2. #1 – Natural & Organic
Customers are demanding more choices about
what they put into their bodies.
They’re eager to study labels to discover healthier
alternatives.
They want straightforward definitions of what
“organic” and “natural” really mean, what
constitutes a “preservative,” and how much gluten
those delicious cookies contain.
3. #2 – Sustainability
Retailers need to better educate customers about
what is sustainably grown and what is
sustainably raised.
As retailers, we have a responsibility to
understand the sourcing of the products we sell.
4. #3 – GMO vs. Non-GMOs
There’s a lot of confusion—and thus controversy—
about GMO products.
Retailers need to know what goes through a
customer’s mind when he spies the words
“genetically modified.”
It behooves us to help people understand that
“GMO” isn’t necessarily a pejorative.
5. #4 – Local
I have a hard time thinking something is “local” if
it trekked 250 miles or four hours.
To me, “local” means the product is made in the
same city where it’s sold.
Only retailers that engage with local restaurants,
local bakeries, and local specialty suppliers can
claim this critical moniker.
6. #5 – Meals to Go
Today’s working men and women want fresh,
healthy meals they can pick up on their way
home.
The smart retailer will cater to this in-and-out
experience.
It’s all about convenience for the time-challenged
customer.
7. #6 – In-Store Cooking Centers
Some stores are offering cooking centers where
customers can learn how to bring to life in their
kitchen a picture-perfect, mouth-watering meal.
This allows employees to share knowledge with
customers in a selling environment, and
contributes to a more personal shopping
experience.
8. #7 – QR Codes
Want to know more about the calorie count on
that box of brownies? How about the ingredients
in that supposedly healthier soup?
Increasingly, products are being packaged with QR
codes.
Just because a customer is waving his iPhone
around doesn’t mean he’s showrooming.