This is not business as usual. This is business unusual. To survive, landlords must embrace food delivery, click and collect and subscription services.

As the bushfire crisis, floods and now COVID-19 outbreak weigh heavily on the Australian economy, what strategies can be put in place to combat the effects of this latest health pandemic affecting our food retailers & tenancy mix?

Food delivery, click and collect and digital subscription services are witnessing a surge in sales amidst the pandemic, while department stores, fashion chains and restaurants are taking a hit as consumers opt to stay in with a takeaway to avoid the recent storms and the coronavirus outbreak.
In the latest blow to retailers already suffering from 2020’s tumultuous start, more than a quarter* of shoppers said they were avoiding shopping malls and other busy places because they were afraid of contracting the bug.
If you can’t beat them join them – is the message we are sending retailers during this pandemic!
Delivery services, click and collect and food boxes will be key to surviving the hysteria, self-isolation and lock-downs.

*data collected by The Guardian

 

 

Combat strategies in the midst of coronavirus (Assuming a 3 Month Period) 

 How can landlords best support food retailers? Through building or partnering with online order and delivery systems, embracing food delivery boxes and a “click and collect” model.

Why is this necessary – Diminished visitation resulting in lower MAT sales.

What will customers still require? Food, Hot meals and Grocery deliveries.

 

 

 

Retailer Contribution

Fresh Retailers: Advertise Fruit and Veg Boxes, Pantry Pack Essential Boxes etc.
Create a service that will still see customers shopping with you but in a slightly different capacity! Convenience is key during this time, as will be the need for fresh food & staples to create healthy meals at home.

Food Service – Create Complete Meal Packs for each day part where possible, at a price point for couples and families. This will not only help with the downturn in trade but it will also allow your customers to still “dine” with you in the comfort of their own homes; building customer loyalty long after the pandemic has passed.

 

 

 

 

The opportunities

1. Increased food deliveries to homes required

Who will provide this?
• Landlords to either provide a free delivery option for retailers who lack the necessary infrastructure

Or

• Landlords to negotiate with delivery services to get a very low rate for a three-month period – this may work for the delivery services as it will get retailers into their ecosystem. It will also be a good PR exercise for both landlords and delivery services.

2. Serviced Click & Collect – Drive Thru option for pre -orders

Who will provide this?
• Landlords to provide a manned pick up point to co-ordinate
• Landlords to create a drive through & dedicated collection area in a section of the car park

 

 

Future proof your food retailers with added services and small changes to the way you do business to alleviate some of the strain your tenancies will be feeling during the coronavirus pandemic. You never know, “business unusual” may become “business as usual”.

 

B&P has devised 2 strategies that if quickly implemented could retain sales for your retailers, even if in centre customer numbers decline.

Click the “contact us” link below to find out about a personally branded native App to can help you with ordering and delivery in the COVID-19 landscape.