Retail isn’t dying, it’s ‘transforming’

Retail isn’t dying, it’s ‘transforming’

Steven Muro, president and CEO of Chatsworth, Calif.-based Fusion Marketing, tells members of the Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council that, “Retail isn’t dying, it’s transforming,” during the FPFC’s Oct. 4 luncheon meeting. Photo by Tom Burfield.

 

CERRITOS, Calif. — For those who fear that the retail industry may be dying, Steven Muro had some somewhat reassuring words.

“Retail isn’t dying,” he told members of the Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council. “It’s transforming.”

Speaking at the FPFC’s Oct. 4 luncheon, the president and CEO of Chatsworth, Calif.-based Fusion Marketing said factors like online purchasing, home delivery and new channels — including drug stores and dollar stores — are transforming retail.

He pointed out that 6,000 retail stores of all kinds have closed so far this year and offered suggestions to help supermarket chains and their produce suppliers survive.

There really aren’t too many stores, he said, there are just too many stores selling and promoting the same things.

“There will be a shakeout,” Muro said, and that shakeout will be determined by shoppers.

“We need to put ourselves in the shoes of our shoppers,” he said.

Addressing Amazon’s recent purchase of Whole Foods Market, he said that acquisition likely won’t be Amazon’s only foray into the grocery business.

Muro expects Amazon eventually to expand its grocery store presence by snapping up regional operations one at a time.

Some traditional grocery retailers have responded by developing their own home-delivery service, but he said it may make more sense to purchase an existing company than to spend time building one.

He cited Albertsons recent acquisition of Plated, the meal kit home delivery service, as an example.

He advised retailers to “create a shopping experience” with new formats, more open space, visual appeal and appetite appeal.

Add fun and entertainment, he suggested, and make shopping easy and enjoyable.

At the same time, vendors need to work with retailers to leverage their product in new ways, he said.

Produce suppliers should try to sell their products into the deli or foodservice section of the supermarket in addition to the produce department.

“Retail foodservice is huge,” Muro said.

They also should work with retail dietitians, who can promote a product not only to shoppers in-store but through mainstream media and through their own social media channels.

“Reframe your product line,” was another recommendation Muro made, citing Minis brand small avocados from Mission Produce in Oxnard, Calif., that are used to make treats like avocado toast.

Finally, he urged retailers and suppliers to “give shoppers the information you want them to have” by offering recipes, nutrition facts and other information at point-of-purchase and on packaging.

 

Latest News

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.

Natural Delights names new CEO
Natural Delights names new CEO

With CEO Tim Rooney is stepping down to pursue another opportunity, Natural Delights is promoting its chief operating officer, effective April 1.

Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase
Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase

Specialty stone fruit offerings were a focus of attention for Pacific Trellis Fruit executives at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now
Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now

Sage Fruit Co. had good news for retail attendees at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.