Skip navigation

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET

A leaner, meaner Center Store is emerging from the shadows of perimeter departments. A focus on nutrition, specialty store brands and localized assortments is bringing a whole new luster to the section, which is becoming the beneficiary of increased investment dollars. Home to the largest number of stockkeeping units most with seemingly endless ingredient lists the Center Store is also a major source

A leaner, meaner Center Store is emerging from the shadows of perimeter departments.

A focus on nutrition, specialty store brands and localized assortments is bringing a whole new luster to the section, which is becoming the beneficiary of increased investment dollars.

Home to the largest number of stockkeeping units — most with seemingly endless ingredient lists — the Center Store is also a major source of health and wellness confusion. Grocers can help consumers navigate the difficult terrain by making dietitians available, either online or in-store, to answer questions on a one-on-one basis.

Nutrition-themed endcap displays are also an effective way to promote high-margin healthier fare. Prominently featured good-for-you suggestions, such as nutritious snacks and ingredients for healthy holiday meals, are getting a lot of attention in high-traffic areas of the store.

Related Articles

INITIATIVE 1: Provide Nutritional Counseling

INITIATIVE 2: Cross-Merchandise Healthier Packaged Goods

INITIATIVE 3: Personalize Coupons

INITIATIVE 4: Tap Into Shoppers' Specific Needs

INITIATIVE 5: Develop Private Labels for Smaller Shoppers

Consumers are also being made to feel like individuals in the eyes of retailers when presented with personalized promotions. Grocers are being rewarded for their efforts. Some are reporting redemption rates as high as 20%, compared with 1% of shoppers overall who redeem mass coupons.

Relevant merchandising mixes and value-added services that address shoppers' unique cultural and dietary needs are also going a long way toward building the loyalty of shoppers, especially those who are longing for a familiar taste of home or desperate for answers about a newly diagnosed health condition.

Specialized private-label lines, like those which cater to the nutritional needs of babies and kids, are also getting a lot of attention. They have the ability to offer convenience while building brand image.