The
grocery industry can be a lucrative one, if you properly investigate your
target market, review the needs of your neighborhood, and understand the
difference between a grocery store, supermarket, and hypermarket.
The
grocery store concept in the U.S. dates back to the 1940s in middle-class
neighborhoods where the only place that locals could buy food was that corner
store. A grocery store is an establishment that exclusively sells food and
drink items to patrons. It’s designed to satisfy a customer’s basic needs for
dry food, canned food, spices, fruits, and vegetables. In many of these long-established
grocery stores, customers would give the proprietor a list. The store clerks
would pack the items, and bring them to the customer. Today, many basic grocery
stores still offer a variety of food and drink for their customers, but may
lack some more refined options such as vegan or gluten-free options.
Supermarkets evolved from grocery stores as customers became
more transportable, and were no longer confined to their local area. As
consumer tastes in the U.S. evolved after World War II, entrepreneurs created
supermarkets to cater to these wants and needs. Supermarkets began offering
fresh poultry, fresh meat, baby goods, pet supplies, appliances, and medicine.
Most supermarkets feature multiple aisles that are grouped with similar items
labeled with individual prices.
Hypermarkets are another name for superstores. They are a
combination of a supermarket and a department store. A hypermarket is a
large retail outlet that sells large number and variety of goods under one roof
at a discounted rate Customers can buy food,
clothing, hardware, and electronic devices at hypermarkets. They specialize in
carrying a full range of merchandise to satisfy every want and need. Walmart
and Sam’s Club are popular examples of hypermarkets. They offer a variety of
food products, clothing, electronics, books, toys, and even furniture.
Hypermarkets focus on providing bulk items at steeply discounted rates.
Knowing
the tactics retailers use to get you to open your wallet can help you fight
back. Here are ways grocery stores (and supermarkets) get you to spend more
money. Below are simple ways you can neutralize their methods:
A strategic layout-The entire grocery
store layout is designed to get shoppers to spend more, but one of the biggest
tricks is set up right when you walk in. The bakery, floral, and produce
sections are typically the first ones you’ll see in most groceries. This is
done to grab you through two powerful senses, sight and smell. Colorful fruits
and vegetables catch the eye and bring to mind freshness while baked goods give
off enticing smells.
Flowers make the store appear to have more
than just groceries. They can see fresh flowers as soon as they come into the
store. Customers think of the words “clean, bright, and beautiful.” All of
these services can stimulate the senses, and people tend to buy more when
they’re hungry (or emotional). Meats
and other products (including dairy) should be all along the back of a grocery
store. Why?
Because then a customer has to go further to
get something, there’s more of a chance that they’ll buy something that they
don’t need, but want. This makes a great place to have advertised endcaps and
more. Don’t shop on an empty stomach. Have a snack before heading out or plan
your shopping trip for after mealtime.
Offering
reusable bags-Research published in 2015
showed that using reusable bags can prompt shoppers to spend more money.
Reusable shopping bags are better for the environment than the paper or plastic
single use varieties. Consumers often look favorably on shops that are seen as
being environmentally conscious, but that’s not the only reason grocery stores
now stock them.
People
sporting eco-friendly shopping bags tend to buy more organic goods, which
typically cost more than standard varieties. They also reward themselves for
these good choices by buying unhealthy “treat” foods. Don’t abandon your
eco-friendly bags. Making a list, and actually sticking to it is the easiest
way to combat this problem.
Playing
slower music-Shopping in silence might feel
strange, so retailers play tunes to add ambiance to their shop. The playlist
you hear is more than just a friendly touch. Hearing slow-tempo music also tends
to make shoppers move at a slower pace. This extra time in store provides
plenty of opportunity for you to add more items to your cart, and ultimately
spend more money. Put in a pair of headphones, and shop to your own up-tempo
playlist on your cell phone.
Providing
educational information-You may have noticed recipe
cards, free store-branded magazines or nutritional benefit signage around your
local market. These helpful displays are all designed to get you to add more
items to your cart. Recipe ideas are often written to encourage you to buy a
particular item, such as a cut of meat or seasonal vegetable.
Chances
are you’ll need to add a few other things to your basket in order to recreate
the meal. Signs glorifying the health benefits of certain foods may persuade
shoppers who are unsure. Meal planning, as well as making and sticking to a
shopping list, can help you stay on track as you shop.
Shelf
placement-Where certain items are placed
on shelves can also make a difference in how much you ultimately spend.
Expensive brand name items are often placed at eye level, so they’re the first
thing you see. This can also include placing sugary breakfast cereals at a
lower height to catch children’s eyes.
The
idea is to discourage bargain hunting by showing you something familiar right
away. Scan the shelves immediately above and below for less-expensive and
generic options. These are often the same quality as the name brand item.
You’re just not paying for the name. If
your grocery bill is getting high, try these simple
tips for cutting your food bill.
“It's easy for Americans to forget that the food they eat doesn't
magically appear on a supermarket shelf.” (Christopher Dodd) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Grocery store tricks that make you spend more” by It’s My Story
·
“Difference between Hypermarkets and
Supermarkets” by Jecinta Morgan
·
“Secrets behind Your
Grocery Store’s Layout” by BeingLike
·
“The Difference between
Grocery, Supermarket, & Hypermarket Merchandisers” by Sampson Quain
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