Inflation is shifting consumer mealtime behavior, opening up new opportunities for food retailers.

Rising restaurant prices and takeout costs are pushing consumers on a budget to rethink dining out. On the other hand, cooking from scratch is time-consuming and it doesn’t always fit into busy schedules.

Enter the “Third Way”: foodservice at retail. Consumers are increasingly turning to hot bars, cold bars and deli-prepared foods to get quick, convenient meal solutions without the high restaurant price tag or sink full of dirty dishes. The right merchandising strategy enables food retailers to capture more of this displaced ‘dining out’ budget, winning a bigger share of stomach in the process.

What Merchandising Tactics Can You Use to Elevate Your Foodservice Program?

If you want to make your store a go-to destination for inflation-wary shoppers looking for a convenient meal, it’s not enough to rely on the same merchandising tactics you’ve always used. Food retailers have to work harder to capture their attention and inspire purchases.

Use these merchandising tips to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers while positioning your store as a foodservice destination.

Showcase Value

Especially with self-serve hot and cold bars, value starts with the visual.

That means customers are evaluating your food bar from a distance, trying to determine if it’s worth their time (and hard-earned dollars). An outdated, dirty food bar streaked with splatters serving food that looks dry and unappetizing will hurt your store’s overall image and push value-seeking customers away. A clean, inviting food bar with modern equipment and well-merchandised deli areas shows that your prepared items offer quality and convenience.

Showcasing value starts with the right foundation. Our i2i Modular Island System is highly flexible with a modular design that makes it easy to customize. The SB-H Hot End configuration is an ideal setup for creating a quick meal destination that will entice shoppers. High-quality construction ensures this island will hold up long-term, even in high-traffic environments.

Emphasize Micro-Customization

Another way that food bars deliver value for shoppers on a budget is by offering micro-customization. Shoppers can take as much as they need of each item. Be sure your signage and messaging convey that portion control is budget control, and shoppers essentially set their own price by only taking as much as they need.

Compare that to other fast-casual options with fixed prices and portions, and the value is obvious. This is especially true for families looking to satisfy everyone’s preferences without breaking the bank.

Be the Hybrid Meal Hero

“Hybrid” meals that combine some prepared items with home-cooked food are more prevalent than ever. Your store’s deli and food bars are the easiest way for a shopper to make a complete meal quickly.

Pair that with leftovers at home, and shoppers get the added benefit of less food waste. Last night’s chicken, plus roasted veggies from the hot bar and fresh-cut fruit from the salad bar, makes a complete meal in minutes.

Food retailers have to work harder than ever to meet the expectations of shoppers, who are balancing tight budgets and busy schedules with flavor preferences and health goals. Your merchandising strategy is a valuable way to show your shoppers that your store can meet all their needs.

No matter your merchandising goals, the experts at Hillphoenix are here to help. As your partner for full-store refrigeration solutions, we can support you every step of the way from design and installation to updated display cases and replacement parts. Contact our team to learn more.

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These merchandising takeaways are inspired by data and trends from this year’s IDDBA show, where the biggest names in food retail shared new products, perspectives and industry insights. We combined the show’s most prominent themes with our own merchandising expertise to deliver these helpful recommendations.

Stay up-to-date on the latest merchandising trends by exploring Merchandising Matters, our one-stop resource hub for all things food merchandising. You’ll find pictures to inspire you, short videos to help you set the stage for success, trend reports and so much more.

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