How Modern Shoppers’ Demands are Influencing Grocery Retailers
Grocery retailers are not alone. The need for change to cater to modern shoppers’ demands is apparent in almost all retail segments. There’s no doubt that those who can accommodate the desires and preferences of the ever-changing consumer will be more successful than their competitors who don’t.
So, what are the most current trends and demands? This article discusses a few of the top considerations that modern consumers want to experience as they shop the grocery aisles, as well as how grocers can accommodate those demands to increase their market share and build customer loyalty.
Demands of the Modern Consumer
Though there are many factors impacting grocery trends, the biggest remains the effect of COVID-19. When COVID-19 hit and lockdowns went into effect, it had a major impact on how people shop for groceries.
Many consumers were not comfortable shopping in-store, which led to a huge increase in BOPIS, home delivery, and online grocery shopping. These options provided a convenient, simple, and seamless experience. This trend is not going away any time soon. Consumers still want to have the freedom to choose from a variety of different methods to purchase their goods.
Another impact of COVID-19 was a focus on a clean and organized store environment, leading to a simpler and more streamlined customer experience. Shoppers don’t want to have to spend tons of time looking for what they want and they for sure want to feel safe while shopping.
Tying into the health aspect, many modern consumers want products that are healthy and will contribute to their overall wellness. This is not necessarily a new trend, but it is an important one.
Lastly, consumers also want great shopping experiences. Even in a grocery store, shoppers want to feel like the store is enriching their lives in some way. They want experiences that make them feel valued and cared about as a customer.
How Grocers can Accommodate These Demands
One of the most common ways grocers are meeting the demands of consumers is by optimizing every inch of their business, physical and virtual. Even the parking lot can be optimized for the best customer experience. When a customer pulls in for pick-up, signage should easily indicate where they should go and how to pick up their online order.
Moving in-store, grocers are creating neat, simple, and easy-to-navigate environments that enhance the customer experience. This can all be done with prominent wayfinding and departmental signage while creating a store layout that disrupts the shopper’s journey and encourages them to browse the whole store.
To accommodate the focus on health and wellness, grocers are placing a bigger emphasis on advertising their healthier options by utilizing retail displays and P.O.P. that highlight these products. Focus on bringing in fresh local offerings and providing healthier grab-and-go meals such as salads and fresh sandwich wraps versus cheeseburgers and fries. This can go a long way in showing modern consumers that you care about and are dedicated to the well-being of your customers.
Lastly, a focus on the cleanliness of your store also emphasizes your dedication to health and wellness. With COVID-19 still going around, showing that you are dedicated to keeping your store clean and safe can attract and retain more customers.
Conclusion
Consumers’ wants and needs are ever-changing. By focusing on optimizing stores, making the omnichannel experience seamless, and placing an emphasis on healthier options, grocery retailers can meet these particular demands of modern consumers.
Orora Visual supports the grocery vertical with every aspect of the retail environment including the design and print production of merchandise displays, point-of-purchase (P.O.P.) solutions, wayfinding signage, décor, gift card programs, and more.
Check out our CASE STUDY to learn how we support Walmart’s massive in-store promotions.