Progressive Grocer Magazine - October 2019

In this issue

The festival of Diwali – the most anticipated and eagerly looked
forward to occasion by the retail industry, when Indians pull
out all the stops to binge on shopping and buying gifts – is just
round the corner. While big festivals come in a regular rotation
and every day is a holiday on some level – from birthdays to
promotions to farewell parties, to name just a few – putting the
“special” on special occasions generally means elevating the
foods and beverages experience for celebrating such milestones.
Retailing and business opportunities are signi􀃀 cant on these
big occasions. Retailers can attract shoppers by providing and
promoting gourmet offerings, including both packaged products
and store-made or private label choices. Consumers purchase
specialty foods for a special occasion like a dinner party,
birthday or holiday.
Many parts of the store can be a draw for occasion-minded,
gourmet-seeking shoppers, meaning that basket lift can occur
in several spots. In the perimeter, for instance, the in-store
bakery, deli, prepared food area and produce section offer a
variety of products for parties or gatherings of different scales
and sizes. Meanwhile, in center store, specialty foods can be
merchandised for everyday consumption or for days that mean
something more to a shopper.
Carrying specialty foods and beverages is a signal to
shoppers that a store provides items for both “regular” eating
occasions and occasions that mean something more.