4 Grocery Industry Retail Trends That Will Shape 2023

4 Grocery Industry Retail Trends That Will Shape 2023

Over the past few years, successive major challenges have rocked the grocery industry, from labour shortages, the pandemic and supply chain disruptions to skyrocketing inflation and the general cost-of-living crisis. In the face of such unpredictable external forces, grocery stores have had to be creative and flexible in order to maintain their customer base and profit margins.

In this article, discover the main challenges, strategies and grocery store industry trends that will shape the sector in 2023.

Grappling with inflation

With the current cost-of-living crisis, consumers are financially stressed. Getting good value for money will be a top priority for shoppers this year. Grocery stores will need to find the delicate balance between managing ongoing supply chain disruptions and the fluctuating costs of goods while maintaining profits and avoiding alienating customers.

Private labels

High inflation is having a significant impact on consumer buying behavior, with increased demand for less expensive options. Many retailers are providing private-label products as a lower-cost alternative to try to avoid losing customers to wholesale or discount stores.

Promotions and messaging

Other popular cost-cutting methods include rewards cards and loyalty programs, coupons and sales. This year, grocery stores will want to employ innovative promotions and sales strategies to help retain cash-strapped consumers. Messaging that demonstrates empathy for customers’ current financial difficulties and emphasizes efforts to keep costs down will also be a grocery industry trend in 2023.

Combating the labor shortage through automation

With the growing labor shortage, one of the main grocery industry trends for 2023 will be taking advantage of new technology and digitizing operations where possible to try to lessen the pressure on remaining employees and improve retention.

Businesses will be shifting more towards self-checkout, digital transactions and self-service kiosks. Some will even implement innovative technologies such as smart carts, which can automatically scan and charge items as customers place them inside. Automation can also be used to improve restocking and click-and-collect order fulfilment.

E-commerce and omnichannel retail

The electronic alternatives to in-store grocery shopping that were jump-started by the pandemic are here to stay. 2023’s grocery industry trends will include looking for ways to create a seamless omnichannel experience and manage both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores together as a unified business.

Sustainability

More and more consumers are considering sustainability efforts when deciding where to shop. Providing more local produce, using recycled packaging where possible and reducing waste are rising grocery store industry trends that will help businesses cultivate an eco-friendly reputation and improve both profitability and customer retention at a time when neither is easy to come by.

Electronic shelf labels: the perfect technology for the grocery industry trends of 2023!

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) don’t just display prices—they provide a variety of functions that are incredibly useful for grocery stores in 2023. They completely eliminate the need for wasteful paper labels and the labor required to update them manually. These digital price tags for grocery stores can display different prices for perishable items based on their expiry dates, effectively reducing food waste.

Electronic shelf labels are equipped with color-coded flashing lights that can be used to quickly guide employees to products that need to be restocked or items for pick-up and delivery orders, vastly improving efficiency. Both ESLs and other grocery store digital signage can be used to make customers more aware of promotions and sales.

Digital pricing solutions for the grocery store industry

JRTech provides grocery stores and other retailers with top-quality digital pricing solutions and signage for the modern age. Our electronic shelf labels help businesses streamline their operations, reduce waste, improve the customer experience and much more! Let us equip you for the challenges of 2023—contact us today.

4 Strategies to Increase Hardware Store Sales

4 Strategies to Increase Hardware Store Sales

The hardware industry today is much more complex than it once was. It’s no longer safe to assume that simply offering quality, service and value will be enough to bring the local community in to shop. With big box stores and internet giants competing for customers’ attention and dollars, hardware stores have to work hard to stand out and present themselves as the best option.

Here are 4 strategies hardware stores can use to increase sales and hold their own against the competition.

Offer exceptional, well-informed customer service

One of the best ways for hardware stores to convince customers to shop with them rather than at big box stores or on the internet is to offer something the competition can’t—helpful, attentive customer service.

Many of the people who go to hardware stores may not have a lot of experience with the equipment on offer or the project they’re trying to accomplish. Having access to a knowledgeable, well-intentioned employee who can guide them through the process of acquiring what they need can be extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Hire individuals who know how to provide great service and train them on all of your products to boost sales and create goodwill.

