Our stores aren’t just places to buy food. They’re cultural spaces where families find the ingredients that bring their traditions and celebrations to life. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day, quinceañeras and graduations, May and June are filled with events that matter. But they also bring financial pressure, especially in 2025. Let’s see how human experience and customer loyalty help grocers thrive.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, food prices rose 2.8% in the past year. Essential goods like eggs saw price jumps of over 15% in January. Add to that the 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, affecting categories like avocados, tomatoes, berries, and tequila, and we have a real challenge on our hands.
That’s why customer loyalty—built through the human experience—is more critical than ever. In a time of high inflation, we can’t rely on price alone. We must offer emotional value, meaningful service, and personalized connections to attract traffic and increase average ticket size.
Inflation Demands a Stronger Human Experience in Stores
Today’s customers visit multiple stores before making a purchase. Seventy-six percent of U.S. consumers now compare prices across supermarkets (Grocery Dive). That means customer loyalty is no longer automatic—it’s earned through service, trust, and emotional connection.
Festive, personal experiences drive repeat visits
- In-store events: Traditional tastings, live cooking demos with budget-friendly recipes, and local vendor activations surprise and delight, turning each visit into a memorable moment and boosting cart size.
- Seasonal celebrations: Create immersive displays using holidays like Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. Highlight cultural products and work with suppliers to add visual appeal and community flair.
Smart Sales Strategies Combat Inflation and Grow Loyalty
Build bigger baskets with themed solutions
- Bundled deals: Offer complete experiences—like a “Weekend Fiesta Pack” with meat, tortillas, guacamole, and soda—to simplify decisions and encourage higher spending.
- Cross-merchandising: Place salsa near tortilla chips, or limes next to tequila, with clear promotions. This small detail increases engagement and ticket size.
Related Article: Do You Know All Your Customers? The Non-Hispanic Customer
Transparency Builds Trust and Customer Loyalty
Clear communication shows empathy
- Explain price changes: Use signage to explain why certain items cost more and offer lower-cost alternatives. This honesty strengthens the bond in times of inflation.
- Offer savings tips: Share weekly discounts and affordable recipes on social media. Customers facing higher costs will appreciate helpful planning tools.
Track Competitor Prices and Strengthen Loyalty Programs
Stay agile to retain traffic
- Compare and adjust regularly: Monitor top-selling items and ensure your pricing stays competitive without eroding margins.
- Reward loyalty: Offer cumulative discounts, exclusive perks, and incentives that remind shoppers their loyalty pays off. This makes it harder for them to switch stores for a few cents in savings.
The Human Experience Is Your Competitive Edge
Genuine service and purpose win every time
- Let staff shine: Empower employees to be themselves and offer knowledgeable, warm service. Help with special cuts, traditional recipes, or ingredient questions to create a truly human interaction.
- Speak the customer’s language: Bilingual service isn’t a luxury—it’s essential to making everyone feel seen and heard.
In Times of Inflation, Customer Loyalty Is Priceless
Inflation may raise prices, and tariffs may increase costs, but a strong human experience can’t be matched. As Vicente Fernández sang, “Y volver, volver, volver…” That’s exactly what we want: customers who return not just for price, but for warmth, familiarity, and the community we create.
In 2025, let’s meet inflation head-on by focusing on what matters most: customer loyalty grounded in human connection.