Price is the easiest thing to imitate

I had the opportunity to meet with old friends from across the food and beverage continuum at a Shopper insight conference last week, we chatted about the economy, Shopper and retailer planning and that we have all been here before when it comes to tough times and price increases.

 The US corn mandate to ethanol has driven input cost up and price to retailers and shoppers will rise soon. Everything from beer to poultry prices will rise, and firing your suppliers for price increases makes as much sense as firing your customers.Its no secret ,prices have to go up. 

Bridge the "Value “Gap vrs your competition by offering service, convenience, loyalty and point of difference awareness. The best convenience retailers are taking prepared food business from Supermarkets, fast food and weak channel competitors.

Price ranks below convenience, service and product attributes in most shopper data I have seen. Low price is the easiest thing to imitate in the short term.

 Take advantage of the SNAP federal pay dates the first week of the month, when the 10% + unemployed get to shop like they were employed again.

Remind shoppers THAT COLD DELI PREPARED foods are SNAP approved ,and better than restaurant quality or fast food dollar meals.

 We have been here before, we know what to do.

T