Independent Grocers Experience Headwinds?
By Joel Albrizio
Today we live in a world where every business wants to sell food. Big box retail, gas stations becoming mini-markets, fast food, Grub Hub, Door Dash, everyone wants in. Inflation, retailers heavily relied upon inflation is disappearing, the average wage per hour is up and the shopper is suffering fatigue.
How Hot Is A Hot Price? Is Any Price Hot Enough?
2025 tells us there are no super hot low prices. Every retailer tells you about how hot their prices are, how great their programs are, how fresh every customer will find your store.
Barraged by ads and claims of customer savings, how can Independent retailers show a value proposition of competitive pricing? How do we stand out in such a crowded retail space?
Is Customer Service Is A Lost Art!
Independent retailers more that at any other time must drive retail sales with customer service. It's all of the little things that matter.
* If asked where an item is will your employees know?
*Do your employees greet customers, look them in the eye and say hello?
* Help the elderly bring groceries out to the car?
* Let a customer try a product that looks good but is unfamiliar with.
*Do you have a loyalty program? Use it to make the loyalty program benefits real. if I join your loyalty program show me your gratitude. Challenge the customer to endorse your supermarket to others.
* Notice an elderly customer struggling with his or her purchases and offer to deliver those groceries for them. There are so many public delivery options allow your customers to love your store.
There are so many customer service treats for retailers to give a try. You know your customers best. Customer service is the independent grocers secret weapon. Try customer service and watch sales stabilize and grow.
If you own a supermarket, be it one or many TELL YOUR STORY! Big box retailers have lots of stockholders but not much of a story to tell.
Your supermarket is different and special. Don't keep what's special a secret.
Best, Joel