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.

It’s not unheard of and not anything new. Well-informed and experienced employees provide professional and top-grade workmanship. Everyone starts somewhere. At TNG Retail Services, we make sure our employees start with the best and most up-to-date training modules available. And, what is available? Custom programs designed by our experts who have trained in the field and understand best practices when it comes to retail.

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

TNG Retail Services is one of the top experts when it comes to inputting merchandizing plans and executing Planograms, or as the industry gurus would say, POGs. POGs are used in the merchandising industry as an organization 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.

Being part mind-reader, part strategist, helps

So much is in the news about how retail is stumbling, sinking, closing and shuttering. It is true. There are many dying retailers. As times change and customer demands evolve, retailers must keep up or stay ahead. Actually, the successful retailers are the ones that anticipate what their customers want before the customers know themselves – part mind reader, part strategist all wrapped in the most enticing of packaging.

Every retailer knows that times are tough right now. It can seem unrelenting with an onslaught of new issues every day. With one part of the puzzle in hand, another seems to falter in a constant battle to remain relevant and thriving. The pinch is real.

A recent article outlines the wildcard nature of the supply chain as the integral link for retail success. It starts the discussion with: “…as much as grocers continue to invest in building a better shopping experience, consumers still think of a trip to the grocery store as a chore”^1. If that is the case, then consumers will continue to look for alternatives to cut out just one more ‘chore’ in their already busy lives. If we look at retailers that are doing “better than” some of the others, are there patterns? Does the excitement of discovery and treasure hunt in a Costco make the shopping experience better for the shopper? If so, how does grocery incorporate more of that element into their stores? It could be that they customize more, experiment more with different products or try to localize products. It could be how they present that product to shoppers. The store within a store is gaining ground. Retailer operations along with limited distribution space often don’t make this an easy task, however.

According to The Shelby Report, Peapod and ORC International recently conducted a national survey to see what food resolutions will be topping many lists this year.