Grocery is a word borrowed from the Arabic language (literally translated as “look and take”), in the authentic version meaning dry food: raisins, dried apricots, various smoked meats. In Turkey, the word "bakkal" was called a trader in vegetables. Currently, the name has spread to a wide range of food products: tea, coffee, flour, salt, cereals, sugar, pasta, snacks, spices and other dry or loose food.
Grocery is a peculiar indicator of the economic situation in the country. According to the state of the grocery business, one can say what are the prices of essential goods, what is the demand for them, is there a shortage of certain goods, etc.
Benefits of the Grocery Business
Grocery has several advantages over other types of trading business.
- Stable demand for the presented goods.
- Grocery has a long shelf life and does not require special storage conditions.
- Savings on rental warehouses and additional premises. It is customary to store goods such as sugar, flour, coffee, directly in the trading room in bags or bales. It is not necessary to clean them in the utility rooms.
- As a rule, grocery departments are not the favorite path of shoplifters: goods are not of great value, and almost no one will break into a trading room for a couple of bags of ground pepper and sugar.
- No need to hire a large number of staff and employees of the hall. Visitors can measure the quantity of products they need. Only a person is needed for weighing and direct settlement at the checkout.
In Russia, this type of business is not very developed in terms of technology and pricing policy compared to Western countries.
Grocery store as a type of business
Grocery is a very popular type of goods, while the owner of such a business should remember that the price and a wide range of products are very important for visitors. Pricing is often a factor in determining customer sympathy or lack thereof. With proper organization, a grocery store will bring a stable and fairly high income. Modern quality standards in this area are increasing year by year: the convenience of the premises, the availability of goods, the presence of all price tags, the “bar” system, quick service, etc. The geographical aspect is also important: make sure that the place where the store is located provides easy access by car and free parking. Ideally, a grocery store should be easily accessible for both motorists and pedestrians. The courtesy of the staff plays a big role in creating the overall image of the store.
For the organization of this business, one of the main tasks (and at the same time difficulties) are suppliers of goods. The conditions under which an agreement with them will be signed will directly affect the profitability and payback of the project. In the grocery business, a properly organized food supply is half the success. Naturally, in large cities there is high competition, which involves the struggle for the most profitable suppliers.
Grocery is a relevant and promising business, which, with proper organization and an integrated approach, will provide its owner with a steady income and quick payback.