On paper, opening a grocery store franchise in India is a simple business. But anyone who has worked in retail knows that it’s a demanding and hectic venture. It requires a well-thought-out plan.
Franchise owners have to figure out how they can get more customers in the door and keep them there. It is a misconception that marketing is not necessary because people need food and other daily necessities. This is not true. Your competitors will be right around the corner.
Every grocery store franchise owner needs a strong strategy to stand out. Seven powerful marketing strategies to fill aisles and increase sales.
1. Offers and Discounts
We love to get a great deal in India. In India, it’s part and parcel of the culture to seek out value. This is especially true for families who manage household budgets. Regular promotions are one of the best ways to increase foot traffic.
These offers, whether it is a special “Buy One Get One Deal” on staples during Diwali and Holi or a discount for the festive season of Diwali, give your customers an excellent reason to shop at your store. This helps customers save for the future and helps move your inventory quickly.
Also Read: Top 7 Proven Strategies to Manage Costs in Your Grocery Store Franchise
2. Marketing of Grocery Store
Traditional ads may not suffice if you are looking to get noticed in your area. Guerrilla marketing involves doing something unusual to capture attention.
Consider placing an eye-catching, quirky installation near your store in a busy market. This is something people won’t usually see. Remember the huge rotating fans that Havells placed on highways, for example? People were talking about it. It doesn’t take a huge budget to get people talking. You need some creativity. You can get help from a local agency to brainstorm low-cost, high-impact ideas for your franchise grocery store.
3. Delivery Services
The digital age is here. You are losing money if you’re not online. Most customers prefer to order from their homes, particularly busy professionals and parents.
You bring your shop to the customer’s doorstep by offering home delivery. Not only are you selling your products, but also the convenience. You will gain loyal customers if you deliver quickly and your product is of high quality.
4. Loyalty program
It is cheaper to keep a current customer than acquire a new client. This is where a loyalty program comes in handy.
Reward customers who return to your business. Offer points that are redeemable for discounts or a gift for spending a specific amount. Gamifying the experience of shopping is a great way to make it more fun. This will encourage customers to return to the franchise grocery store to reach their goals and collect their rewards.
5. Set up Your Store Strategically
How big are supermarkets? The layout of supermarkets is never random. These psychological triggers can be applied to franchises.
- Enter and exit: Place them on opposite sides. It forces the customer to go through the whole store and increases the chance that they’ll find something else.
- Distractions are removed so that customers can shop for longer.
- Buy at eye level: Put chocolates and other toys in lower shelves so that children can reach and see them.
- Scent marketing: Place pleasant-smelling products like perfumes or fresh-baked goods near your entrance for a good first impression.
You can optimize the layout of your supermarket with a planner, or with help from your franchiser.
6. Referral Systems
Make your customers your own marketing team. Referral systems reward shoppers who bring in new customers.
Give both a coupon if, for example, the customer recommends a friend. It’s a win/win. Your customers are rewarded when they spread the word. This builds trust as customers are more inclined to buy from places that their friends have recommended.
7. Partner up with Local Businesses
Customers who are likely to be your target market already shop at local shops. Why not work together?
Partner with a florist if you do not sell flowers. You can partner with nearby shops that sell kitchenware if you do not sell any utensils. Your customers can be recommended to their store, while they will do the same. Cross-promotion allows you to tap into an existing customer base that is local and eager to purchase.
Also Read: Grocery Store Franchise: A Complete Guide to Daily Operations
Conclusion
These strategies will help you grow your grocery store franchise and increase your sales. Success depends on knowing your market. India has a diverse population; the buying habits vary from one city to another.
Consider joining a well-established supermarket chain if all of this planning and research feels too overwhelming. Our team provides the support, advice, and marketing power you need without having to do it alone.