Online and in-store hardware marketing strategies

In the current competitive market, it’s vital to employ a variety of hardware marketing strategies to make customers aware of your store and entice them to buy.

Even small hardware stores can use online marketing to their advantage by having an online store, a website that is optimized for SEO and a social media presence. Content like a DIY YouTube channel can help you reach your target audience and create a positive association with your brand.

You can also capitalize on in-store marketing ideas to boost sales. Consider offering free samples or holding demonstrations to show customers the benefits of your products. Vibrant digital signage can also be used to grab customers’ attention and enhance their shopping experience.

Entice customers with loyalty programs and discounts

Customers are always looking for ways to save, particularly now with the inflation of retail prices. Offering discounts on certain items for a limited time only encourages customers to buy now to take advantage of the savings. Limited-time deals help increase sales and attract new customers. You can even create a loyalty program and offer discounts for members only to encourage repeat business.

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs), also known as digital price tags, are an incredibly useful tool when it comes to this type of hardware store sales strategy. With them, prices can be updated in mere moments as often as needed, and they can display several different colors to make promotions

Make shopping at your hardware store as convenient as possible

Making shopping as convenient as possible and giving customers multiple ways to shop is an important strategy for boosting sales. Having an online store with delivery and click and collect options will encourage customers to purchase from you when they might otherwise have gone elsewhere.

Equipping your hardware store with digital price tags can streamline the click and collect process by guiding your employees to the required items, significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to fulfill orders. The geolocation system can also be offered to customers via interactive kiosks or a QR code to streamline the shopping experience.

Boost your hardware store sales with JRTech Solutions!

JRTech Solutions offers digital pricing solutions and signage for retailers that are looking to modernize their stores. In addition to facilitating promotions, marketing and geolocation, our technology can expedite restocking, automate processes to reduce labor requirements and significantly lower the rate of errors, improving the shopping experience.

Contact us today to give your hardware store sales strategy a digital boost!

9 In-Store Sales Strategies for Grocery Stores

9 In-Store Sales Strategies for Grocery Stores

Marketing and advertising are essential for any successful business, and supermarkets are no exception. Like any other business, grocery stores in Canada employ marketing strategies to draw in customers, build loyalty and keep them coming back.

Are you looking for simple yet effective supermarket sales strategies to help you attract more shoppers? Look no further! In this article, we present the most effective in-store grocery marketing tactics that can help you increase profitability.

Promotional signage and advertisements

In-store supermarket signage and advertisements can be an effective way to let your customers know about any promotional offers in specific areas of the store. With targeted promotions on digital screens or point-of-purchase displays, you can ensure that customers know exactly where to go to find the offers they’re looking for.

Seasonal marketing campaigns

Seasonal marketing is an effective way to maximize the impact of your grocery store marketing campaigns by leveraging annual events and holidays. By creating campaigns that are tailored to the specific occasions, you can ensure that your messaging is timely, relevant and resonates with shoppers. 

This form of marketing allows you to capitalize on the distinct interests and buying behaviors associated with seasonal events, ensuring maximum reach and visibility.

Pricing promotions

If there’s one thing grocery shoppers love, it’s a great bargain. One of the most effective marketing strategies for supermarkets is to offer promotional discounts on select items for a limited time only. 

This will encourage customers to buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings. Plus, offering promotional discounts is a great way to attract new customers and reward loyal customers. By capitalizing on these limited-time deals, you can increase sales and create a loyal customer base.

Digital technologies like electronic shelf labels offered by JRTech Solutions make managing promotions easier than ever before. Prices can be quickly and easily updated as many times as desired, freeing up valuable time that would otherwise be spent manually changing prices. 

Moreover, when you use grocery store digital price tags, four of the most common colors can be configured to make promotions more noticeable to shoppers.

Free grocery product samples

Have you ever strolled into a grocery store and stumbled upon a delightful little setup offering free samples when you enter? In-store food sampling is an excellent way to entice shoppers and create a buzz in your store. 

Free samples are a great opportunity for stores to introduce shoppers to new products and may encourage them to leave with an item they’ve sampled, even if they came in for only basic items. 

