DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AT ALL?
A Very Merry Christmas?
Traditions still maintain, even during a pandemic. We can’t allow Covid 19 to be the Grinch that steals this Christmas.
Over 2020 as seasonal events have occurred during Covid 19, Brain & Poulter have helped many retailers successfully deliver Mother’s Day and Father’s Day food & beverage solutions as home delivery experiences. Retailer innovation has so far been impressive in this regard and, when allied with a good marketing effort through social media, can result in good sales.
As Xmas looms rapidly into view how can retailers apply the lessons learned from servicing key events? What will customers truly value this Xmas and what opportunities will there be as a result for fresh food and restaurant operators?
I do believe Xmas is a little MORE sentimental this year
Customer sentiment this year will likely focus on the shared experience as much as gift giving. Considering many families have been distanced or unable to reunite for long periods of time, retailers that demonstrate they understand helping customers celebrate well with family and friends is at the heart of any products, solutions or food experiences this Xmas will benefit.
Christmas Stuffing
We know that well constructed catering or easy to assemble bundled food & drink solutions have worked well this year in satisfying customers and generating sales. A Xmas offer which focus on entertaining or dining solutions over the festive period can similarly work well. We also know that packing your venue isn’t an option this year. So delivering a taste of Xmas year is key. As Santa well knows.
As a few examples packages which combine food and drink to satisfy different social occasions (e.g. Champagne and nibblies for 4 on Xmas Eve, Christmas Seafood Lunch for 6, Traditional Christmas Diner for 6, with matching wines by course, Boxing Day picnics, Cheese & Wine platters) would work well.
Packages should take the pain away from cooking and preparation allowing customers to spend more precious time with family and friend. A complete package should consider all the small details that round out the experience (condiments and sauces are the equivalent of “batteries included”!). With no international travel this Christmas there will undoubtedly be many customers happy and wiling to redirect this discretionary income to celebrations.
A few simple steps
- Start thinking about packages which satisfy this potential demand (food and wine)
- Focus on easy to assemble pre prepared solutions which make Christmas easy and a true joy (add in some Xmas Crackers as a gift with purchase!)
- Start using social media to connect with customers and ask them how they are planning to spend Xmas (this will help assess demand)
- Ensure products can be delivered or very easily picked up (contactless as much as possible and stick your delivery driver in a Santa’s helper outfit!)
- Start driving demand through effective online Xmas marketing
Lastly…..
To discuss further with Brain & Poulter book “The Christmas Cracker”– a one hour on line mentor session with our consultants where tenants undertake a 20 point checklist covering the 5 key elements of this newsletter and make a prioritised Action Plan on how to get ready for Christmas. At just $500 + gst “The Christmas Cracker” also includes a 2 week follow-up to check on your tenant’s progress and plan implementation.
B&P is actively responding to the developing COVID-19 situation by putting in place these products to support landlords and tenants.
To know more and to book “The Christmas Cracker” or any of our CoVID products click the link below
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B&P’s team of experts have worked with over 800 Australian food retailers to drive sales and reduce operating costs. Our experts have owned and operated their own award-winning food businesses and understand the complexities of managing staff, marketing food and managing costs. Our team has worked at executive management level at businesses such as Coles, David Jones Food Hall, Restaurants of the Rocks and Australia’s “Café of the Year” 92 degrees. We are not textbook consultants but come from real life food backgrounds with a commitment and passion for food.
Brain & Poulter was absolutely fantastic for our cafe in turning around the tenant's attitude and refocusing the business. After the consultancy finished the tenant is now installing new menu boards and has re-positioned the business to suit the local area market.
Melanie Hodge
Centre Manager
Mirvac Asset Management
Our sales increases are due to numerous factors including your thoughtful input. Many thanks for your help and suggestions.
Operator - Barrie
Pop n Go, Sunshine Plaza
Maroochydore
I would like to thank you for time and insight, for me it was like a one-on-one retail academy and you have given me a lot to think about.
We look forward to working with Brain & Poulter again soon.Robyn Anderson
Retail Manager - Albury/Wodonga/ Lavington
Vicinity Centres