Eating and Shopping Well — An Independent Operator Experience

By: Lucas Darnell, Director of Member Relations and Advocacy for Eastern U.S., Food Marketing Institute 

Grocery stores have become an increasingly important ally for the consumer in eating healthy. Shopper confidence in the primary food store has never been higher. Food retailers, particularly independent operators, are uniquely positioned to be a resource in helping shoppers eat well by offering knowledge, support, inspiration and advice.

Consider the following statements from FMI’s US Grocery Shopper Trends 2018:

• Brick-and-mortar grocery remains the centerpiece of the many channels that shoppers use to fulfill their eating-well and shopping-well desires, continuing to deliver the preferred experience of choice, fresh quality and connection.
• In a direct comparison, brick-and-mortar remains differentiated from online for its expertise in fresh categories and its service.
• While online is emerging as a player in center store, brick-and-mortar retains trust in the categories most aligned with quality.

As I visit stores across the country, it’s hard not to notice the focus on local, healthy products that are being highlighted by independents, right in the front of the store. You see the many stories of local suppliers and the products they offer when you walk through the stores. All questions can usually be answered by a knowledgeable and smiling staff, which are ready to help whenever the customer needs it.

Independent operators are the gatekeepers of eating well and shopping well, with their ability to be nimble and provide the absolute best in fresh categories and personal experiences from a service stand point. While the grocery world expands and offers more options, this is further evidence that the good ol’ grocery store is alive and well…and poised for a successful future!

Download U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends