Boost fall and winter produce sales by engaging customers
Spring and summer produce usually takes the lion’s share of the accolades in the department and it’s not hard to understand why. However, as the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the fall and winter months present a unique opportunity for produce managers to innovate and increase sales. While the seasonal shift may lead to changes in consumer preferences, with the right strategies in place, fall and winter produce can steal some of the spotlight and shine all on its own.
Embrace the season
Fall and winter bring a bountiful array of seasonal produce, from apples and pears to hearty greens and root vegetables. Showcase these items to capture the essence of the season by creating eye-catching displays accented with pumpkins, squashes and cranberries to help draw customers into the department. At Healthy Family Project, our What’s in Season social media posts are our top performing posts. This has certainly proven of interest to consumers.
Step up your communication
Having signage and recipes displayed is a no brainer but what has become increasingly important is making sure those QR codes are going to something that will encourage shoppers to scan them — mouthwatering recipes or tips on how to prepare the less-frequently used items. Furthermore, in recent conversations with consumers, we learned that they rely on rail signs at shelves to tell them what they are picking up.
Making sure they are accurate and easy to read is essential.
Lean In on health benefits
Cold and flu season never comes at a convenient time. With holidays and family gatherings almost every weekend, keeping their families’ immune systems in top shape is the No. 1 priority for shoppers. Make sure to highlight the immune-boosting nutrients, minerals and vitamins of key items in the department, and consider building a one-stop display of comfort foods and soup essentials to make parents’ lives a little easier.
Harness the power of social
Showcase your fall and winter produce offerings. Share captivating images, recipes and tips on your platforms and entice customers to visit your store. Introduce your produce teams too. Let customers get to know you and your department so they look forward to shopping in your store.
Surprise & delight
Nothing is more effective for selling produce than tasting it. Not only will sampling drive incremental sales, because it is done less frequently nowadays, it leads to positive interactions between store teams and customers, stimulates curiosity and maybe most importantly engages little ones (our next generation of shoppers).
Fall and winter present an opportunity for produce managers to showcase the delicious offerings of the season while driving sales. By embracing seasonal selections, educating customers, offering promotions and creating engaging experiences, you can create a welcoming environment that encourages customers to put one more item in their basket.
