With people returning to offices and restaurant prices on the rise, now is the perfect time for stores to promote all things brown bag lunch, including grab-and-go options.

According to Supermarket News:

• In June, grab-and-go sales surpassed deli service sales by $4 million, according to IRI data. And that’s before the school year began.
• Food retailers are increasing space and staff for fresh foods. Eighty-two percent are planning to grow the space allocation for fresh-prepared grab-and-go options, 35% are increasing space for fresh-prepared chef made-to-order stations, and 29% are expanding fresh-prepared self-service.
• 44% of retailers are also increasing staff for foodservice, 22% are planning to hire trained or certified chefs, increase in-store dining (20%), and bring in more scratch bakers or pastry chefs (18%).
• Adding an extra layer of convenience for consumers, online sales for fresh foods and beverages account for over 40% of total sales for food retailers.

The right technology can help stores predict when they’ll need to increase production to meet bursts in demand.

For consumers who are looking for a quick grab-and-go lunch, or are stopping to pick up ready-made dinner options, fast and easy checkout is necessary. Self-checkout is the best option for people who have only a few items to purchase and want to get out the door, back to work, or back home.

These technologies and new ways of operation all have one thing in common: they require a solid retail system foundation. STCR’s retail solutions not only provide access to the latest tech, but they are also custom planned for your unique needs, so they deliver the most value for customers and give you room to grow and adopt innovations.

Learn more about the retail innovations offered by STCR and take your store to the next level of efficiency and profitability in 2021 and beyond.