Scott Roseman, founder and co-owner of
New Leaf Community Markets in Santa Cruz, Calif., says sales of produce, meat and dairy are winners. “Fresh items are more exciting, more attractive to customers.” According to a recent report from the New York-based marketing and media information company
Nielsen, perishable department sales grew faster than all other retail sectors in 2009 through September. Deli spending was up 5 percent from last year. Fresh meat and seafood gained 4 percent. Produce, as well as bakery, increased 3 percent. However, 51 percent of meat and seafood was purchased on sale.
Hertel says soft drinks and snacks always are big movers that have mass appeal as well. “If I put black pepper on sale and somebody buys three bottles, the chances of them using more are pretty remote,” he says. “But with soda and salty snacks, if people get more in their houses, they’re more likely to consume more. When retailers promote these things, they get the benefit of increased sales.”
Sales on supplements, especially standard go-to’s, have worked well at
Rainbow Blossom , based in Louisville, Ky. “If it’s a commodity-type supplement, customers are likely to buy a brand that’s on sale over one that’s not,” says Summer Auerbach, chief operations officer at Rainbow Blossom.
Click here to see the full article.