How do you encourage customers to shop, but also get them to do it quickly and efficiently?

The end of 2020 did not come soon enough, and the promise of 2021 have many anxiously awaiting the vaccine's first-round results.  With even higher reported numbers of Covid-19 cases, the 'wait-it-out' mentality may no longer be a luxury we can afford.  Retailers were one of the many proprietors who made the shift early, and their efforts are still evolving as the public hunkers down and continues this marathon we all hoped was a sprint. 

Where smaller stores have to inflict a maximum capacity rule, grocers and larger retailers have the opportunity to place '2-way' streets up and down aisles in addition to '6-foot apart' dots near the checkouts without interrupting the ebb and flow of their planograms.  

Even with these new rules in place, people are still adamant about entering facilities.  The flow in a store, regardless of size, is highly researched and planned out to traffic people unconsciously towards the 'last-minute' or 'guilty pleasure' items. 

All while navigating toward the popular, every-days. Now is the time to take some chances and explore the marketing and flow of your store and items inside.

First, distinguish the top items patrons are going for.  Kroger did a recent study about the 2020 food trends and made predictions for 2021. 

     “Many of our customers rediscovered their passion for cooking and baking at home in 2020..."

                                                                   -Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s Chief Merchant

After finding what people are gravitating toward, think about location.  Position the grab-n-go items near the front.  Expand the pace of placement to allow a quick in-and-out and spaced-out trip.  Keep aisles and entryways clear of clutter. Up your online presence and website functionality. When advertising displays, think bold and straightforward, while keeping it attractive. 

Speak with your consumers, or find out what they find the most important, especially right now. 

                  “If customers are good enough to give you their time, you need to listen.”

                                                                     -Mark Palmer, Pret Group Marketing Director

Patrons appreciate a straight-to-the point description so there is no lingering.  In the current climate, consumers do not have time to think and mull-over a potential purchase.  A display that leaves any questions will lose attention instantly.

We're not out of the weeds yet, and we still are unsure of what we will see on the other side.  Until then, know TNG Retail Services is here to work through any challenges you may face.