Elizabeth Lafontaine
About Elizabeth Lafontaine
Elizabeth Lafontaine serves as the Director of Research at Placer.ai, where she utilizes her extensive background in retail and data analytics to advocate for the retail industry. With prior experience in various roles at Macy's, The NPD Group, and EnsembleIQ, she effectively combines qualitative and quantitative insights to inform industry trends.
Current Role at Placer.ai
Elizabeth Lafontaine serves as the Director of Research at Placer.ai, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she focuses on analyzing retail trends and consumer behavior, leveraging her extensive experience in the retail industry. Her work involves utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data analytics to provide insights that inform strategic decisions within the organization.
Previous Experience in Retail and Market Research
Prior to her current role, Lafontaine held several positions in the retail and market research sectors. She worked at The NPD Group as Director of Thought Leadership from 2019 to 2021 and as Director of Industry Analyst for Juvenile/Toys/Entertainment from 2021 to 2022. Additionally, she served as Chief Retail Analyst at EnsembleIQ from 2022 to 2023. Her diverse experience includes roles at Macy's, Stein Mart, and Saks Fifth Avenue, where she developed a strong foundation in retail analytics and consumer insights.
Educational Background in Retail Management
Lafontaine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. She studied from 2010 to 2014, gaining knowledge and skills that have supported her career in retail and market analysis. Her education has equipped her with a solid understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of retail management.
Advocacy and Storytelling in Retail
Elizabeth Lafontaine is an advocate for the retail industry and its consumers. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conveying trends and insights across the retail landscape. Her ability to present complex data in an accessible manner allows her to engage with diverse audiences, including executive-level stakeholders, effectively communicating the implications of retail trends.
Skills in Data Analytics and Strategy
Lafontaine possesses a strong background in both qualitative and quantitative data analytics. She utilizes these skills to bridge the gap between the art and science of retail, enabling her to analyze current events and their impact on the industry. Her experience in strategizing for executive-level audiences further enhances her capability to drive informed decision-making within organizations.