By giving shoppers the chance to sample a product, you can show them the value of the product first-hand and create an incentive for them to purchase it.

Impulse buying at checkout

If you have children, then you know how effective this strategy can be for adding extra expenses to your grocery bill. Often, impulse purchases take the form of the convenient products located close to the checkout area.

Ideally, impulse products should be small, affordable and highly desirable. They should be able to easily draw attention and entice shoppers to make a purchase. 

Products with an impulse purchase appeal are convenient for shoppers to quickly add to their carts or give to the cashier.

Strategic placement of products on shelf

Products that are placed at eye level have a much higher chance of being seen and purchased by shoppers, making it the most valuable shelf space in any grocery store. 

By strategically positioning specific products at eye level, you can dramatically increase the visibility and sales of high margin products to maximize profits.

If your grocery store has smart shelves installed, you can even verify planogram compliance to ensure the most lucrative products are always located where they should be.

Free Wi-Fi and seating area

Offering shoppers leisure and convenience in the form of free Wi-Fi and a lounge area not only encourages them to stay in the grocery store longer, but also adds to their overall shopping experience. 

By providing these perks, you can give your customers the chance to browse and purchase items with ease and comfort, creating an environment where they are more likely to return often, and spend more money.

Grocery rewards card

Grocery store rewards cards are an incredibly effective tool for creating shopper loyalty and incentivizing purchases. With a rewards card, shoppers can take advantage of exclusive coupons and promotions that are only available to card holders.

By offering exclusive discounts and special offers, customers are more likely to come back and make repeat purchases. Shoppers can therefore enjoy substantial savings and benefits that will keep them coming back time and time again.

Ambiance, music and lighting

Creating the right atmosphere can make a huge difference to the overall grocery shopping experience. By investing in an inviting atmosphere, supermarket retailers can encourage customers to stay longer, browse more, and ultimately, spend more.

Background music in supermarkets can create a calming atmosphere, reducing the sense of being observed in public spaces. It can also soften the unpleasant technical noises such as cash registers opening or droning ventilation systems, creating a more pleasant shopping experience.

Supermarket lighting is another important part of creating an inviting shopping experience for customers. Good lighting can be used to strategically highlight the desirability of food in different sections, creating an attractive visual presentation that will draw the consumer’s eye to the most carefully displayed products.

Optimize your supermarket sales strategies with JRTech Solutions

JRTech Solutions is a North American supplier of digital pricing systems from industry leader Pricer. Our electronic shelf label and digital signage solutions are designed to maximize efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction while minimizing waste in grocery stores. 

Reach out to us to find out how our technology can optimize your in-store marketing strategy!

5 Inflation Pricing Strategies for Retail | JRTech Solutions

5 Inflation Pricing Strategies for Retail | JRTech Solutions

As a retailer, dealing with inflation is a balancing act – raising prices too much could result in the loss of important customers, but not increasing them could negatively affect your bottom line.

In this article, we provide you with the best inflation pricing strategies to ensure your business finds the perfect balance between cost and profitability. With our expert advice, you will have the tools that your business needs to remain competitive and profitable in the ever-changing economic climate.

Inflation trends in 2022 and beyond

Inflation made a huge resurgence in 2022, causing Canadian shoppers to experience prices they hadn’t seen in decades. As 2023 approaches and the global economy continues to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, consumers are feeling the burden of having their budgets stretched thin and understandably worried about what the future may hold.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the Bank of Canada’s preferred indicator of Canadian inflation. The CPI is a measure of how the cost of goods and services change over time. CPI data released in October 2022 by Statistics Canada showed a 6.9% rise in prices over the previous 12 months. Earlier in the year, the CPI had risen to 8.1%, the largest yearly change since January 1983.

Businesses, just like consumers, are feeling the pressure of inflation. According to a report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, nearly 8 out of 10 small business owners reported increasing their prices more than they would have in a typical year. Retail sales decreased by 2.5% in July 2022, exceeding the predicted 2% decrease.

Despite some claiming that inflation has reached its peak, the outlook for the future calls for caution. The consensus is that the economy is likely to slow down in 2023 and even into 2024. This highlights the importance of having an effective inflation pricing strategy to offset this potential economic downtrend.

