Profile Summary
Karen Sage is a highly experienced Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) based in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. She has recently joined Locally, a tech company focused on retail innovation, as their inaugural CMO. Sage brings over 20 years of expertise in strategic marketing and technology from previous roles, including notable positions at Shipwell, MercuryGate International, and Cisco.
Professional Background
Current Position
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Locally
- Appointment Date: June 19, 2024
- Location: Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
- Responsibilities: Driving retail innovation, increasing local brand and retailer engagement, and overseeing marketing strategies to bolster Locally's market presence.
Previous Positions
- CMO at Shipwell
- Led marketing campaigns that significantly enhanced brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Roles at MercuryGate International and Cisco
- Drove strategic marketing initiatives that resulted in record growth for the companies.
Achievements
- Strategic Marketing Expertise: Over 20 years of experience in business-to-business marketing and technology.
- Proven Track Record: Known for launching disruptive marketing campaigns and driving growth in technology sectors.
- Career Milestones: Successfully increased online sales percentages year over year:
- 15.4% of total retail sales in 2023, up from 14.7% in 2022 and 6% in 2014, exemplifying her ability to adapt and thrive in evolving markets.
Key Contributions at Locally
- Innovation Leadership: Instrumental in shaping and executing the company's vision of unifying brands and local retailers to enhance consumer shopping experiences.
- Corporate Growth: Contributing to Locally’s significant 12-month growth, reaching over $1.8 billion in retail referral sales.
- Industry Impact: Strengthening Locally’s role as a leader in local retail by leveraging SEO and e-commerce tactics to drive local pickup and delivery.
Testimonials
- Mike Massey, Co-Founder of Locally: "Karen’s extensive marketing expertise, deep understanding of the technology sector, and proven track record of success make her an invaluable addition to our team."
Strategic Focus Areas
- Retail Innovation: As the first CMO at Locally, Karen is dedicated to driving retail innovation and adapting marketing strategies to the changing retail landscape.
- Consumer Engagement: Enhancing local brand and retailer capacity to engage with consumers more effectively.
- Growth Initiatives: Guiding Locally into its next decade of growth by capitalizing on the increasing demand for local shopping solutions.
Company Overview: Locally
- Founded: 2014
- Founders: Mike Massey, Blake Haney, Ben Hirsch
- Business Model: Helps shoppers research purchases online and find products in nearby stores through partnerships with global retailers and using SEO and e-commerce tactics.
- Retail Partners: Includes notable brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Guitar Center, Fleet Feet, REI, and more.
Vision and Outlook
Karen Sage's appointment as CMO marks a strategic move by Locally to expand its influence in the retail sector. Her vast experience and innovative approach are expected to drive significant advancements in the company's marketing and overall growth.
For more information about Karen Sage’s professional profile and her latest updates, visit her [LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensage).
