The retail grocery landscape is changing fast, technology is reshaping consumer behavior, and consumer behavior is reshaping retail. The National Grocers Association (NGA) 2018 Show, held this February in Las Vegas, will provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With more than 40 workshops and general sessions being offered to over 3,500 attendees, NGA 2018 will be a great event for independent grocers to network with colleagues, learn from thought leaders, and seek solutions.
Here are five industry trends worth following. Workshops and general sessions are listed below each corresponding trend description.
Trend – The Digital Consumer
The Internet of Things has redefined the customer journey. With real-time access to product information, competitor prices, and promotions – shoppers are more retail savvy than ever before. Retailers will have to step up their game and adopt real-time data solutions to remain competitive in an industry where consumers call the shots.
NGA Show 2018 will offer a technology-centric workshop track entitled “Tech Trends,” that will focus on how technology has empowered consumers and increased their ability to self-direct their own customer journey. Here are three relevant sessions worth checking out:
Tech Trends: They Want it All – The Empowered Consumer
Monday, February 12 • 9:45am – 10:45am
Tech Trends: 7.5 Billion Bosses – Consumers Are In Charge Now
Tuesday, February 13 • 8:30am – 9:30am
Super Session: Surviving the Brave New World of Food Retailing
Tuesday, February 13 • 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Trend – The Human Component
Technology is fueling retail’s radical shift, but don’t call it a robot revolution just yet. Even in an era of click-and-collect orders, automated point of sale, and artificial intelligence, the most successful retail grocers will be those that have the best people.
Even with a seamless technology stack, it will be critical for grocers to provide high-touch, human-powered customer engagement. Not only does good leadership still matter, in a highly-competitive environment, it matters more.
NGA Show 2018 will offer a workforce-centric workshop track entitled “People Development,” that will focus on talent recruitment, leadership development, employee mentoring, and workforce retention. Here are three relevant sessions worth checking out:
People Development: Critical Recruiting Trends for Food Retailers in 2018 & Beyond
Monday, February 12 • 8:15am – 9:15am
People Development: Leadership Development Programs – Best Practices
Monday, February 12 • 9:45am – 10:45am
People Development: Employee Retention Rules
Tuesday, February 13 • 10:00am – 11:00am
Trend – Smart Store Design
Independent grocers are starting to learn how local can win against big-box behemoths. Smart store design is an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. NGA’s “Catering to Convenience” and “Innovative Ideas” workshop tracks will offer sessions that explore ways to creatively engage customers and implement better store design.
Catering to Convenience: Dairy, Deli and Foodservice Sales and Merchandising Best Practices
Monday, February 12 • 8:15am – 9:15am
Innovative Ideas: Innovative Store Design
Monday, February 12 • 8:15am – 9:15am
Catering to Convenience: Winning Collaboration Models for the Perimeter
Tuesday, February 13 • 8:30am – 9 :30am
Trend – Profitability and Price Wars
Online pure plays are trying to grab market share away from brick retailers and big box giants are moving into grocery’s backyard. Amazon buys Whole Foods. Walmart opens grocery-centric Neighborhood Markets. How do independents compete? Where can they cut costs? What are the implications of tax reforms in Washington? What advantages do local and regional grocers have that they can leverage in this competitive market?
To get some financial perspective consider attending the 4-hour Sunday symposium. If you’re awake bright and early on Monday, NGA offers a breakfast super session that will delve into strategies for survival against price-cutting competition.
Operating For Excellence: FMS Financial Symposium
Sunday, February 11 • 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Super Breakfast Session: How to Coexist with a Hard Discounter
Monday, February 12 • 6:45am – 8:00am
Operating For Excellence: Profitability Improvement Strategies – What is Your Data Telling You?
Tuesday, February 13 • 8:15am – 9:15am
Trend – Technological Disruption
Multi-channel commerce isn’t enough. Even omni-channel platforms won’t cut it if a retailers software setup isn’t unified. Consumers get product information in real time, and commerce is going channel-agnostic. Frictionless commerce and enhanced customer engagement are the goals. Your shoppers expect the same experience whether they’re in-store, on mobile, or through the web.
What will come next? Artificial intelligence? Virtual Reality? Technological disruption of the retail space will only continue. How can retailers capitalize on this moment?
General Session: Digital Disruption -Understanding, Adaption, And Persistence Equals Real Growth
Monday, February 12 • 11:00am – 12:00pm
Building Bigger Baskets: Competing With E-Comm Retailers – Enhancing the In-Store Experience
Tuesday, February 13 • 8:30am – 9 :30am
Super Session: Surviving The Brave New World Of Food Retailing
Tuesday, February 13 • 3:15pm – 4:30pm
