Summer Merchandising

15 May 2013, 12:31 pm
Speciality Bites by Paul Hargreaves

Well, we have already had a glimpse of summer as I write this, but unfortunately it was a little too short-lived

But the smell of barbeques was in the air in my neighbourhood!  It doesn’t take much for the British public to go alfresco!  Have you noticed what the supermarkets do as soon there is a hto spell?  They merchandise all the barbeque-related products together which encourages consumers to increase their basket spend.  Independent retailers should do the same – and as quickly.  Let’s look at what sells well should the British summer be kind to us this year.

Party food always sells better in hotter months than cold (apart from Christmas), so snacking products, crisps of all shapes and sizes, canapé-type products.  One line that is selling particularly well for us this year is the Xochitl (pronounced so-cheel) tortilla crisps which come from Texas.  The huge bags have great shelf presence and are great for parties. Of course, eating salty products helps develop a thirst for drinks, and there are no other products in the market, whose sales vary so dramatically depending on the weather.  After a good weekend our sales of adult soft drinks can be 50% higher than they would have been after a dull weekend, so ensure you hold plenty of stock just in case.  Elderflower based drinks remain our most successful sellers, but something different try Belvoir’s Summer Punch.

Finally, talking about summer food, wouldn’t be complete without enthusing about grilling and barbeque sauces, together with rubs and marinades.  Personally I tend to steer away from stocking too many products with “BBQ” in the name as these will really only sell during the hot days.  Better to go with “grilling” type products that consumers will also use indoors.  Wild Appetite make some superb products in New Zealand including a barbeque sauce, but for something different try the Melanesian Mango Sauce – divine on chicken or fish.

Party on – outside (hopefully!)

more from Speciality Bites

  • Generosity

    05 July 2021 Speciality Bites
    Generosity from leaders makes business better in all aspects, yet few businesses have discovered the benefits that accompany being generous of spirit.

  • We are now retailers too!

    21 June 2021 Speciality Bites
    So, the week has arrived at last when I become a retailer as well as a wholesaler. What a journey it has been.

  • We need leaders, not managers

    07 June 2021 Speciality Bites
    I’ve mentioned before that not many people can give me the name of someone when asked at interview who has inspired them most from their previous work life. This is because most people have only experienced management not leadership.