Supply Chain Vs. Non-Traditional Grocery Store

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Methods of operating in the retail food sector are always changing. This is especially true in the supermarket space. Today's informed consumers are increasingly demanding quality, fresh, and innovative foods. Additionally, these consumers also demand convenience be served along with these first-rate products.

More grocery products are being purchased at non-traditional food retailers. These include Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Costco Wholesale Corporation, as well as pharmacies/drugstores, and specialty alternative grocers.

How are traditional grocery stores - chains and independents - addressing the twin issues of freshness and convenience? The following are ways they're working to grow sales through serving their customers better in these two areas:

Freshness …show more content…

They then receive fresh, handpicked grocery items from stores in their area, often delivered to them in less than an hour. Customers can also schedule when exactly they wish to receive their deliveries.

2. Custom products from in-store bakeries

Traditional grocery stores are upgrading in-store bakeries to better serve customers with unique and quality baked goods. Supermarket News reported that, "Whole Foods Market plans to elevate its prepared foods and bakery departments with the creation of a new role, global VP of culinary and hospitality." (Supermarket News, December 10, 2015). Whole Foods Market's commitment is to inventive, fresh bakery products that differentiate the retailer from its competitors.

Supermarket News also noted that food retailers are modernizing their cake services to include "fresh ingredients, elaborate designs and customized ordering platforms." (Supermarket News, January 6, 2016). Consequently, the typical grocery store bakery is becoming more like your neighborhood artisan bakery. This promotes one-stop shopping in a supermarket.

3. Premier prepared foods:

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