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.
It comes as no surprise that the number of stores consumers shopped at amidst the pandemic decreased. Research found 40% of shoppers frequented fewer stores during the pandemic to reduce overall exposure.
While online shopping has increased among shoppers, a majority of consumers are still relying on brick & mortar for groceries. But overall, 78% of shoppers are making changes in where they do their food shopping due to the pandemic.
Many shoppers are looking to reduce the number of trips they take to the store. This has led to growing popularity of club stores where shoppers can buy in bulk. The pandemic has also increased traffic in smaller format stores which are often less crowded.
Despite shopping trends being adjusted, shoppers are still loyal to their favorite grocery store. While traditional shoppers often spread their dollars, grocery shoppers spend 75% of their food budget at their choice grocery store.
Even still, it is important for grocers to take action to maintain and build customer loyalty to ensure that their store is the customer’s first choice.
Clear communication is crucial. This can help put your customers at ease. With less in-store time and hyperawareness for overall health and safety, ensure you’re communicating your value and your safety protocols.
Shoppers want to know what you are doing to keep them and their employees safe. The CDC encourages business owners to take steps to reduce transmission among employees, maintain a healthy work environment and emphasize safe business operations. Clearly communicating that you have these items under control can help put consumers’ minds at ease and keep them coming back to your store.
Safety and value go hand-in-hand. A successful business cannot focus on just one or the other.
The first step in providing value to grocery shoppers is by improving the in-store shopping experience. Clutter on shelves, low inventory and poorly organized displays turn customers away. Improve the aesthetics of your store in a way that stops the shopper and makes them realize the quality and value you’re offering.
That can be a challenge in the frozen aisles, with shoppers often disrupting the shelves while making their selections. Grocers have found that the SimpliStock™ Wire and Metal System from Retail Space Solutions can help improve the frozen experience for both shoppers and stockers.
While wire and metal shelves are the most common retail freezer fixtures, they’re also the most commonly cluttered and untidy. SimpliStock keeps frozen products front-faced and organized all day long using existing shelving. Installing in just minutes, strong magnet platforms hold these unique pusher systems in place on metal shelves. Meanwhile, the push-through stabilizers ensure platforms rest securely on wire shelves.
SimpliStock will quite simply create better frozen displays, which can take customer loyalty – and your bottom line – to unmatched heights.
To learn more about the SimpliStock Wire and Metal System or other pusher trays from Retail Space Solutions, visit www.retailspacesolutions.com or call 1-800-279-5291.