How can independent grocery stores adapt to new consumer trends?

Offer online ordering and delivery

With COVID19, demand for online ordering services has exploded in recent years.By implementing online ordering and delivery services, grocery stores can meet customer expectations while offering fast, convenient service. Platforms such as OneTrip facilitate the transition to online commerce by helping grocery stores to quickly create an online store and efficiently manage orders and deliveries. The benefits of this adaptation are reflected both for customers, who appreciate the ease of online shopping and home delivery, and for grocery stores, which benefit from an increase in their customer base and profitability.

Expand product offering

Unlike large groups such as Métro, Walmart and IGA, independent grocery stores have the opportunity to set themselves apart by offering organic, local and sustainable products, responding to consumers' growing concerns about health and the environment. Collaborating with local producers and suppliers not only supports the community and offers unique products, but also attracts customers looking for niche or gourmet products. These products often offer higher margins than non-specialized products. By diversifying their offer, independent grocery stores can meet the expectations of a demanding clientele while strengthening their market position.

Create personalized shopping experiences

To build customer loyalty and meet expectations in terms of personalization, independent grocery stores can set up loyalty programs and personalized recommendations using artificial intelligence algorithms. They may have less data than the big chains, but they are still able to tailor their offer to their customers. This personalization is a strong differentiating factor. Investing in technology and data analysis enables retailers to better understand and respond to customers' needs, tailoring their offer and service to their preferences. In addition, training competent staff capable of providing advice tailored to customers' specific needs strengthens the brand image and shopping experience in independent grocery stores. For example, a natural products grocery store can provide naturopathic advice to its customers, as well as nutritional advice.

Create product bundles

The creation of bundles or baskets of mixed products facilitates the purchasing process for customers. With just a few clicks, shoppers can place their orders. What's more, with this approach, the grocery store is able to create bundles of products very quickly adapted to the season and current trends, which can take a little longer to implement for large chains due to organizational constraints. Independent grocery stores may be smaller than large chains, but they have the advantage of being able to test rapidly and get feedback from customers very quickly. This agility is a major advantage in adapting to new consumer habits.

Implementing sustainable practices

To address environmental concerns, independent grocery stores can choose suppliers who offer environmentally-friendly packaging. Shops can also establish partnerships with companies like To Good To Go, which help to combat waste by enabling consumers to purchase unsold food products at reduced prices. These initiatives not only help to reduce waste, but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers by offering sustainable, affordable options.

Use social media and digital marketing to reach a wider audience

Independent grocery stores need to leverage social media and digital marketing to engage customers and promote special offers. However, with margins in the grocery sector traditionally lower than in other industries, stores need to target customers in their niche and in a local area (e.g. a neighborhood) to have less competition from the big chains.

Offer fast, flexible payment options

To enhance the shopping experience and meet customer expectations, independent grocery stores need to offer convenient and flexible payment options, such as contactless payments and mobile wallets. Customers expect to be able to order products in 1-click, and want a frictionless purchasing process. By making transactions easier for customers, independent grocery stores strengthen their brand image and market competitiveness, while encouraging customer loyalty.

Providing learning resources and workshops

Independent grocery stores can further engage their customers by organizing workshops and demonstrations to educate about healthy eating and sustainable practices.It is also possible to set up fractional payment options for high-priced products using services such as Klarna or Sezzle.These initiatives not only promote local products, but also create a relationship of trust and proximity with customers, getting them more involved in their shopping experience and raising their awareness of environmental and health issues.

The bottom line

Independent grocery stores have every interest in adapting to new consumer habits by offering online services, expanding their product range to include niche products, providing personalized shopping experiences and implementing sustainable practices. Adopting these changes must be gradual, and can ensure growth in an environment of high inflation and interest rates.

Book a demo to find out how OneTrip can help retailers make this transition.

Article sources

• Solocal. "Comment s'adapter aux nouvelles habitudes de consommation post-confinement?https://www.solocal.com/ressources/articles/adaptation-nouvelles-habitudes-consommation-post-confinement"

• Banque de développement du Canada."Consumer Trends Report.https://www.bdc.ca/globalassets/digizuite/10336-consumer_trends_report_fr.pdf"

• FranceInfo. "Consommation : les grandes surfaces doivent s'adapter aux nouvelles habitudes.https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/consommation-les-grandes-surfaces-doivent-s-adapter-aux-nouvelles-habitudes_3789571.html"