Today more than ever, shoppers are eating dinner at home. A whopping 4 out of 5 people prepare dinner at home at least 4 nights a week, and more than 1 in 4 prepare dinner at home every night, according to the latest The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report.

With more shoppers eating at home, meal planning is on the rise, too—and that’s where food retailers can help.

Here’s how you can win over the 38% of shoppers who said they would like their grocery store to be more helpful in meal planning.

Create a Destination for Complete Meal Solutions.

Save your shoppers’ time and energy by putting everything they need for complete meal solutions all in one place. Nearly 40% of shoppers want one dedicated section where they can find all the prepared foods they need to make a complete meal, according to the report.

Try it in your store, starting with the right foundation: display cases that are modular and versatile. The Hillphoenix i2i Modular Island System is ideal for showcasing complete meal solutions because it offers ultimate flexibility. With options for hot, refrigerated and dry product applications, you can provide the prepared food your customers are looking for in a way that fits your store’s layout.

With merchandising configurations for everything from cold salads to hot rotisserie chicken and everything in between, the Hillphoenix i2i Island System gives food retailers everything you need to become a meal planner’s dream location.

Inspire Shoppers with Recipe Cards and Downloads.

Another way you can position your store as the ultimate partner for meal planning is by providing menu ideas. In your store, that could mean adding physical recipe cards and signage on or near your display cases. Be sure to include options for aspiring chefs looking to expand their repertoire as well as busy shoppers who just want to get dinner on the table fast.

For extended reach, build recipes and weekly menu ideas into your digital communication. That could mean in-app recipes for seasonal or sale items, flavorful ideas in weekly newsletters or even a spot on your website with suggestions for meal planners.

Include a Variety of Portion Sizes.

Don’t limit your meal plan ideas to just one kind of shopper.

The real shopper feedback in the Power of Foodservice at Retail Report makes it clear: some customers are looking for single-serve options while others want family-sized solutions.

Hot and cold food bars are an easy win for shoppers who want to customize their portion sizes because they can take as much (or as little) as they need. Think about how shoppers can mix and match deli items with product from the food bar to make complete meals that are adaptable and convenient. For an elegant and durable food bar that’s easy to configure to your store’s layout, use the Hillphoenix MBI Food Bar Island.

When you adjust your merchandising strategy to help meal planners, it can pay off in several ways. First, if you make it easy for shoppers to find everything they need, from appetizers to dessert, they might not have to make an extra stop at your competitors. Beyond that, it builds loyalty when you show that your store understands your shoppers’ needs.

Looking for more merchandising tips and tricks? Make sure you’re following Merchandising Matters to get all the latest ideas for boosting basket ring, building enticing displays and winning loyalty from the merchandising experts at Hillphoenix. 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.