiday shopping gives them more control and choice when it comes to making a purchase decision, rather than feeling the pressure of filling a last-minute need.” Read on below for more insights from Retail Dive's Daphne Howland: https://lnkd.in/gZdHrkGJ
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to National Retail Federation, Holiday retail sales will reach $1T for November-December. National Retail Federation's Matthew Shay stated, “We remain bullish about the holiday shopping season and expect that consumers will continue to seek savings in nonessential categories to be able to spend on gifts for loved ones.” Read on below for more insights from Retail Dive's Howard Ruben: https://lnkd.in/gcyvcn82Holiday sales to top $1 trillion for the first time: NRFHoliday sales to top $1 trillion for the first time: NRF
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Joan Braatz shared thisAccording to Accenture, nearly two-thirds of consumers say they plan to use generative AI tools during their holiday shopping journeys this year. Deloitte's 2025 Holiday Retail Survey "Shoppers are making a list and AI is checking it twice" reporting that 26% of those surveyed indicated that they trust gen AI more than they did six months ago. Here is the most recent news as Walmart introduces AI tools for in-store and online holiday shopping. Read on below for more from Retail Dive's Bryan Wassel: https://lnkd.in/gchZhYXTWalmart introduces AI tools for in-store and online holiday shoppingWalmart introduces AI tools for in-store and online holiday shopping
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Joan Braatz reacted on thisJoan Braatz reacted on thisI had the honor of representing Beauty Changes Lives Organization at the amika Means Friend tour stop in Dallas this weekend. It’s always inspiring to see beauty professionals in their element, learning and connecting with the community. Thank you for having us and for your continued partnership in providing access to education for future professionals 🫶🏻🧡
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Joan Braatz liked thisJoan Braatz liked thisWhat?!?! Another #HairCuttery Grand Opening? yes! We are celebrating our beautiful new location in Waldorf,MD! We are a full service salon, catering to ALL textures - come get pampered today ❤️
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Joan Braatz reacted on thisFrom school visits to the ribbon-cutting at our newest salons, the momentum at HCFB is real. Our CEO is on the front lines, and it’s all driven by one thing: our stylists. Whether you’re just starting your journey in school or joining our inaugural teams, we are building this future together. 🌟 ✂️ #LifeatHCFB #SchoolPartners #careergrowth #grandopeningsJoan Braatz reacted on thisIt was a great week in Florida connecting with our teams and the next generation of stylists. We had the opportunity to visit Empire Beauty School, Inc., Paul Mitchell Schools, Manatee Technical College and Meridian College sharing how Hair Cuttery Family of Brands FuturePRO program is helping launch careers in our industry. Through #FuturePRO, we invest heavily in our stylists with industry-leading pay plans, education, and the opportunity to receive a job offer before even graduating from school. The passion and talent coming out of this program is incredible, and it’s exciting to see so many students eager to begin their careers with Hair Cuttery. At the same time, we celebrated the grand opening of our new salon at Shops at Fairway Village in Waldorf, MD. The team is off to a fantastic start, already delivering an average ticket of $80 and growing. It was an incredible week for Hair Cuttery. The future of our industry, and our brand, has never looked brighter. #HairCuttery #FuturePRO #BeautyIndustry #SalonCareers #Leadership #Momentum
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Joan Braatz reacted on thisJoan Braatz reacted on thisProud to see this milestone go live! A bold step forward for Henkel with the acquisition of OLAPLEX Having co-led the commercial and marketing due diligence, this was a true team effort and a reminder that M&A is rarely a straight line. It takes resilience, sharp thinking, and constant recalibration to navigate complexity and get to the right outcome. A personal thank you to Melisa Gill for the trust and partnership throughout this journey — it’s been a privilege to work alongside you on this. Truly proud of what we accomplished as a team. A big thank you to Christian Corsmeier, Dr. Moritz Tebbe, Mert Eren and Karan Khanna for their outstanding collaboration and leadership throughout. Beyond the deal itself, what stands out is the opportunity ahead. Bringing together complementary strengths to unlock the next phase of growth in premium hair care. Looking forward to welcoming the OLAPLEX team and excited about the next chapter.