The 5 best retail pricing strategies during high inflation

Here are some effective strategies to consider during periods of inflation.

Revaluate your budget to absorb costs

There are ways to keep your profit margin intact without simply passing price increases along to the customer. Absorbing costs and adjusting your budget as a consequence may be an option to help battle inflation, rather than solely relying on price increases.

Revisit your budget and identify areas where costs can be reduced temporarily to avoid increasing prices too high, which will help counter the decrease in consumer buying power.

Consider consumer demand and price elasticity

Gaining insight into your company’s position within the market is key. Factors such as consumer demand can have a large impact on pricing strategies. 

If your goods or services are in high demand, it is more likely that increasing prices will be successful. In these cases, products have a strong price elasticity, which allows prices to be raised without impacting sales. However, this is not always true.

Your pricing strategy should also take seasonal demand into consideration. During times of year when consumers are financially constrained, raising prices may lead to more consumer resistance.

Adopt digital technologies for long-term resiliency

n the other side of the coin, you may want to consider investing in technology to become more resilient to inflation in the long run. In the short-term, it may therefore be necessary to rely on price increases for this strategy.

As pointed out in a May 2022 Forbes article, retailers are leveraging technology to better reach and engage customers in novel ways during inflation. The logic here is partly due to the realities of deflationary technology, the idea that the cost of technology decreases in proportion to its usage.

One such technology that retailers are adopting is smart shelving. Smart shelves feature electronic shelf label technology, which provides consumers with real-time access to price comparisons and available promotions, which are advantageous in times of inflation.

Monitor your competitors’ pricing

Competitive pricing helps ensure that you always offer the best value for your customers. Monitoring your competitors’ pricing strategies will help inform your own decision-making process. 

Knowing when competitors are likely to increase or lower their prices can be beneficial when setting your own prices. When inflation is high and competitors are changing their prices, you should be keeping an eye on their pricing strategies and making informed adjustments.

Implement a dynamic pricing model

A dynamic pricing model can be a great choice for companies during times of inflation. This model can help businesses maintain their profitability by automatically adjusting prices according to changes in different factors, such as supply chain costs and, as outlined above, market demand and competition.

Tips for making price adjustments during inflation

Here are some tips to simplify making price changes during times of inflation:

  • Monitor the inflation rate: Review the inflation rate regularly and make sure you are aware of any changes that may affect the cost of goods and services.
  • Set pricing thresholds: Define thresholds for when prices should be adjusted to counteract the effects of inflation.
  • Consider the impact of price changes: Consider the potential impact of price changes on current and potential customers.
  • Communicate pricing changes: Let customers know about any pricing changes and explain why the changes are necessary.
  • Use discounts or promotions: Offer discounts or promotions to offset the effects of inflation on prices. Share promotions with customers on social media and in-store using digital signage or point-of-purchase displays.

JRTech Solutions can help you become resilient during inflation

Retailers can face tough challenges when inflation rates are high, due to increased production costs and reduced consumer spending. For continued profitability, it’s always a good idea to revaluate and optimize your pricing strategies.

JRTech’s electronic shelf labels (ESLs) provide an optimal solution for retailers to become more resilient in the face of inflation. Automating pricing with ESLs not only eliminates the need for manual price changes, but also provides valuable product data to your employees and consumers.

Contact us now to learn more about our products and start optimizing your pricing strategy today.

How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost?

How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost?

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are a digital upgrade for product labelling that has major advantages for retailers. These digital price tags can drastically improve efficiency and accuracy on everything from price updates to restocking, lowering labour costs and enhancing the shopper experience. 

Are the many benefits of electronic shelf labels enough to justify the expense of their installation and upkeep? Discover the factors that affect the pricing of electronic shelf labels and determine whether they are a worthwhile investment for your business!

Factors that influence electronic shelf label price

Store size and number of products

The cost of upgrading to electronic shelf labels depends first and foremost on the number of labels you want to buy. The size of your store and the number of products you offer will determine the number of labels you need and consequently, the cost of the upgrade.

