Shopping Spree: How Big Retailers Outsmart Inflation
Shoppers in Kenya flock to one of the country's leading supermarkets. Photo courtesy of FT (Financial Times)

Shopping Spree: How Big Retailers Outsmart Inflation

Introduction

Have you ever walked into a supermarket, spotted a bargain, and felt like you hit the jackpot? That's the feeling that big retailers want you to have.

What's their secret to making sure that happens? They use inflation-beating tactics that help customers save money on select products even when the cost of living is high.

In this article, we're going to take a look at how big retail stores are able to outsmart inflation and offer big discounts on some items. We'll also explore how these tricks work and discuss whether or not they are ethical and sustainable. So if you're looking for ways to stay on top of your budget, this article is for you!

Understanding Inflation & Its Impact on Shopping

As shoppers, it's important to understand how inflation affects prices. Inflation simply means that prices are rising and the impact of this is felt in our wallets. Big retailers know this and use it to their advantage, offering huge discounts on select items. Think of it as a game that they play against us, the shoppers.

So how do they do it? By using something called ‘price gap’ – the difference between what they charge for select products and what other stores are offering those same items at. These retailers stock up on products when the price gap is largest, meaning they can offer the same products at much lower prices. This way, they stay competitive while still turning a profit despite inflation.

Moreover, when shopping for essential food items and other household items, it pays to understand which products will be affected most by inflation. For example, as demand rises for certain commodities or services that are beyond retailers’ control (like fuel or labor costs), you may see bigger price increases than if you opt for non-perishable goods like canned food or paper towels.

How Big Retailers Combat Inflation

Inflation is a real challenge for big retail stores, but they've managed to stay one step ahead by making some savvy moves. One way these supermarkets are combating inflation is by personalizing product recommendations to their customers. Companies use customer data to evaluate trends and then stock more of what their customers will buy. By having the right inventory on hand, retailers can minimize the costs of goods sold and maximize profits.

Another way retailers are adapting to inflation is by changing their product mixes and accepting lower margins on certain products. For example, if a retailer finds that the cost of a specific product has gone up due to inflation, they may choose to offer the same product at a lower price point in order to keep costs down and make it more affordable for customers. This strategy allows them to remain competitive in the marketplace while still delivering value to their customers.

Finally, retailers and suppliers are negotiating whether or not prices need to be raised as a result of inflationary pressures. For example, some companies may decide to pass on some of their increased costs directly onto the customer in order to remain profitable, while others may choose not to raise prices at all and absorb the cost themselves by using strategies such as cost-cutting.

Discount Strategy as a Smart Consumer Move

As a smart consumer, you can take advantage of the big retailers’ discount strategy by being aware of the inflation rate and buying items when they are discounted the most. This way, you can get more bang for your shilling and stretch your budget while beating inflation.

To pick up on the trend, you need to keep up with news related to inflation rate and do some research on the products you’re looking to purchase. It helps to know the prices of certain items before they are discounted because it will give you an idea of how much money you could save- which would then add up over time. Also, be aware of any promotional offers or sales that supermarkets and other stores may have so that you don’t miss out on any discounts or bonus items.

For example, let’s say some supermarkets or stores offer discounts on specific products during weekends or particular months. If that’s the case, then time your purchases during those periods when something is discounted. Taking these steps will ensure that you get more for your money and stay ahead of inflation.

Pre-Shopping Research to Maximize Savings

You probably already know that big retailers like to offer discounts on select products, but did you know that the majority of customers in Kenya pre-shop to make sure they get the best deal? Pre-shopping research can help maximize savings by allowing customers to compare prices and pinpoint quality bargains.

With today's technology, it's easier than ever to get the most bang for your shilling. Here are some tips for effective pre-shopping research:

  1. Make use of price comparison websites to check prices across multiple vendors.
  2. Take advantage of digital coupons and e-commerce discounts offered by retailers.
  3. Look for loyalty cards and rewards programs that can give you additional discounts on purchases.
  4. Join online forums and social media sites that are dedicated to providing shopping tips, such as deals and special offers from retailers.
  5. Research reviews and ratings before buying a product—this helps ensure you get the quality you're looking for without overspending!

By taking the time to do a bit of research up front, consumers in Kenya can save money on their favorite products while still enjoying unbeatable value and quality they'd expect from their favorite retailer!

How Discounts Stimulate the Economy

It's no secret that big retailers are masters of avoiding inflation. With their strategic discounting, they can keep prices low and their customers coming back for more. How do they pull it off?

The discounting strategy is something retailers use to stimulate the economy and drive sales. When shoppers flock to stores on the promise of a deal, it's a win-win for both the retailer and the consumer. The retailer can recoup some costs from the discounted products, while shoppers benefit from getting more for less money.

Discounts During High Inflation Times

When inflation rates rise, it tends to push prices up on everyday items, making them harder to afford. But retailers will often offer discounts at these times as a way to entice people into shopping despite rising prices—and shoppers are usually happy with the trade-off.

Leveraging Technology

Retailers can also use technology like online shopping portals or apps to make discounts available beyond just in-store deals. This makes it easier for shoppers to compare prices and find deals that other retailers aren't offering. By leveraging tech tools like this, companies get an edge on their competitors in terms of discounts while still keeping prices low enough that customers flock to them instead of other stores.

Finding Deals in the Digital Age

You can find amazing deals by going digital too. Many retailers offer deals through social media like Twitter and Instagram. So, it's a good idea to follow your favorite stores and brands on these platforms to score great discounts.

Lastly, shopping on the right day can also lead to savings. For instance, some stores offer reduced prices on certain products during the weekend while others may have midweek specials and discounts that are worth checking out. So with some research and advanced planning, you can always find a bargain!

Conclusion

Shopping for big-ticket items can be a tricky endeavor, especially with ever-rising inflation rates. But by understanding how big retailers operate and utilizing their strategies to maximize value, you can save even more money on your purchases. From knowing when to shop, to selecting the right payment method, there are myriad ways to outsmart inflation.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to be a smart shopper, and big retailers are here to help. And with the right knowledge and strategy, you can score big discounts, even when inflation is running rampant.

Elizabeth Cushny

Senior Program Manager (East Africa) at TechnoServe

1 年

Great article, KELVIN MUTURI! I also wonder how we can address some of the ethical and sustainability concerns associated with the tactics used by big retailers to offer discounts. For example, offering lower prices on select items may lead to price disparities and unfair competition for small retailers. Additionally, changing product mixes and accepting lower margins on certain products may lead to inferior quality products, which may not be sustainable in the long run - is there any way to address the ethical and sustainability implications of the tactics used by big retailers to offer discounts? Just thinking out loud...... Thanks for the great share!

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