During my many years as a supermarket retailer I saw my share of panic buying related to natural disasters like blizzards and hurricanes. Like many, I lived through the 9/11 crisis and its impact. But I have never experienced anything like what we are currently going through.
I’ve talked with many people across the supply chain these past few days, from brand manufacturers to distributors to retailers. I have been in our local stores seeking supplies but also watching how retailers are responding to a never-before environment.
While healthcare workers are always thought of as the front lines in a pandemic like we are experiencing, it is just as true that the workers in supermarkets and drug stores are equally on the front lines. The commitment by people across the massive grocery industry to serve the people in their communities during this crisis is to be commended. They don’t have to be there - they can stay home like many others, taking care of their families, and self-quarantining. But these store workers are unselfishly putting themselves on the front line of the coronavirus battle, realizing that feeding and providing needed supplies for their communities is as important as the doctors and nurses caring for the ill.
When the current crisis abates - and it will - I believe the retail industry can step back to realize what it has accomplished….
Grocers are leaning more heavily on technology to engage shoppers and attract new business. When it comes to digital technology, it can be overwhelming, and finding the key to long-term success can seem elusive.
Anything worth doing is worth doing right. When it comes to choosing the right technology platform for customer engagement, there are…
“Personalization” is increasingly being recognized as a “must have” for retailers of all types; but especially for grocers. Here are a handful of insights regarding personalization:
“In 2020, retailers are focused on identifying and serving the individual customer with tailored services by investing in Shopper Tracking, Location-Based Marketing and CRM/Personalization.”- Progressive Grocer, 2019
“Personalization will be the prime driver of marketing success within five years. Only by acting today, however, can companies hope to be in a position to deliver value to both their customers and their brands.”- McKinsey, 2019
“As the digital age offers up new ways to fight for customer mindshare and dollars, consumer-facing organizations are responding with new efforts to personalize the customer experience…and reaping big rewards in the process.”- Harvard Business Review, 2018
Not all personalization solutions are alike!
