How to start a Grocery Business with an Online app and Offline shop?

Starting a grocery business with an online app and offline shop is called an "Omnichannel Grocery Business"

Omnichannel customer engagement is becoming increasingly essential for grocery businesses, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to research, companies that implement strong omnichannel strategies retain 89% of their customers, compared to 33% retention for companies with weak omnichannel engagement.

Supermarket stores are popular for weekly grocery shopping and bulk purchases due to their wide variety of SKUs, but they are losing business to online grocery delivery apps when it comes to immediate purchases. Long checkout times and travel distances are among the reasons why consumers prefer online grocery delivery. However, the touch-and-feel experience, discounts, and product variety are the advantages that grocery stores offer.

The key is to retain the benefits of both offline store and online shopping (i.e. omnichannel model)

Here are 05 ways that omnichannel can provide grocery businesses with the biggest opportunity to increase their market share:

1. D2C Dark Store: This model allows customers to buy online via a mobile app and get delivery within 30 minutes, thanks to a D2C dark store.

2. B2B Dark Store: Nearby hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses can purchase in bulk through this model, which is referred to as "HORECA." Same-day deliveries for "HORECA" can add to their convenience and increase recurring revenue for hypermarket brands.

3. Buy Online & Pickup from Store: Customers can save time by browsing and selecting products online, then picking them up from the store quickly on their way home.

4. Browse In-store, Buy online and deliver at home: This option is for customers who want to browse in-store but do not want to wait in long queues or carry heavy items. They can purchase in-store using a mobile app or kiosk and have the products delivered to their home at their preferred time.

5. Omnichannel Loyalty Program: Maintaining a uniform loyalty program across all channels is crucial. Hypermarket brands must ensure that both online and offline customers receive the same offers and benefits. By creating an omnichannel loyalty program, customers can earn points and redeem them across all channels during their next purchase.

In conclusion, an omnichannel approach can provide grocery stores with the opportunity to retain customers and increase market share. By implementing D2C and B2B dark stores, enabling online purchase with in-store pickup, and creating a uniform loyalty program, omnichannel grocery model can satisfy customers' demands for convenience, variety, and discounts while maintaining the touch-and-feel experience.

About YRC:

YRC specialises in strategising grocery businesses (online & offline business models) with a focus on SOPs, business plan, sales & operating plans as they are essential for an organisation or business to flourish.

Refer to the following video for more details on the above subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU4D7jSsVUk