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Why Private Label Brands Are Having Their Moment
Profit-driven price inflation and supply chain issues are impacting consumer buying patterns at grocery stores. Over 87% of consumers are opting for private label items or shopping at different stores for those items, particularly to save money. These proprietary brands form the core of food retailer pricing and assortment strategy, and based on current inflationary trends, are getting ever more popular.
According to SPINS, private label products have been on a growth tear for the past 52 weeks, pole vaulting from 3.8% 52 week YOY growth to 10.7% 4 week YOY growth in April. Indeed, store brand growth is outpacing total category sales by 14% in Frozen appetizers, by 10% in eggs, water and cooking oils, over 20% in refrigerated pastas and by over 40% in shelf stable functional beverages. Dan Buckstaff, CMO of SPINS, notes that, “There’s tremendous growth going on in private label right now, but it’s not uniform across categories. Some categories, there seems to be more price sensitivity than others.”
Dollar sales of private label brands were almost $ 200 billion dollars across all U.S. retail channels, or about 17.7% dollars share and 19.6% unit share of all groceries sold. Over 45% of customers buy private brands because of pricing, followed by availability, quality and taste. And more than 41% of customers bought more private label brands recently than before the pandemic. Walmart and KrogerKR -1.4% have each indicated that private brand sales have increased lately as customers reevaluate what they can afford due to stagnant wage growth and high gas, housing and food costs. While this strategy puts pressure on the big CPG brands with deep pockets, they make competing for shelf space even tougher for innovative emerging brands trying to get established while surviving sky-high failure rates and shifting consumer trends.
So why and how are store brands priced cheaper than the household name brands that we’re so familiar with? Let’s go through the math. By definition, private label brands are wholly owned by the retailers or their wholesale partners. And what this means is that the brands themselves, including the packaging, the supply chain, the ingredients, the nutritional information, everything that makes up the product itself, is proprietary and developed by the retailer or wholesaler. This doesn’t mean that name brand companies make them either; there is a whole industry for private label products out there with vast capabilities and expertise, and they sometimes even make the name brands too.
Category managers are highly skilled retail workers who decide what to merchandise and are responsible for the financial performance of their categories. As part of their regular category review processes, retail category managers may take a look at a given category and see what is selling well, what isn’t and what may be needed to improve various performance metrics, including sales, gross margins, customer retention and basket sizes. They will then work with an in-house or outsourced store brands team to determine what items need to be developed. For example, they may want to make sure that they have a value-priced option for the best-selling items in a category or that they are on trend with popular items, like veggie burgers, grain-
free tortillas or oat milk. They may need multiple price tiers in a category to fulfill varying customer needs, including value priced and more premium products. Or they may want to use the store brand as a competitive lever against some of the key name brand items that are being sold for less at competitors.
Then the private label brand team will work with a co-manufacturer who can actually formulate and produce these items at scale, either through an RFP process or based on a pre-existing supply relationship. This team looks at the formula, ingredients, the taste and organoleptic qualities of the name brand items they have identified as the most compelling equivalents. They essentially dissect the product down to its core components so that when they are formulating the private label products, they can get as close as possible to what’s on shelf. Imitation isn’t just flattery, it’s a key retailer strategy under capitalism.
So the store brand will instead be at dead net pricing, which means the lowest possible cost with all the trade and marketing dollars pulled out. This is also known as EDLP, or everyday low price. In addition, the retailer will forecasts large quantities of private label inventory so that the logistics and handling charges are lower per item. This also means the retailer must push high volumes of these value items to justify the inventory exposure. The retailer owns it all and the category manager is typically responsible for this inventory. This merchandising strategy is one of the reasons why Trader Joe’s or Aldi is so cheap; despite the quirky marketing, they each have highly centralized logistics and supply chains that support a much smaller number of SKUs than their competitors.
And then in terms of the retail price equation itself, the store brand team will assess the regular price point and gross margin and promotional price points and gross margins of the national brand equivalent. The goal here is to make the retail price as sharp as possible while trying to preserve as much of the item’s penny profit. Because if they’re going to supplement or replace the national brand equivalent with the store brand, they have to make sure that it doesn’t hemorrhage gross margin. And that’s why sometimes you’ll see that a store brand item may have slightly different ingredients, slightly different nutritionals, because such adjustments all feed into the cost savings. If the purpose of capitalism is to create products for profit and then continually lower costs to achieve the best value, then that also summarizes the role of private label products at retail to a tee.
However, many store brand items have also won plenty of quality and innovation awards, particularly due to the efforts of category managers and store brand teams at retailers like Thrive Market, Natural Grocers, and Trader Joe’s, as well Kroger with their Simple Truth line and Whole Foods’ 365 label. Such products compete on par or better in quality and taste with many national brand equivalents, particularly when they are higher attribute items such as organic or allergen friendly.
