Grocery Gone Wild

On June 22, 2009. By Fran, under Industry News, Tech Talk.

At a time when supermarket profits remain slow because of rising labor and energy costs customer shopping has changed. Popular supermarkets around the country are forecasting for new lower-price campaigns.

In-store promotions, coupons, BOGO (buy one get one free) have hit the isles full throttle as the looming economy has not lifted its hold on purse strings. Household budgets tighten as smart shoppers watch for national-chain coupons and sales.

Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, Kroger, Safeway and Supervalue have all jumped into action trying to forgo short-term plans to build longer relations and better customer service through promotions and discounts. National-brand food manufacturers are working with grocers by cutting their own prices to gain buying power. National brands have been targeted as thrifty consumers have turned to store-brand, the old standby no-frills as famous maker products are just too expensive.

Offering deep discounts and coupons on maker brands is all triggered to bring the consumer back to what they are accustom to, before the economic slide. Common foods and goods are the most discounted that has been seen so far. Staples such as breads, dairy, baby food, lesser cut meats and produce will get the most attention for racking up the sales.

The dollar store concept has finally come to the grocer. More & more Dollar Days, Saturday Specials and the like have become common ground among leading supermarkets. The iconic Sunday circular has gotten larger, bolder with more to clip, cut and redeem.

There was a time when the supermarket was a Mecca for in store freebies like china or collecting a set of canisters with weekly stamps, holiday bucks and more. This brought people back each week or month, and was enjoyable, making grocery shopping fun.

All this sounds good for the consumer and just might get even better. Competition has grown strong among theses food giants, all ready with a new plan on just how to keep their local weekly fans.

Moreover, with sales and completion outdoing the other, restaurant sales have dropped as consumers have skipped restaurant trips to make more meals at home.

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