According to the Nielsen’s Consumer Insight 2009 Industry Outlook* it is very interesting to read about the projected trends that will offer retailers the incredible opportunity to create “perfect timing” marketing programs.

I love the statement: “From sustainable manufacturing techniques to innovative national brand offerings, the products and services likely to succeed in 2009 will be those that appeal to the sensible consumer looking for a rational benefit.” Bingo, here’s our opportunity. I repeat: sensible consumer looking for a rational benefit  -  this is right up our natural products industry’s ally!

I pulled just a couple of the projected trends from the report for 2009 that I thought reinforced my enthusiasm:

TREND: Cooking from scratch will make a comeback.
Sales of cooking and baking supplies are on the rise as shoppers are buying more flour, shortening, oils, and even canning supplies. Although the motivation may be cost savings, many families will find that cooking from scratch may be a step up in both taste and nutrition.



DEBBY’S THINK OPPORTUNITY: We all know that people are not eating out as often… so that means we have the opportunity to offer new cooking techniques—even some that get back to the basics. Bulk, herbs, and individual ingredients sales can be increased with suggested shopping lists and recipes. You can have them on display in the store and on your websites. You can offer creative cooking tips and ingredient education at the bottom of your cash register receipts and on your POS consumer displays. And don’t forget… those Organic Wine and Beer sales… consumers consider a mid-range $15-$17 bottle of organic / biodynamic wine an affordable luxury! Oh the cross merchandising possibilities!! What’s sitting in your cheese and cracker departments?

TREND: Vitamins sales will outpace other categories.  
While health and wellness trends may come and go, vitamins may be the one HBC category that will show steady growth in 2009. For most of 2008, the vitamin category was the only HBC category to grow unit sales by more than 2%. As the U.S. population gets older, and time-stressed families supplement less than desirable eating habits, vitamins will continue to grow unit volume. However, competitive pricing may keep dollar growth lower.

DEBBY’S THINK OPPORTUNITY: Education, education, education PLUS creative merchandising will be (and is) key. Understand the traffic flow in your store and create value added and educational displays along those paths. Don’t forget signage that offers an incredible way to grab consumer attention and increase sales. If you’d like more information and ideas, consider registering for one of my “30 minute” askDebby.com TeleTrainings (free to natural product retailers):

“RETAIL SIGNAGE: TIPS for Increasing Sales & Service”
Thurs, Jan 15 at 9am EST

"STORE TRAFFIC FLOW: Unleashing your hidden sales potential!"
Wed, Dec 10 at 2:30pm EST
Tues, Jan 13 at 10am EST

Have fun and start planning now to grab and run with projected trends… you CAN make a difference… just grab some ideas and run with them!

Have questions that you would like me to address in future BLOG entries?  Please click here and share away! Thanks in advance.

Until next time, here’s wishing you a great day! Debby

Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions
askDebby.com


*To read the entire Neilson Consumer Insight article, click here.