You know it to be true – meal solutions sell. Give your shoppers inspiration for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert, and watch the incremental sales and impulse purchases soar.
Words might not even be necessary. You may find that beautiful recipe photos and QR codes that send interested customers to the ingredients lists and instructions are all you need.
Here's an example from outside the produce department. On one shopping trip this summer, I saw a large poster in the seafood department that referenced salmon recipes and had a QR code on it. I honestly don’t recall much of the text from the sign: the messages I retained were that there was a sale and that there were “delicious salmon recipes” available via the QR code.
When I used the QR code, there was so much great information! My husband, shopping with me, commented that he only wished they had the same trove of recipes for swordfish and halibut, fancier fish he’s been wanting to buy but looking for guidance on because they require a bigger investment.
Here’s the thing – they probably do have recipes for those fish as well. My husband just wasn’t aware of those resources or wasn’t invested enough to take the extra steps of tracking them down. Had there been a QR code for the fish he wanted, though, the store would have gotten another $20 or so from us.
As you consider what kinds of recipes to feature, keep your shopper demographics in mind. Are your customers an aspirational crowd that will be thrilled at the challenge of a fabulous and elaborate recipe? Are they ultra-busy parents for whom limited ingredients and quick prep time are essential? Are they an older group who will be more likely to try a new recipe if has mostly items they’re familiar with?
Meal inspiration is one more way to earn credibility with your shoppers. Good luck reeling in those additional sales!