Supermarket Rebuttal

Last Saturday I posted about supermarkets using methods not consumer-friendly, in my opinion, to manipulate people into buying more - especially impulse items.  The topic method was not opening cashier lines which forced people to stand for longer periods of time being enticed by all the frivolous items in the checkout lanes.

Today I went to a supermarket that I don't normally go to anymore.  I was there to pick up a prescription.  Since I needed only three things, I picked them up there instead of driving to the other store where they would have been cheaper.  I headed to the "10 items or less" checkout lane and saw that it was 6 deep with people with more than 10 items.  The only other lane open was also 6 deep with people who were buying enough stuff to last 2 years.

Just then an assistant manager came next to my line to set up a table to sell off valentine candy.  I could not resist.  I had to bring up my blog post.  Before I go any further I must tell you that he asked me not to use his name or the store name in this post.  I agreed.

After I told him what I had written and he removed the astonished look from his face, he respectfully disagreed with me.  I was told that the only reason that extra lanes were not open was lack of staff.  He stated that in order to keep prices low (?!) staff was kept at a minimum.  Even though staff was cross-trained there were many times that no one was available to open a lane.  I asked why management did not step in and he didn't answer me.  Hmmmmm! 

I was told that price competition among grocery chains was very strong and that many chains have been closing stores across the country because they could not compete.  Walmart, it seems, is the strongest competitor and is pushing other chains to the brink.  He vehemently blamed everything on Walmart and President Obama.  I don't talk politics with anyone so I left the second part of that alone. 

I said that it has been my experience that if price does not bring back a customer then outstanding customer service will.  He disagreed and said that it was all about the $$.  His corporate office runs the stores on bare bones.  The volume buying that Walmart does insures lower prices and smaller chains cannot compete with that type of buying.

So - - that is his rebuttal.  What do you think?  Is it a marketing tactic or a money issue or both?  Think about it.

Meanwhile .... keep it simple and make it real.

Jeanne

Sunday, While Having Coffee

A few months ago I posted about "Supermarket Seduction" - the temptations and allure while traveling the aisles in a grocery store.    Today I read this:

"Do the check stands at your supermarket seem to always have lines no matter when you go? Grocery stores don't want you zooming through the checkout stands, because this is where overpriced, impulse items like candy, soda, magazines and DVDs are located. While you're waiting you may get hungry, thirsty or bored -- all of which work in favor of grabbing a stimulating magazine or candy bar. Be aware that you are being stalled for a reason, and resolve not to add to your cart in the checkout line."
                                      Huntington Post - Food Section

If the reason that checkout lines are long is to force customers to look at high-priced, impulse-buy items -- then the supermarkets are really low-down in their marketing practices and consumers are not too "with-it" if they are not demanding more checkout lines open up.   When I was raising kids and working fulltime it would drive me crazy if the lines were long and no other line was opening.  I have actually shoved my cart aside and walked out.  Maybe that was cutting off my nose to spite my face but I didn't have the luxury of spending wasted time due to, what I thought, was lack of staff.

This may not be a big deal to some people but the idea consumers are being manipulated burns me up.  I know that supermarkets are there to make money but there must be more sensitive ways than holding customers hostage.

Okay, I am getting down off my soapbox now.  You are free to leave the page.

Have a great day! 

Meanwhile .... keep it simple and make it real.

Jeanne
 

supermarket seduction

I am tired of being seduced once or twice a week. No, not by CH (current husband), by food stores - grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations!!!!

The seduction begins in the parking lot where the larger than life pictures of food can be seen while walking from my car (pronounced “cah” because I am from Boston). About twenty feet from the grocery store entrance the aroma of fresh baked bread, apple pie and chocolate cake wafts lightly through the air directly to my nose. There is no turning back now - I am hooked!

Now that my olfactory sense has been assaulted the store moves on to conquer my sight perception. In the food industry it is all “presentation, presentation, presentation”. The produce department is melody of delicious colors, textures and shapes. It could be an art museum with only the most vibrant pieces displayed.

                                               

Walking to the meat department is a journey of anticipation. There is a long aisle of beautiful glass cases that shine like diamonds. Inside the cases are rows and rows of meat, chicken, pork and fish all screaming, “Take me! Take me! How could I not succumb? My ears were ringing and my taste buds we pleading to be fed.

                                     

The true test of supermarket seduction is when I run in to get a loaf of bread and leave 45 minutes later having spent $100!! What is your test?

P.S. I did not write of my time spent in the ice cream, bakery and snack aisles because this blog is family oriented and I would not want to compromise that distinction….

Ta la iontach!!