Even prior to the life-changing events of the coronavirus, private brand products had staked an important place in the consumer’s mind when it came to grocery shopping. Yet, now, AWG Brands are as critical as ever to retailers and consumers. While no one knows what the rest of the year will bring, there are multiple reasons to have AWG Brands well-represented in store.
Price Impact
One of the biggest impacts of the coronavirus is on employment. Record numbers of consumers will be hyper-focused on their spending in the next few months. As AWG Brands products guarantee quality without the higher prices of branded items, many consumers will be looking at AWG Brands products for the first time as they follow their new budgets. Now more than ever, it is important to have AWG Brands products on shelf so retailers can help consumers stretch their dollars even further. A particular look at the availability of Always Save in markets most impacted is a good exercise in delivering to consumers what they might need during this time.
Brand Switching
With the unprecedented demand for products, suppliers are trying to catch up in multiple areas. In some cases, like paper products, bottled water, yeast, and macaroni and cheese, suppliers just need time to fill the deluge of orders coming in. In other cases, like rice, beans of all kinds, and certain canned and frozen vegetables, the spike in consumer buying depleted actual supply stocks significantly, meaning retailers and consumers alike will have to simply wait for new crops to come in before seeing those products on shelves again. The good news for retailers is that when consumers can’t find their favorite branded products, they’ll turn to AWG Brands. This brand switching, while seemingly temporary, could be a sought-after trial period that may lead to longer-term brand acceptance.
Shopping Habit Changes
The coronavirus has also changed the frequency with which people shop. While some consumers previously shopped multiple times a week, consumers now are making extensive lists and loading up on items to last them a week or more in their home. AWG Brands offers a full breadth of center-store products that consumers can load up on and have on hand for multiple days or weeks. Cleaning products, baking staples, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and pastas will continue to be popular choices for consumers.
Meal Inspiration
Not everyone is a seasoned chef. More consumers than ever are looking for easy ways to cook for themselves at home. Meal-ready items like frozen pastas and boxed dinners needing only a few staple ingredient additions are products to watch out for as consumers have to prepare their own meals. AWG Brands provides monthly recipes and videos as well so retailers can meet the recipe-seeking consumers on social platforms where they are spending more time while at home.