Type of shelf label

There are several different types and sizes of electronic shelf labels available, each with its own features and advantages. Note that you can use more than one type of label in your store!

LCD shelf labels

LCD shelf labels are a great option for smaller businesses that are looking to upgrade their signage in a cost-effective way. These price tags bring all of the main benefits of digitalization, such as automatic price updates and flash-guided restocking, but lack some of the additional features of their more sophisticated counterparts. LCD labels come in small and medium sizes.

Graphic shelf labels

Graphic shelf labels, while more expensive but offer a better ROI, come in high-definition display and have a variety of additional features and sizes for more customizable digital signage. Available features include:

  • SmartTAG Power+, which provides a bright 4-color display that will increase the visibility of promotions and enhance the customer experience.
  • Instant Flash with 7 different colours, which can be assigned to different people from your staff, making it easier for employees working on a single operation such as Click-&-Collect or Shelf Replenishment to locate and process their assigned products.
  • A built-in NFC function, which customers can access by tapping their smartphone on the label to get more information and features about the product being sold, enhancing the shopping experience.

Infrared (IR) or Radio-Frequency (RF)

Most electronic shelf labels receive commands via either radio-frequency or infrared technology. While infrared communication is a more expensive option, due to the fact that it is unique on the ESL market and only Pricer electronic labels from JRTech Solutions have the ability to operate on this communication system, it offers many more benefits than a radio-frequency system:

  • Infrared communication is bidirectional, meaning that the labels can acknowledge when commands are received. 
  • Product information is received in seconds, whereas radio-frequency communication takes longer.
  • It can be difficult for radio waves to make it through an environment already cluttered with other wireless signals such as WiFi and Bluetooth, whereas infrared will remain unaffected and has zero interference.
  • Radio-frequency communication takes much more energy, meaning the label’s battery will deplete faster than its infrared counterparts.

Check out this testimonial from hardware giant Rona attesting to the benefits of switching from radio-frequency to infrared electronic shelf labels!

Are electronic shelf labels a worthwhile investment?

Despite the initial start-up cost, electronic shelf labels are a worthwhile investment in the long run. Having digital price tags eliminates the need for printing and manually changing paper labels for each price update, resulting in considerable savings on labour and materials.

Once purchased, ESLs require very little upkeep. Businesses that implement electronic shelf labels can generally recoup their investment within 8 to 15 months, and a high-quality infrared electronic shelf label has a battery life that can last up to 10 or even 20 years. Avril Supermarché Santé has been using theirs since 2010!

Get an estimate for your store’s electronic price tags

JRTech Solutions is the North American supplier for digital pricing solutions from industry pioneer Pricer. If you’d like to find out more about the cost of our electronic shelf labels, contact us for an estimate! We will be happy to discuss your needs.

What is Visual Merchandising? Techniques & Benefits in Retail Stores

What is Visual Merchandising? Techniques & Benefits in Retail Stores

With the rise of e-commerce as a mainstream option, brick-and-mortar stores are having to work harder than ever to remain competitive and retain customer interest. Visual merchandising is one of the strategies that can be used to increase in-store traffic, boost sales and improve customer retention.

It involves optimizing every aspect of the store environment, from signage and product displays to lighting and sound to draw customers in, make them feel comfortable and encourage them to make purchases. It plays a crucial role in enhancing a store’s appeal, atmosphere and customer experience.

The importance and benefits of visual merchandising

The environment a customer is in affects the purchasing decisions they make. Factors such as a poor layout can deter customers from returning because it is confusing and detracts from their enjoyment of the shopping experience. It’s in retailers’ best interests to create an efficient, customer-friendly environment that makes shopping easier for customers and increases the likelihood of repeat business.

In addition to improving the shopping experience, visual merchandising techniques can be used strategically to highlight products with high profit margins, keep customers in the store longer, and affect their mood to encourage impulse buying.

Visual merchandising techniques

Store layout

The layout determines how customers move through the store, where they spend the most time and what they see. An effective layout will encourage shoppers to go through the whole store. For example, grocery stores tend to place basic necessities like milk at the very back so that customers must walk past other items and are more likely to impulse buy. Another example is Ikea’s famously labyrinthine sales floor, which forces shoppers to walk through every single section to get to the exit.

