October 12, 2021
The candy aisle can be a fountain of opportunity for grocery and convenience stores, a dependable driver of impulse buys. The flip side of all that opportunity, however, is that it’s just as easy for retailers to miss those sales — and many do.
Continue ReadingOctober 20, 2021
Sales in the dairy section are surging from the increased demand for a variety of milks and cheeses. From traditional dairy to plant-based, sliced to shredded, shoppers are looking for more than just standard dairy favorites.
Continue ReadingOctober 12, 2021
The candy aisle can be a fountain of opportunity for grocery and convenience stores, a dependable driver of impulse buys. The flip side of all that opportunity, however, is that it’s just as easy for retailers to miss those sales — and many do.
Continue ReadingSeptember 30, 2021
Time is not on the grocer’s side. If internet shopping has taught consumers anything, it’s that there’s always a resource available through which you can get products delivered faster than someplace else.
Continue ReadingSeptember 23, 2021
The popularity of frozen foods is anything but a secret. Take a look at the growing footprint of freezers in any grocery retailer, and it’s clear that there is growing demand for everything from frozen vegetables to dinners to desserts.
Continue ReadingSeptember 9, 2021
In 2021, eCommerce and online shopping has become the norm. But where did it all start? Let’s take a trip back in time.
Continue ReadingAugust 30, 2021
As you flip through the calendar, the holiday most notably synonymous with food is Thanksgiving. But there is another holiday that has quickly become equally food-centric — Labor Day. While we know Labor Day is a time to enjoy extravagant barbeques celebrating the waning days of summer, the federal holiday is rooted deeper in American history than sliced bread.
Continue ReadingAugust 23, 2021
The past year has brought major changes across all retail sectors, with candy in particular experiencing a wild ride. After a dip in sales during 2020, chocolate candy dollar sales are up over 6%, and other candy sales are up over 5% year over year, according to data from Chicago-based IRI.
Continue ReadingAugust 16, 2021
Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means parents are stocking up on convenient lunchbox favorites and grab-n-go snacks. Here are some quick facts and findings to help prepare you this upcoming back-to-school season.
Continue ReadingJuly 29, 2021
Online ordering and pickup in stores remain popular among shoppers, even though grocery delivery sales have declined. And with the increased demand for grocery pickup, grocers have been moving quickly to improve Click & Collect operations over the past year. Read on to see the latest technology and innovations behind Click & Collect today.
Continue ReadingJuly 21, 2021
There has been a dramatic shift in how consumers interact with grocery stores, leading to an increased demand for omnichannel retail experiences. Advanced digital commerce solutions, including curbside pickup and touchless payment options, have propelled these capabilities and continued to drive growth for the industry. Online grocery sales grew 54% in 2020 to reach $96 billion and are set to surpass $100 billion in 2021.
Continue ReadingJuly 15, 2021
Grocers nationwide are experiencing a dramatic decline in employee retention. At the same time that the industry is battling competition to hire more employees, they’re also working to retain shoppers who are concerned about rising prices. These changes are a sudden shift for grocery stores who were among the few retailers who were thriving throughout 2020.
Continue ReadingJune 29, 2021
With restrictions lightening and restaurants reopening, it would seem to make sense that grocery sales may start slowing from their pandemic peak. But that’s not the case – Americans keep stocking up on food.
Continue ReadingJune 17, 2021
Given its convenience both in preparation and storage, frozen food has moved from what many considered last-resort dinner options to a top choice for shoppers seeking quick and budget-friendly solutions.
Continue ReadingJune 8, 2021
As online grocery orders continue to rise, so does the need for retailers to lower their fulfillment costs and increase speed. For many, simply sending workers through their aisles with carts and product lists isn’t going to cut it in the coming years.
Continue ReadingMay 27, 2021
Many Americans consider the Memorial Day weekend cookout to be a celebration of the unofficial kickoff of summer. And as the country begins to restart after a year’s worth of pandemic-related shutdowns, people are making plans for what might be their first gathering in months. For grocers, this means it’s time to prepare for higher traffic and increased sales.
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2021
Today, many shoppers can’t imagine a supermarket without the convenience of pre-packaged salads. In fact over the past 18 months, salad-kit sales have gone through the roof with families looking for quick, easy and healthy solutions for the increased number of meals at home. The surge in pre-packaged salad sales can be attributed to two factors: freshness and convenience.
