In the bustling world of supermarkets, knowing why and when people shop is key to success. And guess who's got the inside scoop on this? Yep, it's the supermarkets themselves – your biggest customers! So, for you, impact-driven entrepreneur, understanding the customer calendar inside out can truly be a game-changer. It's all about knowing when and how to team up with these retail giants.
Here's a rundown of the five simple factors that shape this calendar and how you can leverage them to your advantage:
1. New Stuff from Big Brands:
Imagine this: supermarkets revamp their shelves a few times a year, typically between weeks 8 to 22 and weeks 34 to 43. Why's this a big deal? Well, big brands shake things up to showcase their latest products, and you want in on that action. But here's the kicker – you've got to be ready well in advance. That means being proactive during your pitch and negotiations to ensure that your products stay in the assortment and maybe even snag some extra shelf real estate.
2. Seasonal Specials:
Who doesn't love seasonal goodies? Whether it's cozy comfort foods for Christmas or refreshing treats for summer, during the holidays you’ll find heaps of ‘seasonal deals’ and your product probably fits perfectly with one of the big holidays. But here's the thing – you need to plan ahead for these moments. Think six months in advance to get your buyer on board, logistics arranged and campaigns created in order to make a splash during these peak seasons.
3. When People Go Shopping:
Timing is everything. Keep an eye on when folks are most likely to hit the aisles. Are they budget-conscious after holidays or stocking up before them? By tweaking your marketing strategies to match these shopping patterns, you can catch shoppers when they're ready to fill their carts.
4. Weather Matters:
Hot weather calls for cool snacks, right? Supermarkets know this too and adjust their offerings accordingly. So, if your product is perfect for sunny days, have an eye on the weather forecast and be ready for sudden spikes in demand when the mercury rises. It's all about being prepared for those weather-induced cravings!
5. What the Store Is Up To:
Every supermarket has its own strategy and values, the so-called formula (nope not Einstein’s). Whether it's supporting local businesses or promoting healthy living, you can tailor your promotions to fit the store's ethos. By aligning with their goals, you can attract customers who share those same values – it's a win-win!
Understanding these simple factors can help you plan ahead, work smarter, and most importantly, turn your investments into profitable success. And we got the perfect tool for that! Within a few weeks’ time we will launch a FREE customer planning tool, called the Customer Calendar, tailored to the needs of impact-driven entrepreneurs in the food(service) industry. Helping you bring together all these elements needed to effectively plan your customer activities and boost your sales.