Sourcing new products can feel like a gamble—but for many retailers, peer recommendations are one of the most trusted ways to discover what actually works on the shelf. On Cohere Commerce, we hear it all: what’s flying off shelves, what builds customer loyalty, and what earns a repeat PO.
Here are five brands they consistently recommend, and why they stand out.
Hilma
Why retailers recommend it:
Retailers recommend Hilma for its clean ingredients, solid quality, and fair pricing—making it a trusted, natural alternative that wins repeat customers with the right shelf support.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Hilma is doing moderately across Fresh Thyme Market locations, with buyers consistently praising its clean ingredients, fair pricing, and solid quality. However, visibility remains its biggest challenge—many stores report poor shelf placement and a lack of marketing support like samples or signage. While packaging is often described as clean and professional, it doesn't stand out next to flashier competitors. Retailers believe Hilma has strong potential, especially for smaller stores that can offer better placement and customer education, but a stronger push in-store would help it truly shine.
Liquid I.V.
Why retailers recommend it:
Retailers recommend Liquid I.V. because it’s a trusted, well-known brand that consistently sells, especially when visible and available in popular flavors.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Liquid I.V. does best where it's visible, well-stocked, and offered in top flavors like Strawberry or Firecracker. While it’s a recognized brand and often preferred over in-house GNC hydration options, sales vary store to store; slower in low-foot-traffic or sugar-averse locations. The $22–$24 price point is generally accepted, but customers want more sugar-free options, better flavor variety, and occasional sampling or marketing to boost awareness.
Nightingale Ice Cream
Why retailers recommend it:
Retailers recommend Nightingale for its standout quality, unique flavors, and consistent customer demand.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches continue to perform strongly across diverse retailers, praised for their unique flavors, premium quality, and eye-catching packaging. Cookie Monster and seasonal varieties are frequent top sellers. While stock availability is generally reliable, many stores report limited marketing support—though most say the product sells well on its own.
H-Proof
Why retailers recommend it:
Retailers recommend H-PROOF for its effective formula, standout packaging, and strong appeal to social drinkers seeking liver support and recovery.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
H-PROOF continues to see mixed but trending-positive feedback—strong ingredients, eye-catching packaging, and solid effectiveness earn praise, especially when sampling is involved. However, the $60 price remains a recurring barrier across nearly all stores, often compared unfavorably to Life Extension’s $20 alternative. Still, when explained well or sampled, many stores report good movement and repeat buyers. Better visibility, education, and price adjustment could unlock broader appeal.
Plant People
Why retailers recommend it:
Retailers recommend Plant People for its quality ingredients, strong customer interest, and convenient gummy formats that stand out from competitors.
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Retail Perfomance Overview:
Plant People is selling well across Whole Foods, with trial-size packs like Wonder Sleep, Calm, and Focus moving quickly. In-store demos boost movement, and while some shoppers find the price fair for the quality, others hesitate. OM is the main competitor, but Plant People stands out with convenient formats, great flavor, and unique blends. Better packaging visibility and staff education could help increase traction.
You may notice these aren’t always the top-rated brands—but retailers still recommend them based on real performance and customer response. Why? Because these brands meet specific shopper needs, deliver on quality, and show potential—especially when supported with the right placement, visibility, or education. In a crowded market, it's often these overlooked standouts that quietly earn their spot on the shelf.
For more peer insights and performance feedback, explore verified reviews on Cohere Commerce.
