Supermarket Dish

As a kid I remember going to the market with my Mom for the basics. You had the produce department, the butcher and the deli counter. Aside from the grocery aisles. There wasn’t that much more. When the food channels became popular, I thought more people would learn how to cook. I believed these traditional areas would pick up in sales. Boy was I wrong.

The food channels did help consumers become more knowledgeable about what was in their food. They helped introduce consumers to more unique and international flavors. However, most consumers work full time and raise families. They look for convenience and variety. They also seek a place to enjoy their quality time. Modern supermarkets look to create a destination for their shoppers. Not just a place to shop.

Specialty Departments

Sure, stores still have produce, meat, seafood & deli departments but wow has this grown! Produce departments now include fresh cut fruit & vegetable areas. One less thing for your to do to prepare your meal. The National Frozen Food Association states that 64% of Americans face a significant barrier to cooking a nutritious meal. They identify having the time to prepare it as the largest challenge! Prepared foods departments have significantly grown by answering this call. It is not uncommon for modern markets to include full service kitchens or commissaries in their stores. They have access to fresh produce and meat, so why not! To help drive sales and customer experience, stores have sampling programs to engage the consumer as they shop. Specialty Cheese departments, in store cafe’s, coffee shops and events help promote the experience for the consumer.

Unique Supermarket Areas

Imagine going into your local market to experience a theme park atmosphere. That’s how Jungle Jim’s Supermarket in Connecticut creates a destination for their customers. Their supermarkets are typically double the size of a traditional market and include life size Animatronics. Imagine going to the produce department and having a life size corn talk to you. The only challenge with this place is that the kids will want to come grocery shopping!

In addition to prepared food and shortcuts to prepare meals. Supermarkets have realized the more time you spend in their store, the more money you will spend. So they focus on departments that will create impulse buys. Cafe areas to sit and eat a meal from their fresh made sandwiches, hot soup or hot bars. In store coffee shops will help you get through your 1-2 hour trip. Newer are popcorn bars, grill stations and ice cream stands. Areas designed to draw in your sense of smell and sight. Causing you to purchase things you never new you needed.

Want to try a treat with a girls night out? Go grocery shopping at Eataly in NYC. You can grab a glass of wine. Enjoy a fresh made pasta dinner. Maybe grab some Gelato when your done? Then, continue your grocery shopping. Talk about a girls night out!

So many things have changed in the last 30 years to push the industry forward. And we haven’t even touched on the increase in online shopping. This time is all about the experience. Make a day of it. Choose a different store. Make it more than just a grocery shopping trip you might be avoiding. Use all of these options as an opportunity to go and create a new unique experience for yourself. Yes, the grocery stores will make more money. But….you will gain the ability to try new things. Turn your basic weekly grocery shop into a weekly break from the day to day. Heck, bring a friend!