Signage

Having clear signage is a vital aspect of a systematic, organized store environment. Signs help customers find their way, make them feel more at ease and prevent them from getting frustrated or overwhelmed.

Promotional signage can also be used to draw shoppers’ eyes to particular products and highlight their features and benefits.

Technology

As the digital transformation sweeps the retail industry, phygitalization, the integration of digital solutions into the physical shopping space, is becoming increasingly important for stores that want to remain competitive.

Digital signage

There are endless possibilities for digital signage in retail. This type of visual merchandising can be used to highlight special promotions, product demonstrations or vibrant lifestyle images that help create emotional connections with products. Some digital screens even feature interactive options that allow customers to choose their content and encourage them to input their contact information.

Electronic shelf labels

Electronic shelf labels are indispensable tools for retailers in the digital age! With digital labels, retailers can automate price updates, significantly reducing the number of pricing errors and improving customer experience. These digital price tags also include additional features such as alerting employees to low stock levels, which helps with inventory management and ensures that products remain available to customers.

Product arrangement

The way products are arranged has a significant impact on purchasing decisions. Visual merchandising techniques can be used to attract customers’ attention to specific products and encourage them to buy.

Point-of-purchase displays

Point-of-purchase displays are product arrangements and marketing materials that showcase specific items in-store. Displaying small items near the checkout counter can encourage shoppers to impulse buy, for example, and arranging complementary products together can help remind customers about extras they might need and inspire additional purchases.

Window displays

Attractive window displays are one of the main techniques retailers use to entice shoppers to come into their stores. Windows are the place to display your newest and best-selling items. You can even arrange the items to represent a story or theme to add interest. Remember to keep your shop windows spotlessly clean to make a good first impression!

Ambient elements

While often overlooked, ambient elements such as lighting, sounds and smells have a major impact on customers’ moods. It’s advantageous for retailers to optimize the ambiance of their stores and create an atmosphere that reflects their brand identify and sales goals.

Lighting

Choose your lighting carefully based on what you want to achieve. Bright light creates a sense of honesty, positivity, fun, and excitement. It can promote impulse purchasing, but it also makes customers move through the store faster. On the other hand, softer lighting creates a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere and encourages customers to spend more time in the store.

You can also use lighting strategically to put a literal spotlight on products and areas you want to draw attention to.

Sound

While sound isn’t visual, it is still considered an aspect of visual merchandising because of the effect it has on shoppers. Playing upbeat music can have a positive influence on customers’ moods, while slower music can help them relax and encourage them to spend more time in the store.

The most important thing is to select sounds that will appeal to your target audience. For example, a young, hip clothing shop might opt for pop music, while a mountaineering store might choose to dispense with music altogether and play ambient nature sounds.

Smell

Smell is one of the most subconscious yet powerful senses. It can provoke emotions, trigger memories and have strong positive or negative associations. For example, the smell of fresh bread or apple pie makes complete sense in a bakery, but it can also create a delightfully homey feel in furniture and home décor stores. Seasonal scents like evergreen can help create the right atmosphere during the holidays.

Upgrade your visual merchandising for the digital age with JRTech Solutions!

Modern-day consumers are used to the vibrant, fast-paced and information-rich experience that online shopping offers. To compete successfully, brick-and-mortar retailers need to include digital tools in their visual merchandising strategy to help recreate that experience in store.

JRTech Solutions is a leading supplier of electronic shelf labels and digital signage in North America. Not only can our digital pricing solutions contribute to optimizing the in-store environment, but they also drastically reduce labour costs by eliminating the need for employees to manually change every price tag, poster and sign. Contact us today to take your in-store experience to the next level!

The Benefits of Point-of-Purchase Displays for Grocery Stores and Retail

The Benefits of Point-of-Purchase Displays for Grocery Stores and Retail

Point-of-purchase (POP) display is a term that covers a variety of marketing tools that are used in stores to advertise products and encourage customers to buy. They include physical displays that showcase products, digital advertisements on screens in-store, and more.

