Why “Slow” Q1 is Actually a Strategic Advantage Let’s be honest — as folks who carry the bag, walk accounts, and sweat distributor politics, we feel Q1. Sales often crater after the holidays, Dry January and sober-curious behavior bite into consumption, and even category benchmarks show flat or down volume early in the year. But here’s the part most brands miss: Q1 isn’t a slump — it’s a recruitment window. Too many teams retreat into discounting and hope. That’s playing defense, not strategy. The market shifts; your playbook should, too. Understanding the Consumer Reset After…