Covid-19 turned the world on its head.  We're defining new norms and what once made sense, is up for individual assumption and acceptance. Especially throughout the United States.  The Real Estate market had an astronomical increase rate over the last two years with no signs of correction, pet shelters' inventory is at an all-time low (YAY!) and auto-lots are practically begging people to trade-in their vehicles; almost making non-classic cars an appreciating asset.  Analysts are on a non-stop statistical hunt with our consumption and spending. 

What about shopping trends within retail? 

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

Consumers, with the change in routine and habits are making different choices than they were even eight months ago. There has been a definite shift where money is being spent and this requires grocery retailers to act and change up stores in response to that shift. I recently attended a Supermarket News industry webinar that highlighted some of those changes. Some were surprising, others were not. Here’s a broad sweep list:

We all know a healthy diet is what we are supposed to practice. More than a century ago the United States Department of Agriculture began its healthy eating habits journey as a way to inspire people to think about what they consume and explore healthy habits. Familiar to many is the Food Guide Pyramid, recently changed twice since 2005 to represent the constant scientific studies changing what healthy eating habits look and taste like.

Meditation and Mental Health

This week, we focus on Meditation; primarily the importance of Mental Health and the paths we can take to keep each of our own healthy and in a ‘good place.’ This can be a challenge especially during time of uncertainty and unexpected changes. With the added stress of COVID-19 (Coronavirus,) our norms are flipped upside down and our daily lives along with them. This type of stress can wreak havoc on your mind. It can also leave even the most level-headed person feeling nervous. And, how about those who already battle with previous/current mental challenges? The constant worry, the anxiety of the unknown and the angst we all feel of just wanting this to be over can be overwhelming.

Ever wonder why supermarkets look the same, or how and why product location is universal to certain retail chains?

SAS Retail Services is one of the top experts when it comes to inputting merchandising plans and executing Planograms, or as the industry gurus would say, POGs. POGs are used in the merchandising industry as an organizational tool for stores to take their visual standards and make them come to life!

It’s why you as a consumer can walk into chains across America and know your way around without too many interruptions. Sometimes you’ll see a POG in action with empty shelves, or aisles temporarily denying access. We as consumers may find it troublesome and scoff at the ‘Please excuse our mess’ signs, but what we don’t see are the many people who make these ‘disaster zones’ turnaround in a matter of hours. What we see as inconvenient, they see as a puzzle, a plan, and then a well-executed, team-oriented work-of-art.