Continue ReadingMay 6, 2021
The plant-based meat market tends to be the focus of attention these days. But as more consumers begin shifting to plant-based and flexitarian diets, we’re also set to see the rise of vegan cheese and dairy.
Continue ReadingApril 27, 2021
In their efforts to separate themselves from the virtual world of online shopping, brick-and-mortar supermarkets are using emerging technologies of their own, putting artificial intelligence at the heart of their battle for market share. From offering innovative in-store shopping experiences to providing on-demand delivery services, retailers of all kinds are exploring new solutions that use AI to multiply fulfillment strategies, increase customer satisfaction, and compete in a world driven by technology.
Continue ReadingApril 7, 2021
With people eating more frequently at home these days, there has been a rush toward deli meats, both packaged meats and sliced at the counter, to make mealtimes more convenient. While the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine could lead to a return of previous shopping habits, retailers should continue to see the sales of deli meats trending up.
Continue ReadingMarch 24, 2021
The supermarket became a staple of American life once the first Piggly Wiggly opened in Memphis, Tenn. in 1916. Ever since, shoppers have searched their aisles in a quest to fill their pantries without overpaying. And we’ve seen many changes in grocery stores as shopping habits change.
Continue ReadingMarch 12, 2021
While some industries have taken a hit during the pandemic, this is not the case for the retail cheese market. Despite these successes, 2020 was a balancing act for the cheese category. Learn about what we're now seeing in the cheese market and how Retail Space Solutions now plays in this high demand category today...
Continue ReadingMarch 4, 2021
Inventory management is a key factor in determining a grocery store’s success. Poor management of a store’s inventory can lead to a loss of profit, increased spoilage, frequent out-of-stocks and dissatisfied customers. On the other hand, grocers that pay careful attention to their inventory operations will see increased customer satisfaction and a boost to their bottom line. Here are some best practices for inventory management that, when followed, can help your store exceed expectations.
Continue ReadingFebruary 22, 2021
The produce section is normally the first thing customers see when they walk into a store. Poor and unorganized displays can deter the customer experience. Retail Space Solutions has a proven product line that's perfect for creating pleasing product displays. Read more to learn why...
Continue ReadingFebruary 12, 2021
Did you know that Americans spend over $2 billion on candy for Valentine’s Day each year? That’s a lot of chocolate! See the stats for yourself and learn how to transform your candy aisle from cluttered to coordinated.
Continue ReadingFebruary 4, 2021
Consumer priorities are changing. They want to know where their food is coming from, how it was made or processed, and by whom. Because of this, there has been a growing interest in purchasing locally grown food. For many, eating and shopping locally ensures their food is fresh, nutritious, and pesticide-free. Read more on the impact this has below.
Continue ReadingJanuary 26, 2021
It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since the arrival of coronavirus in the U.S. Since the first consumers started stock-piling toilet paper and canned goods, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended dining and food shopping habits. With more people eating at home, a spotlight has been put on consumer grocery shopping behavior – they aren’t just changing how and what they purchase, but also where they shop. Continue the article below...
Continue ReadingJanuary 20, 2021
Unattractive shelves and store displays can have a negative outcome for both the customer and the store itself. It's crucial that grocery retailers optimize their displays to inspire customers. Uncover a few ways to improve your shelves to help create better product visibility...
Continue ReadingJanuary 6, 2021
A reset in 2021 is just what everyone needs. As we bring in the New Year, we also make resolutions to ourselves that we hope to keep. Many of which include dieting and healthier eating habits. With dieting and related eating programs about to peak, now is the time for grocery retailers to prepare for the influx of customers looking for healthier food options. Grocers need to think about how their store appearance will keep customers coming back long after the New Year's excitement fades.
Continue ReadingDecember 30, 2020
Everyone is looking for a fresh start in 2021. Here are three key trends to look for in the retail industry we can expect to see in 2021...
Continue ReadingDecember 18, 2020
The grocery market has quickly become incredibly competitive. Local grocers are struggling to keep up with larger chains and giants like Amazon. They're looking for anything to help their business stay afloat as times get more challenging for them. Following these four tips can help smaller grocers thrive. Read more below...
Continue ReadingDecember 8, 2020
Without knowing it, millions of shoppers each day rely on pusher systems to help make their shopping trips fast, product selection easier, and experience better. Retail personnel rely on them too to help solve labor-intensive front-facing, conditioning, and restocking shelves. Faster and easier is what these systems do, but how do these time-saving systems work? Read more to find out...
