What do enduring brands have in common? A solid community, not just an audience.
In this episode 9 of the 1.99 Retail podcast, our CEO Mario García-Granero shares his vision on how communities are redefining the way we venture, collaborate, and connect in an increasingly global and digital world.
Listen to the PODCAST on Spotify 👉🏼 HERE and on YouTube 👉🏼 HERE
Below, we summarize the key points of the conversation, which invite reflection on the role of communities in the future of retail and innovation:
1. From audiences to communities: a necessary shift
Having followers is not enough. Audiences are volatile; they can grow quickly but can also disappear.
A community, on the other hand, has purpose, culture, and real relationships. It is not about influencing, but about connecting. Communities offer constant feedback, mutual support, and sustained evolution.
“An audience can evaporate if you do not evolve. A community stays, grows with you, and transforms you.” – Mario García-Granero
2. Doing business is about collaborating, not competing
Entrepreneurship does not have to be lonely. In his remarks, Mario emphasizes that collaboration among brands, companies, professionals, and suppliers is a real accelerator of growth.
Sharing good practices and experiences shortens the learning curve and creates a stronger ecosystem.
“If Spain sees itself as a community, its ability to compete globally multiplies.”
Listen to the PODCAST on Spotify 👉🏼 HERE and on YouTube 👉🏼 HERE
3. Purpose-driven technology: tools to connect
Digital tools should serve people, not the other way around. Software like Feending is designed to facilitate connections among members with common values, interests, and objectives.
This approach allows the creation of niche communities, more relevant and cohesive, that generate impact beyond the superficial.
“The future is not in virality, but in authentic and well-directed connection.”
4. From the physical and digital world to the “phygital” world
Although most connections begin online, the true value arises when the digital becomes physical.
The idea of community expands when there are real opportunities for face-to-face interaction: events, workshops, cafés, informal meetups.
“Community is not just a channel, it is a space where the professional, personal, and emotional intersect.”
5. Building community takes time (and heart)
Creating a community is not a tactic; it is a strategic decision with a long-term vision. Jordi Farré from Pangea Retail compares it to forming a group of friends: it takes time, requires care, and above all, authenticity.
From Feending, the commitment is clear: To help build communities that add value, inspire, and grow together.
This episode is much more than a talk about startups. It is an invitation to rethink how we connect as companies, as professionals, and as people.
Because when communities are well built, the impact is real, tangible, and transformative.
Listen to the PODCAST on Spotify 👉🏼 HERE and on YouTube 👉🏼 HERE
