Why Competitive Intelligence Matters Now

July 7, 2025
7
min
Why Competitive Intelligence Matters Now

If there’s one thing today’s brand managers and sales leaders can agree on, it’s that the market is more unpredictable than ever. Tariffs fluctuate wildly, supply chains are in chaos, and competitor strategies are shifting by the week. In this environment, simply assuming you know what your competitors are doing is a recipe for missed opportunities — and lost revenue. That’s where modern competitive intelligence comes in.

To win in this climate, you need real-time visibility into how your competitors are pricing, distributing, and positioning their products. And it's easier than you might think!

The new market reality

Let’s be real. It’s a wild world out there. Container costs double or even triple from one shipment to the next. Tariff changes force brands to rethink their entire pricing strategies, and the supply chain itself is leaving some products stuck in transit for weeks.

This means that competitors pay different landed costs for the same goods, and this impacts how they price and where they distribute. Some competitors may be out of stock altogether, while others might be slashing prices to clear overstock.

Why price transparency is a competitive weapon

Imagine you’re on the shelf next to a competitor who’s stuck with high-tariff stock. Their pricing is inflated because they had to pay 100% duty to get that product on the shelf. Meanwhile, you’ve got lower-tariff stock arriving just in time. With the right data, you can see their price changes and adjust yours strategically to capture share.

It’s not hard to see that data-driven pricing is no longer a luxury. It’s a requirement.

Distribution chaos: The opportunity zone

Empty shelves are the new battleground. Inconsistent shipments, logistical bottlenecks, and supplier delays mean your competitors are unable to get products on shelves in time. But what if you knew exactly where they’re out of stock and where you could fill that gap?

Competitive intelligence tools that track online inventory status, such as digital shelf analytics, help you spot these opportunities. A competitor’s empty product page is your invitation to step in, build retailer relationships, and boost your sales.

Your data-driven playbook

Here’s how to put this into action:

  1. Monitor Daily Price Changes: Use internet-based data to see where your competitors are pricing their products—and how often they’re changing prices. This helps you adjust your pricing proactively.
  2. Track Inventory Levels: Stay on top of competitor stock status with digital shelf analytics. Know where they’re out of stock and where you can gain distribution share.
  3. Act Fast: When you see an opportunity — whether it’s a competitor’s empty shelf or an unsustainable price drop — move quickly. Proactivity is key in a dynamic market.

Competitive intelligence is not optional

In today’s unpredictable market, competitive intelligence is the secret weapon that turns challenges into opportunities. By understanding how your competitors are pricing and distributing their products, you can position your brand to win, even in the most turbulent times.

TrackStreet’s Competitive Intelligence features offer you and your brand a quick and easy way to keep track of what’s most important. Find out how we can help you with a no-strings-attached consultation call today!

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