Progressive Grocer - November 2008 - (Page 88)

Grocery list Grocery POUR With holidays coming, grocers with alcohol programs can focus on better value and merchandising fun to lessen the “Bah, humbug!” factor. By Danny Brager Help the According to a recent Nielsen survey, 58 percent of consumers surveyed said they’re “very worried” about food prices. However, nearly 85 percent said they’re spending the same amount or more on beer, wine, and spirits off-premise. I 88 t doesn’t take an expert in economics to know that we’re entering the crucial holiday season at a time of great financial insecurity. Clearly, 2008 has been an exceptionally volatile year, one that has given us government bailouts of large financial institutions, turmoil in the housing industry, and the collapse of major investment banking firms. According to Nielsen’s research, pressures on the pocketbook are significantly influencing consumer behavior. More than 60 percent of con- At a time when consumers are cutting back, but still want and need to celebrate, the grocery store’s role becomes all the more important. For grocers who can legally sell alcohol, a wellplanned beverage alcohol strategy for the holidays can bring in high-value customers who help to enhance sales at the checkout. After all, beverage alcohol adds 60 percent to 80 percent to the value of the average shopping basket. The sharp increase in the cost of living clearly has many consumers worried. In a recent poll conducted by The Nielsen Company, 58 percent of consumers surveyed said they’re “very concerned” about food prices. With consumers feeling the double whammy of rising costs and diminished spending power, it’s no wonder that consumer confidence is now the lowest it has been since 1992. • Progressive Grocer • November 2008 Compared to a year ago, are you going out more often, as often, or less often? Percentage of those who “go here” that responded “less often” Visiting channel Visited less often 92% 67% 66% 56% 65% 42% 27% 59% 57% 65% 55% 52% 55% 52% Fine dining Nightclub Casino/ other resort Fast casual Outdoor/ indoor event Bar Casual dining SOURCE: THE NIELSEN COMPANY A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T www.progressivegrocer.com http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - November 2008

Progressive Grocer - November 2008
Contents
Front End
Nielsen’s Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight
Market Snapshot
Lempert Report
Independents Report
Cover Story: Store of the Month
PG Industry Event
Private Label: What Economic Downturn?
Private Label: Critical Mass
2008 Category Captains Awards
Beverage Alcohol
Meat Snacks
Meat Trends
Produce
Holiday General Merchandise
Equipment Innovations

Progressive Grocer - November 2008