Understanding COVID-19’s impact on grocery & food retailers

Grocery and food retailers are responding to an unprecedented demand that strains the entire ecosystem. Customers from all demographics, but especially those over 50, have shifted to digital and delivery, ushering in a new normal for food retail that may become permanent. This has created an environment poised for innovation, with a need to realign supply chains, redefine what parts of the food workforce are essential, and gain a deeper understanding of how to connect with loyal customers through social media.

Topics covered in this article:

• Practical next steps, including the establishment of an empowered crisis team and clear messaging to associates around their safety
• Key questions leaders should ask, including on the possibility of labor shortages and the management of working capital
• Potential long-term impact on retail food & grocery, including sustained category changes and permanent shifts in consumer behavior