Are Retail Grocers Really Gouging..Seriously?

First and foremost let me say on behalf of every grocery shopper during the Covid crisis to every independent food retailer...

THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE!

I will always tip my hat to every independent retailer who despite their own personal safety as well as their families safety never missed a day. Yes, the store was always open!

They always showed up for work every day and they made certain much needed essentials were on the shelves.

So now independent grocers are in the fight of their lives. Inflation has been huge and yes prices are up. But is it fair to call this gouging?

There is no debate retail?prices?for everything are?sky high. However most independent grocers are struggling to maintain retail sales and keep their head above water.

Record interest rates, labor, utilities, circular print, costs U.S. Mail costs, equipment, cost of goods are all up and up a lot.

Independent retailers today have to rethink their individual go to market strategy.?

Prices are unlikely to come down. Inflation has been lower but that only speaks to slower increases in the cost of goods not a reduced cost of goods.

Customer service will have to be the journey for the independent grocers survival. Be present on the sales floor, be approachable and take care of your customer.

Tell your all important retail story. What is special about your store? What is it you do to make that customer want to come back? Do you always try new products? Shop Local, shop fresh?

Get out and tell that story wherever they are. Digital touches your customer at their son or daughters?soccer practice, dentist appointment or even out to dinner with the family.

The next time you're out to dinner notice some of the other patrons at other?tables. As soon as they finish dinner everyone is checking their phones.?

Don't miss any opportunity to touch your customer digitally when and where they are looking for?you...On their phone!?