Survey: Grocers struggle to keep up with consumer expectations

With a constant shift of consumer demands for increased convenience and corporate transparency, grocers are being challenged to keep up with the calls for their adaptation, according to a recent study by Phononic, a refrigerator innovation company.

Fifty percent of surveyed consumers said that grocery stores haven’t yet figured out how to use technology like other retailers have, and 89% of those surveyed said they want to shop in a grocery store that understands how to make buying groceries an easier and/or more efficient experience. This can be achieved through an efficient store layout, as 92% of surveyed consumers said it’s important that the layout of the store makes it easy to find things.

Also according to the survey, 68% of consumers said they would be more likely to buy and try new products if grocery stores placed them near checkout, and 82% said it’s important that the store and/or chain is environmentally friendly and/or supports local growers/food producers.

“As e-commerce innovation continues to disrupt brick-and-mortar retail in response to consumers’ desire for a more convenient and personalized shopping experience, traditional retailers are adapting to stay relevant,” said Tony Atti, founder and CEO of Phononic. “By embracing new technology, retailers will improve consumers’ shopping experiences, and ultimately survive – and thrive – in this increasingly competitive landscape.”