Continue ReadingNovember 30, 2020
As smartphones have become a huge part of our lives, it comes as no surprise that retailers and shoppers are connecting this technology with their grocery buying experience. Without question, in-store efficiency has become incredibly important especially recently. Smartphones and apps can help guide shoppers to the correct locations in a store, but that's only half of the equation. Read more below...
Continue ReadingNovember 24, 2020
There’s fascinating science behind the layout of a retail store. And whether shoppers realize it or not, they each become part of a massive study each time they browse. Aisles and products are arranged based on analysis of consumer behavior, which is then matched against the store’s offerings. The most successful retailers leave little to chance.
Continue ReadingNovember 19, 2020
Should green bean casserole be apart of thanksgiving dinner? We'll leave that up to your household to decide. Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, frozen green beans were a staple in many American homes just like many frozen foods are today. The events of 2020 have highlighted the need for convenience in cooking, which is why frozen foods – and dishes made from frozen foods – promise to be a big hit at the dinner table this holiday season. As we anticipate a run on frozen vegetables, now is the time for grocers to take a look at their frozen food aisles and how they can better the shopping experience with SpaceGrid® HiGlide.
Continue ReadingNovember 5, 2020
Shoppers in 2020 are looking to quickly get in and out of stores. That means making their selections and transactions as efficient as possible to minimize exposure to staff and other patrons. Because of the convenience and efficiency of C-Stores, many consumers are stopping more to stock up on staples. Investing in a shelf-management system that makes the process and smooth and quick as possible is a must for convenience stores as it helps to expedite the shopping experience, improve disorganized shelves, and up customer satisfaction leading to higher sales.
Continue ReadingOctober 30, 2020
Halloween festivities may not be the same as they have in years past, but that hasn't stopped consumers from purchasing a WHOPPING amount of Halloween candy in 2020. Grocers are looking for easier ways to keep up with the overwhelming demand. Adding a pusher system like the SimpliStock™ Wire and Metal Shelf can easily help stocking and restocking as consumers buyers fly through the candy aisle.
Continue ReadingOctober 27, 2020
Not only is Halloween the season for ghouls and goblins, but it’s also a hair-raising lucrative time of year for the candy industry. As fast as grocers stock their shelves with tasty treats, consumers are filling their carts even faster. And with all the hocus pocus surrounding trips to the grocery store, consumers are looking to get in and out of the candy aisle quicker than a witch’s broomstick. To show how important it is for grocers to keep shelves stocked and organized, we’ve conjured up some sweet statistics for you. Read on...if you dare.
Continue ReadingOctober 21, 2020
These days, shoppers want to keep their trips to the grocery store as short as possible. With this being the new norm, one section of the store has suffered during the pandemic, the deli department. Much of that decline can be attributed to the open, hands-on environments and wait times at those refrigerated counters that have led people to skip this and opt or prepackaged meats. Fortunately, prepackaged meats have been a saving grace for grocers. With this uptick, grocers are turning to Retail Space Solutions for help on keeping this section as fresh and tidy as possible.
Continue ReadingOctober 7, 2020
According to experts, fresh produce has the power to make or break a customer's shopping experience. In fact, over half of all shoppers select their grocer based on the quality of their produce section. In order to grow produce sales, grocers need to get creative with their displays that draw attention to their products. Enter our SpaceGrid®II Pusher system. This system keeps produce products front-faced and organized all day long. Read more below...
Continue ReadingSeptember 30, 2020
The frozen food market has seen a surge in sales since the beginning of the pandemic. Consumers are relying on the increased shelf life and convenience of frozen foods to cut back on the number of trips to the grocery store. Let's take a look at the frozen food consumer trends and how Retail Space Solutions is preparing you for this booming industry.
Continue ReadingSeptember 29, 2020
Frozen foods sales have been surging since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, this sudden uptick in sales has put a strain on supply, and also on the grocer's freezers. The freezer section will continue being a hotspot in the grocery store if this trend persists, meaning that convenience and organization will be vital. Our SpaceGrid® HiGlide and SimpliStock pusher systems not only creates an attractive display, but it also delivers a better experience for the customer. Read more to learn how...
