Supermarkets and grocery stores today are embracing many innovative trends to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive. From leveraging advanced technology to addressing sustainability concerns, here are the top five trends shaping the future of supermarkets and grocery stores in the United States.
1. Mobile self-scanning technology
As consumers become more impatient and demanding, retailers need to implement the best strategies to deliver a more convenient customer journey. Mobile self-scanning technology, also referred to as ScanPayGo or scan and go, is helping supermarkets speed up the checkout process significantly by allowing shoppers to scan items with their smartphones and complete their purchase directly through an app or a retail-provided scanning device. This means retailers can reduce wait times and even eliminate the need for traditional checkout counters or self-checkout registers altogether, giving customers the opportunity to skip long lines and have more control over their shopping experience.
2. Replenishment automation
With the dynamic nature of grocery retailing and the need to manage a diverse range of products, manual replenishment processes often leave businesses at risk of human errors, while also creating a lot of time-consuming manual work. Replenishment automation systems can change all that by processing real-time information about demand and stock levels, allowing retailers to apply specific rules and parameters for every item. By leveraging this technology, grocery retailers can understand exactly how much product they need and at what times, helping them avoid issues with over or understocking, and reduce waste.
3. Online ordering and delivery
Busy lifestyles and a growing preference for convenience has made consumers more likely to purchase groceries from the comfort of their homes. Recent statistics show that digital sales will make up 19% of all US eCommerce sales by 2026. To meet growing demand for online shopping, grocery retailers are revaluating their eCommerce strategies to include more convenient services like Click and Collect, so shoppers can order their groceries online and pick them up at their desired location or partnering with third-party delivery providers to offer same-day or next-day delivery options.
4. Diverse revenue streams
To diversify their revenue streams and enhance profitability, supermarkets are exploring new avenues beyond traditional grocery sales. Many grocery retailers are incorporating additional services and offerings such as in-store dining areas, smoothie bars, meal kits, and cooking classes to reach a wider range of consumers and encourage more customer engagement. Not only do these value-added services and experiences increase the revenue potential for supermarkets and grocery stores, but it also helps them stay on top of their competitors in an increasingly saturated retail landscape.
5. Sustainability initiatives
In the U.S., 30% of food from supermarkets is thrown away, generating around 16 billion pounds of waste every year. As consumers become increasingly more environmentally aware, demand for eco-friendly products is on the rise, and grocery retailers must embrace sustainability to meet their expectations. Many are implementing various initiatives such as sourcing locally grown produce, offering more organic and environmentally friendly product options, encouraging customers to bring reusable bags, and promoting recycling programs, to reduce their environmental footprint and foster customer loyalty.
Don’t let your grocery or supermarket business fall behind on the latest trends! Contact us to find out how LS Central can help you stay up to date with your customers’ favorite items.