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Joan Braatz reacted on thisJoan Braatz reacted on thisSharing our updated Hair Cuttery Family of Brands 2026 Real Estate brochure (which is my favorite one so far). All of our site characteristics and broker contact information is provided. Some highlights of Hair Cuttery: - 500+ and growing full service salons - 100% corporate owned and operated - Heavy female and color/chemical services - Highest AUVs of similar square footage salon chains - Best compensation plan in the industry for attracting and retaining the best stylists - Online booking via the Hair Cuttery and Bubbles app and websites - Focused on growth in existing markets, with potential for growth into some new ones (stay tuned!) Corey Roberts Pete Storlie Joyce Taylor Bradley Hansen Eric Bakken Cale Bruso, MBA Nicholas Monti Mike Battey Loretta Cataldi Greg Hull Rob Samtmann Willow Ferrelli Jamie Eads Alexandra Shearer Seth Biggerstaff Cliff Vann Gina Kline Jason Ryals Dana Kleifges Jacob Kramer Gustavo Serbiá Joan Braatz MARK FOSLAND Tim Lemieux
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Joan Braatz reacted on thisJoan Braatz reacted on this✨ WE’RE HIRING HAIRSTYLISTS ✨ Hair Cuttery salons in Bradenton, FL are growing, and we’re looking for talented, passionate stylists to join our team! 💇♀️💇♂️ If you love helping people feel confident and beautiful in a fun, supportive environment—this is your moment! 💖 🔥 What we’re looking for: ✔️ Licensed cosmetologists ✔️ Passion for hair + amazing guest experience ✔️ Positive, team-oriented energy ✔️ Ready to learn, grow, and level up ✨ What we offer: ✔️ Consistent walk-in traffic ✔️ Flexible scheduling ✔️ Free ongoing education & career growth ✔️ Supportive team culture ✔️ Real opportunities to build your clientele 📍 Now hiring at: • River Club Plaza • Lockwood Commons Ready to grow your career and make great money doing what you love? 🙌 📩 Message me or text “HIRE” to 48368 Tag a stylist who needs this opportunity #NowHiring #HairstylistJobs #BradentonJobs #SalonCareers #HairCuttery
Experience & Education
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Hair Cuttery Family of Brands
View Joan’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
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Volunteer Experience
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Mentor
REVTECH Accelerator
- Present 9 years 9 months
Science and Technology
REVTECH, Retail Technology Ventures, is a leading venture accelerator seed fund dedicated to identifying and developing the best early-stage, high-growth ventures focused on tech and product innovation for restaurant, retail, and hospitality.
As 1 of over 100 distinguished REVTECH mentors, I was selected for my retail industry background. As a REVTECH mentor, I am committed to helping provide strategic connections, resources, and advisorship to participating…REVTECH, Retail Technology Ventures, is a leading venture accelerator seed fund dedicated to identifying and developing the best early-stage, high-growth ventures focused on tech and product innovation for restaurant, retail, and hospitality.
As 1 of over 100 distinguished REVTECH mentors, I was selected for my retail industry background. As a REVTECH mentor, I am committed to helping provide strategic connections, resources, and advisorship to participating companies.
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Team Lead
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
- Present 9 years 6 months
Children
Team lead in partnership with Savers clothing donation pods to drive awareness and revenue to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star.
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SFG Leadership
Southlake Focus Group
- Present 10 years 2 months
Service Organization - Volunteer serving 5,000+ member non-profit professional networking group
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Volunteer
Dress for Success Dallas
- Present 10 years 9 months
Economic Empowerment
Volunteers with any and all needs of Dress for Success: image consultant, counselor of resume writing, boutique associate. Participates in student career fairs representing Dress for Success Dallas.
Honors & Awards
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JCPenney Chairman's Award (Buyer of the Year)
JCPenney
Buyer recognized as JCPenney Chairman's Award Winner 2009
Given to top 5% of buyers in company beating both sales and gross profit plan.
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Market Representative of the Year (Buyer of the Year)
May Merchandising Company
Named Most Outstanding Market Representative for 2003. Recognized for #1 sales and gross profit performance within May Merchandising for 2003, beating out 89 peers.
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Triple Crown Award (Buyer of the Year)
Herberger's
Buyer recognized as "Buyer of the Year" for surpassing planned sales, gross margin and turnover in Moderate Sweaters and Denim in Misses Sportswear.
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