Unlike other types of marketing, point-of-purchase displays are not intended to attract additional foot traffic to a store—rather, the goal is to target customers who are already in the store to increase sales. The benefit of targeting in-store shoppers is that they are highly-engaged prospects—they are already interested in the products you offer and very close to making purchasing decisions. All they need is a nudge in the right direction, and that’s where point-of-purchase displays come in!

Types of point-of-purchase displays

Digital point-of-purchase displays

Digital POP displays generally consist of screens that can be mounted around grocery and retail stores to advertise products. They can show slideshows, videos or animations explaining how and when to use the product, feature lifestyle shots of people enjoying the product to evoke positive emotions in customers, or even offer interactive content that encourages shoppers to provide their contact information.

As the digital transformation sweeps through the retail industry, savvy retailers will use creative digital solutions to keep their customers engaged and loyal. A good phygitalization strategy, the integration of the digital into the physical shopping space, can help prevent customers from straying to online shopping or competitors.

End-cap displays

“End-cap” refers to the shelving on the end of an aisle. Customers don’t always venture down every aisle, but almost all of them will see the ends of the aisles, making these high-traffic areas perfect for point-of-purchase displays!

Displays near the checkout line

Displaying small, inexpensive items near the checkout counter can help drive sales. The customers in line have already decided to make a purchase, and are therefore more likely to pick up a few extra items if they won’t add too much to the total bill.

Checkout displays can turn the nuisance of a long lineup into an extension of the shopping experience that will keep customers engaged and interested while they wait. Retail giants like Walmart and Canadian Tire have optimized this strategy by creating a path of product displays where customers line up.

The many benefits of point-of-purchase displays

Attention-grabbing displays

Many shoppers tend to skim the shelves looking for products. Unfortunately, the packaging is often insufficient to convince them to make a purchase. Point-of-purchase displays provide bigger, bolder, more visually appealing marketing material that customers will be more likely to notice. Visually striking or interactive displays help attract customer attention and make the shopping experience more enjoyable.

An opportunity to highlight product promotions

Point-of-purchase displays are a great way to showcase the promotions you have on offer and encourage shoppers to take advantage of them. Promotions affect a product’s perceived value. If consumers think they’re getting a deal, they might be persuaded to make a purchase they wouldn’t buy otherwise. This is also a great strategy for getting rid of excess inventory!

Enhanced visibility

With the sheer number of products crowding shelves these days, it’s easy for shoppers to get overwhelmed and overlook things. Point-of-purchase displays can boost the visibility of products at key points during the decision-making process to increase sales. This can be done by placing product displays at strategic locations such as end-caps or near the checkout counter lineup, or with bold digital signage that draws eyes to the product.

Versatility

Particularly with temporary and digital point-of-purchase displays, it’s easy to feature different products and change them up regularly so that each time customers come in, they can discover something new. Integrating digital signage in retail and grocery stores brings an incredible amount of flexibility, including dynamic pricing capabilities, where prices can be adjusted as needed based on the competition, available stock, and more!

A way to provide shoppers with additional information

Point-of-purchase displays are a great opportunity to tell shoppers about the qualities of a particular product and provide them with more in-depth information than is available on the packaging. Highlighting a product’s features and benefits gives customers important details that can help them make a purchasing decision. Even something as small as a QR code on an electronic shelf label can help customers get the information they need!

A strategy for targeting impulse buyers

According to a POPAI shopper engagement study, 82% of purchasing decisions are made in-store. Harnessing that and encouraging impulse buying can have an incredible impact on sales. Point-of-purchase displays are extremely effective tools for targeting people who walk into the store not knowing what they want to buy.

An opportunity to leverage cross-selling

Point-of-purchase displays are a great way to showcase complementary products, such as condiments near the hamburger buns or pitchers and ice cube trays near the lemonade. This strategy can remind customers about additional items they need and increase the amount they end up purchasing.

Digital point-of-purchase displays for a better in-store experience

JR Tech Solutions is North America’s leading supplier of digital pricing and ESL solutions. We offer completely customizable screens that can be updated with the click of a button for vibrant digital point-of-purchase displays that are sure to entice your customers. Contact us today to bring your store into the digital age!