Experienced food retailers know how much merchandising impacts shopper behavior. In the deli department, this is especially true.

The latest Power of Foodservice at Retail Report reveals that 61% of shoppers learn about deli-prepared offerings just by walking through the store. That’s great news for food retailers looking to increase deli sales, because it means your shoppers are on the lookout for fresh, convenient options as soon as they walk in the door.

Here’s how to use your in-store experience to build the kind of awareness of your deli items that drives sales.

Dynamic Displays

To capture shoppers’ attention as they explore, make sure your deli merchandising is on point. Cover the basics with refrigerated and hot display cases that are both beautiful and functional.

For a flexible solution that elevates your store’s foodservice offerings, try the Hillphoenix PTD Service/Self-Service Refrigerated Display Case. Featuring a flat glass dome profile with an option for curved or vertical glass, the PTD is available in several case lengths with a range of customization options. Choose a refrigerated or hot case with a refrigerated or hot service dome to match your application and meet your merchandising goals.

Whether you’re showcasing hot entrees ready to eat, cold grab-and-go sandwiches, or a combination of both, these cases make the perfect foundation to showcase vibrant colors and interesting flavors.

Remember, you want to catch the eye of anyone walking past, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Shoppers are actively looking for prepared items that satisfy cravings and make their lives easier, so make sure they see how your store delivers just that.

Strategic Positions

For a truly engaging merchandising strategy, think beyond the deli department.

Strategically place displays throughout your store to signal to shoppers that it’s a destination for quick, easy meals. Add grab-and-go meals right by the entrance or near checkout lines to satisfy hungry shoppers, but don’t stop there.

Look for opportunities to raise awareness of deli items in other departments, too. Build displays that incorporate your most popular deli items near complementary frozen or shelf-stable products. Offer salads or low-calorie deli items near vitamins to capture the attention of health-conscious shoppers. Merchandise prepared soups near fresh bread in the bakery. Make it easy for your shoppers to find convenient prepared items throughout the store to inspire impulse buys that build basket ring.

Self-contained cases like the Second Nature® Natural portfolio of products make it easy to move your dynamic displays around the store. When you use these plug-and-play cases, you can adapt your merchandising strategy in minutes.

Eye-Catching Signage

Only 33% of shoppers report learning about foodservice offerings through in-store signage and announcements.

That means there’s a significant opportunity to adjust your in-store experience to better communicate with your customers. Make sure you include clear, easy-to-read signage in all your merchandising displays, especially for those strategically placed around the store for disruptive merchandising.

Whether offering hot or cold products, food bars are fixed in place, so be sure your food bar signage is big and bold. You want shoppers to be able to see it from the end of the aisle. Create the feeling of a foodservice destination that invites shoppers in and guides them through the best possible in-store experience.

The right merchandising strategy can boost sales in any department, but the latest data shows a key opportunity in deli. Shoppers are going into your store looking for fresh, convenient prepared foods. Make it easy to find them with engaging, dynamic displays strategically placed around the store and eye-catching signage. Remember, Merchandising Matters!

About the Research

These are just a few of the insights uncovered in FMI’s The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report, sponsored by Hillphoenix. The report contains data and analysis based on real shopper feedback, offering an in-depth look at foodservice at retail through the shopper’s eye.

Learn more and purchase the report here.