Josh Sternberg’s Post

You’ve heard of shrinkflation, when brands make their products smaller, often undetectably so, and charge the same price. You may also have heard of skimpflation, when products remain the same size but are made with cheaper ingredients. Here’s a new one: spaving, a merging of “spending” and “saving” where consumers are enticed—you’re $9.37 away from free shipping!—to save more by spending more. Buy one, get one 50% off is spaving, as are the value-meal deals proliferating at restaurants including McDonald's’, Taco Bell, and Starbucks. Ditto for the Amazon Prime membership, where among other benefits, you’re spending more now to save on shipping later. Thanks to Melissa Minkow at CI&T RetailWire for her trenchant analysis of how spaving helps explain why consumers say they're spending less but are really spending slightly more.

Grocery Outlet is still taking financial hits from technology system changes made eight months ago — a reminder that digital changes don’t always help retailers’ bottom lines. Back in August, President and CEO RJ Sheedy told investors that the system changes would give the company easier access to information, better decision-making around inventory and managing assortment, and tools for its independent operators to run stores more efficiently. But so far, the opposite has happened. And these instances are a cautionary tale for grocers as they embark on digital transformations. #grocery #technology #tech #GroceryOutlet #digital #bottomline #inventory #management https://lnkd.in/ewUygCnY

There are many ideas and trends vying for convenience retailers’ attention. From M&A to snack trends to updated technology stacks and inflation feats, C-Store Dive has rounded up four stories on hot topics facing the industry in 2024. https://lnkd.in/eQmz9CYA

“Guess how much all this cost,” - Avery Francis https://lnkd.in/gi9-eubV Am I paying too much for Groceries ? In an era marked by skyrocketing grocery bills, Sobeys strides across the tightrope of innovation, claiming to blend new tech with affordability. Initiatives like ice-free broccoli and automated warehouses promise a future where groceries don't break the bank. Yet, amidst this showcase of advancements, one can't help but question: Are these measures truly cutting costs for consumers, or are they carefully curated acts in the theatre of retail? Indeed, stripping ice from broccoli or streamlining distribution may signal a step towards sustainability, but when will these innovations reflect on price tags? Sobeys aims to revolutionize grocery shopping with savings that genuinely matter, yet skeptics see a performance where the distinction between real innovation and clever marketing fades. As Canadians scrutinize their receipts, they're left pondering if Sobeys' high-wire act between innovation and affordability is a solid strategy or a spectacle with an uncertain ending. The commitment to reshaping the grocery landscape is bold, but ultimately, the proof will be in the pricing—a reality that Sobeys must navigate carefully to truly fulfill its promises.

“Food as a category for us is, call it flat to up slightly, and then consumables are a little bit higher than that, but if you look at the trends and you drag them out to the right, it could suggest that when you consider the overall mix of our business that we could be in a deflationary environment.” John D. Rainey, chief financial officer, Wal-Mart Interesting insights from the US. Australian suppliers / supermarkets have posted strong numbers due to inflation i.e. volume decline due to COL (cost of living) but higher unit price driving top and bottom line growth. Could 2024 bring declining volume (COL) plus price deflation? https://buff.ly/3NpF0RY

Have you ever struggled to find a gift? It's a common dilemma, this is where the gifting industry steps in, valued at $500 billion globally, and thrives on fostering connections and leaving lasting impressions. ↘ With the likes of IGP and FNP, who specialize in the same, and IGP announcing expansion globally. The industry is experiencing surge in tier 1 cities and beyond. However, challenges the industry faces, are many evolving consumer preferences, the rise of e-commerce giants, in recent cases (quick commerce), and the constant need for innovation. So what would the industry look like in the future? #giftingindustry #connection #humanelement #IGP #futureofgifting #reimaginegifting

🛒 Retailers like Walmart and Target are winning by making life easier for budget-conscious shoppers with lower prices and one-stop shopping. JLL's Naveen Jaggi highlights how grocery is driving development and why understanding consumer behavior is key. 🚀

Introducing "spaving," the latest inflation thing💸Retailers are enticing shoppers with clever strategies like "just $9.37 away from free shipping" to save more by spending more. Are you "falling for it"? Or are these truly savvy deals? 💰 #Spaving #RetailTrends #SmartShopping #ConsumerSavings #Retail #RetailNews

🛒 Interesting insights from a recent survey of over 1,000 consumers why many still prefer in-store shopping despite the e-commerce boom. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬? The ability to try on/demo products (wonder if AI can shift this), explore new items, and meal planning (grocery lens). 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 —55% of consumers are frustrated by out-of-stock items, and 43% note the lack of store staff as a key issue (we've all felt this recently) Mike Matacunas, CEO of Spar, highlights this as a critical opportunity: "while today’s customer is demanding, there are a variety of opportunities for retailers and brands to create value for them and build long-term loyalty,” " 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰) 🌟