Continue ReadingSeptember 16, 2020
With summer coming to a close that only means one thing, school is back in session. With going back to school looking different for everyone– one thing stands true above the rest...packed lunches are BACK! Whether lunches are being eaten in a cafeteria or a kitchen table, we're here to make shopping for your children's favorite foods easier than ever. Read more to learn how...
Continue ReadingSeptember 9, 2020
With football season upon us, stores are preparing for the influx in sales of prepackaged meat. Because let's be honest, what's better than a brat before kickoff? As stores prepare for this influx, its crucial that they keep their prepackaged meat section like hot dogs, brats, and other grillable, stocked and organized. This can be done with the help of our SpaceGrid®II pusher system. Read more to learn how...
Continue ReadingAugust 28, 2020
Gone are the days of a worry-free grocery run. Today our runs to the grocery store are drastically different than what they used to be. Check out our latest infographic to see how to shifts in our shopping ways may be here to stay...
Continue ReadingAugust 27, 2020
From a consumer point of view, the allure of convenience stores is boldly upfront in their name: convenience. Convenience stores have a tremendous opportunity in 2020. In this new era of social distancing and safe touches, consumers are looking for ways to minimize contact while keeping their refrigerators stocked at the same time. With more demand for foods such as eggs, milk, butter, and fresh fruit, new product requests are coming in that haven't been considered in the past. To keep up with these demands convenience stores need to get creative on how to increase shopping efficiencies and keep shelves and freezers organized.
Continue ReadingAugust 17, 2020
During the Pandemic, dairy sales have increased 16% as people consume most of their meals from the comfort of their homes. To account for the sudden boost in sales, stores are constantly stocking and restocking to keep up with demand. Keeping the dairy aisle stocked and organized makes the customer well taken care of when they leave the store. RSS pusher trays help ensure this feeling. Read more to learn how...
Continue ReadingAugust 5, 2020
These days, people want to get in and out of the grocery store as fast as possible, requiring stores to make the shopping experience smoother and more efficient than ever. Efficiency starts with the store’s product displays. When shelves are organized, stocked and front-faced, customers can quickly make their selections, helping them save valuable time. Read more to learn how RSS pusher systems help move customers in and out of stores in a timely fashion...
Continue ReadingJuly 31, 2020
As the COVID-19 Pandemic carries on, the demand for frozen foods surges. To keep your frozen foods section looking their best and readily available, Retail Space Solutions has a quick solution for your shelving needs.
Continue ReadingJuly 28, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically affected many aspects of people’s lives around the world, including the once-simple task of grocery shopping. Here are just a few ways grocery shopping behaviors, frequencies and spending habits are changing.
Continue ReadingJuly 23, 2020
COVID-19 has changed the way people shop for their groceries. Many Americans have resorted to online shopping, but many also still want to experience walking through a brick and mortar grocery store. However, their feelings about doing so have changed. Today, people want to be in and out as quickly as possible reducing their average time from 30 minutes to 23. Read more about how Retail Space Solutions pusher trays help keep the experience short and sweet.
Continue ReadingJuly 9, 2020
Convenience stores are here to provide one thing, convenience. These types of stores are growing in number and popularity across the country. They are also adapting to consumers' ever-changing behavior including product preferences, service expectations, and purchasing behavior. Check out these 4 trends that you'll see in convenience stores for 2020 and beyond.
Continue ReadingJune 30, 2020
Building store loyalty isn't always easy. Especially when the average customer lives within close proximity to multiple grocery stores. 83 percent of consumers visit between four to nine grocery chains a year to do their shopping with just 1 percent of consumers being loyal to a single store. With loyalty being heavily driven by proximity and convenience, learn how to be that 1 percent with these 3 helpful tips below.
Continue ReadingJune 23, 2020
When you enter the grocery store typically the first thing you encounter is the produce section. With it's bright, vibrant colors, and vast selection, this section is one of the most popular in the store. It also sets the tone for what makes the store attractive to customers. Read more on how the produce section sets the tone for a great shopping experience.
Continue ReadingJune 19, 2020
With shifting consumer needs and behaviors and advanced technologies, online grocery shopping is becoming a mainstream part of American life. Retailers are working hard to make one of the most common household chores even more convenient for consumers.
Continue ReadingJune 15, 2020
Everyone needs regular checkups to ensure good health. And just like people, retail locations require periodic examination to make sure they’re in good working order. We at Retail Space Solutions offer free, in-depth site assessments, offering display recommendations based on our customer's needs.
