Supermarkets Can Learn From Dollar Stores
David Orgel's Viewpoint ["How Food Stores Can Cash In on Dollar Merchandising," SN, Aug. 19, 2002].
As a supplier to stores employing this merchandising strategy, I can say that your opinion of this retail segment is right on the money. Dollar stores have continued and will continue to take away market share from supermarkets unless supermarkets act proactively. For too long, supermarkets have made their general merchandise aisles an afterthought. But consumers have gotten smarter. The key to a successful dollar store has been and continues to be a combination of good values and good foot traffic. Most supermarkets have tremendous foot traffic. All they need is the knowledge of how to merchandise this exciting price point.
