What Is a Grocerant? The Latest Food Retail Trend
To get ahead in the grocery industry, you have to stay on top of trends and adapt to new concepts — and one of those rapidly-emerging trends is the "grocerant."
But what exactly is a grocerant? And how can it benefit your business?
Let’s explore the concept of grocerants: what they are, why you should consider investing in one, and how the right business tools can help you get started.
What Is a Grocerant?
A grocerant is a hybrid concept that merges a grocery store with a restaurant or quick-service food outlet. This innovative model allows customers to shop for fresh ingredients, grab a quick bite to eat, or enjoy a full meal — all under one roof. Grocerants typically offer a variety of food options, from freshly prepared meals and made-to-order sandwiches to salad bars and hot food stations.
Why Is a Grocerant a Smart Investment?
So, why should you start a grocerant? Consider these factors:
1. Convenience for the Modern Consumer
Today's consumers are busier than ever, which means they're looking for convenient ways to shop and dine. Grocerants cater to this need by offering a one-stop-shop experience, where customers can pick up groceries, grab a meal, or even enjoy a sit-down dining experience — without having to visit multiple locations.
2. Increased Foot Traffic and Sales
By offering a variety of food options, grocerants can attract a wider range of customers, increasing foot traffic and sales. As customers come in to dine, they may also be enticed to pick up a few groceries (and vice versa), leading to higher overall revenue.
3. Capitalizing on the Growing Trend of Eating Out
According to recent studies, consumers are increasingly opting to eat out or order takeout rather than cook at home. By incorporating a restaurant component into your grocery store, you can tap into this growing market — and by offering natural and organic foods, you can cater to the customers who want to make healthier food choices. This way, you can boost your bottom line.
How Can a Point of Sale System Help You Run a Grocerant?
To successfully manage a grocerant, you need a robust point of sale (POS) system that can handle the unique demands of grocery stores and restaurants. Here are some key features to look for in a POS system for your grocerant:
1. Customizable Touchscreen and Button Layout
A user-friendly and customizable touchscreen interface is essential for efficiently managing your grocerant. Look for a POS system that allows you to create custom layouts for your grocery and restaurant sections, making it easy for your staff to navigate and process transactions.
2. Quick Service Restaurant Features
Your POS system should come equipped with features designed specifically for quick service restaurants, such as product modifiers, kitchen receipt printing, and customizable menus. These tools help streamline your food service operations and ensure a smooth customer experience.
3. Inventory Management
Efficient inventory management is crucial for a grocerant, as you need to keep track of both grocery and restaurant items. A solid POS system offers features like integrated purchase orders and real-time inventory tracking, making it easy to manage your stock levels and avoid running out of essential items.
4. Multi-Location Support
If you plan to expand your grocerant business to multiple locations, you need a POS system that can handle the complexities of managing multiple stores. Look for features like multi-location pricing, inventory transfers between locations, and consolidated sales reports across all stores.
5. Loyalty Programs and Marketing Integrations
A well-designed loyalty program helps you attract and retain customers, boosting your grocerant's revenue. Choose a POS system that allows you to create customizable loyalty programs, offering rewards and discounts to your most loyal customers.
You should also look for a system that integrates with popular marketing platforms, such as email marketing services and CRM systems, to help you streamline your marketing efforts and reach a wider audience.
Grow Your Grocerant With Markt POS
Here’s the bottom line: The grocerant is here to stay.
And here’s the good news: This presents a unique opportunity for new and established grocers to capitalize on the ever-evolving food retail landscape.
So, what’s your first step? Finding the right business tools.
To get started with a point of sale system made for grocerants, schedule a demo with one of our Markt POS specialists today! Or use our build and price tool to create your custom quote.