Continue ReadingJune 3, 2020
Southeast grocery retailer gets sales boost and easier restocking in a produce display pilot with Retail Space Solutions
Continue ReadingMay 28, 2020
If a package of bagged salad is slightly browned, would you buy it? Probably not. As a grocery shopper, you may come across this when taking your weekly trip to the store. The lack of proper product rotation causes issues such as these, which in turn produce shrink or wasted product. Wasted product equals thousands of dollars in lost revenue for a store. Read more below on how Retail Space Solutions pusher trays can help solve this problem...
Continue ReadingMay 21, 2020
Whether it's curbside pickup or home delivery, to say online grocery shopping has grown within the last few years is an understatement. The advantages of saving time, avoiding lines and of course, letting someone else do the work are hard to pass up. So where does a company like us and our pusher systems come into play? Read more to find out...
Continue ReadingMay 12, 2020
Like many commodities today, modern and commercial refrigeration machines are often taken for granted. Store managers rely on them to keep their products cool and fresh. Let's take a walk down memory lane to see how these critical appliances have developed over time and how Retail Space Solutions is evolving with them.
Continue ReadingApril 30, 2020
As with any type of retailer, the overall look and feel of a grocery store are important. Customers expect shelves to be pristine. That takes into consideration more than just the tidiness and organization of products. It also applies to the actual cleanliness of all surfaces. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, this holds to be even more true.
Continue ReadingApril 27, 2020
Think about fresh mushrooms. Your customers love them; your stockers, not so much. How about shrink-wrapped packages of fresh squash? Time-saving and convenient for shoppers, but less so for staffers conditioning the store shelves.
Continue ReadingApril 3, 2020
During this time, we are committed to a cautious approach to running operations that is based on the latest advice from the CDC and government health departments. While there are many uncertainties, we do know it will impact how we conduct business for the next several weeks and possibly longer.
Continue ReadingApril 2, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has caused virtually every aspect of people’s lives to change abruptly. It’s affecting economic factors, business practices, personal behaviors, communication styles and normal, everyday tasks – including grocery shopping.
Continue ReadingMarch 25, 2020
Peg merchandising systems have been the top choice for center store displays for generations. And many retailers are using the versatile Retail Space Solutions Magna-Bar systems to manage those displays. Even so, those who use peg systems are aware of their limitations: lining up holes and hang tags with pegs is a challenge, stock rotation can be klutzy and time-consuming, and torn bag holes make the pegs irrelevant
Continue ReadingMarch 19, 2020
Every so often, planograms need to be updated – products relocated, entire shelving units shifted – as an integral part of effective merchandising.
Continue ReadingMarch 10, 2020
With the rapid advancement of digital technology, the exponential rise in ecommerce and shifts in consumer behavior over the years, the ways in which people explore and shop for products is changing.
Continue ReadingFebruary 28, 2020
Grocery store aisles are about to experience some major changes, thanks to modern digital technology. With the help of advanced mobile apps that use spacial tracking and computer vision, shoppers will be able to see real-time, relevant information about products as they walk throughout the store—right on their device screens. This is done with augmented reality.
Continue ReadingFebruary 18, 2020
As indicated by their name, C-stores sell convenience above all else. And convenience is measured by time—specifically, less time. It seems counterintuitive to say that the less time a customer spends in a C-store can be better for the retailer. But that’s exactly how it is. C-store shoppers seek an experience that is quick and efficient yet stimulating and gratifying.
Continue ReadingFebruary 5, 2020
Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2010) are two generations often lumped together in marketing circles due to their preference of technology-driven communication, fast fashion and spending habits.
Continue ReadingJanuary 30, 2020
Many frozen foods are not only healthy for the body, but also great for people’s wallets and the economy. According to the American Frozen Food Institute and Food Marketing Institute, “frozen food is an enormous department for most retailers, ringing up nearly $57 billion annually.” More than 99% of shoppers surveyed by the research institute reported that they have purchased at least some frozen food in the past year
Continue ReadingJanuary 23, 2020
Store presence – particularly, shelf organization – is vital for retail success, and the display systems in place on the shelf can make or break a shopper’s decision to buy.
Continue ReadingJanuary 15, 2020
Consumer tastes are changing at rates faster than it takes to prepare a meal. With these culinary lifestyle shifts, retailers are working to keep up with changing demands. And produce is playing a major role.
Continue Reading