Channel-shifting consumers

The traditional place to buy groceries has long been a supermarket or grocery store. But for more and more consumers, groceries are an incidental item one picks up while shopping at the local discount or drug store. And those alternate outlets are adapting to these customer preferences, by adding aisles devoted to food.

See this recent story from the New York Times for a greater understanding of the matter (click to link).

Implications: Changing channels has hit a lot of sectors. Grocery stores now offer heat-to-complete and deli options that compete nicely with restaurants. Drug and discount stores now offer in-store clinics that compete nicely with the traditional doctor’s office. Banks sell insurance, and insurance agents sell investments.

Will your next competitive threat come from a competitor? Or a new, unexpected channel adversary?

Mike Anderson