Dan Buckstaff of SPINS articulates how retailers navigate this contradiction. “For so much of the natural innovation and wellness channel, it comes down to the products themselves. So the ingredients, how they’re sourced, how they’re positioned, creates a complicated set of things to get right to speak to the consumer. As a store brand, you want to make sure that you’re doing the diligence to get the right ingredients sourced and you’re speaking to the right benefits the consumers care about. There’s a lot of things you have to get right in that innovation to be able to connect with the consumer preference.”
One final thing to remember with store brand items is that their financial performance still hinges on whether the gross margins on an item level basis match up or exceed what the gross margin targets are for that particular category. And this can vary by retailer. So a retailer like Kroger or WalmartWMT +2% will have category gross margins in the 20-30% range. While at Whole Foods, Fresh Market or Sprouts, the gross margins by category will be in the 35-45% range. And when they launch a private label item, they’re all trying to sell it for about the same price depending on the market, whether that is cereals or cookies or milk or yogurt. However, their gross margins may vary based on their scale, their supply chains, their prices of raw materials and ingredients and their leverage with suppliers, something the Robinson-Patman Act is meant to regulate.
And mass market retailers are hence typically able to achieve higher gross margins in store brands than in their categories and even overall enterprise. But smaller retailers with a higher cost operating model, such as specialty and regional grocers, natural food stores or independents/convenience stores, may have lower gross margins on private label items than their overall category because they are chasing low priced competition with much bigger purchasing power and lower operational expenses. They will then have to price all other items effectively to offset this, putting more margin pressure on incumbent brands and emerging innovations to subsidize their value items. Ironic.
The most important aspect of private label brands is that the whole formulation and pricing model is geared towards providing the shopper with the best bang for their buck, so they keep coming back for more. And based on consumer trends, that seems to be working.
Discover the unparalleled shopping experience at Trader Joe’s, a renowned grocery store chain offering a wide range of high-quality products at affordable prices. Explore the diverse selection, innovative offerings, and friendly atmosphere that make Trader Joe’s a favorite destination for food enthusiasts.
Introduction: Welcome to Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has revolutionized the grocery shopping industry with its distinctive approach to retail. With a commitment to providing unique and high-quality products, Trader Joe’s has garnered a loyal following of customers who are eager to explore the ever-changing assortment of items on their shelves. In this article, we will delve into the world of Trader Joe’s and explore the reasons why it stands out from the competition.
Trader Joe’s: A Shopper’s Paradise
A Haven for Food Enthusiasts
Trader Joe’s is more than just a grocery store; it’s a paradise for food enthusiasts. With an extensive selection of gourmet and specialty items sourced from around the world, Trader Joe’s caters to the discerning palate. From unique snacks and appetizers to artisanal cheeses and decadent desserts, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at Trader Joe’s.
Unbeatable Prices and Value
One of the hallmarks of Trader Joe’s is its commitment to providing exceptional value to its customers. While the store offers a wide range of high-quality products, it manages to keep its prices affordable. This combination of quality and value is what sets Trader Joe’s apart from its competitors, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
A Neighborhood Vibe
Step into any Trader Joe’s, and you’ll immediately notice the warm and welcoming atmosphere. With friendly staff members who are always ready to assist you, shopping at Trader Joe’s feels like a visit to your neighborhood store. The company prides itself on fostering a sense of community and creating an enjoyable shopping experience for its customers.
Exploring Trader Joe’s Selection
A Cornucopia of Fresh Produce
Trader Joe’s offers an impressive selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, sourced from trusted suppliers. Whether you’re in search of everyday staples or exotic produce, Trader Joe’s has you covered. From crisp apples to vibrant heirloom tomatoes, their produce section boasts a colorful array of options that will inspire any home cook.
Delightful Dairy and Cheese Selection
Cheese lovers rejoice! Trader Joe’s is renowned for its diverse selection of cheeses from around the world. From creamy Brie to tangy blue cheese, you’ll find a range of flavors and textures to suit your taste buds. Pair your favorite cheese with their assortment of crackers and you’re in for a treat.
International Flavors Galore
At Trader Joe’s, you can embark on a global culinary adventure without leaving the store. Their shelves are stocked with a wide variety of international ingredients and products, allowing you to explore different cuisines and expand your culinary horizons. Whether you’re in the mood for Thai curry, Italian pasta, or Indian spices, Trader Joe’s has everything you need to create authentic and flavorful dishes.
Unique and Innovative Offerings
One of the reasons why Trader Joe’s is so beloved is its constant introduction of unique and innovative products. The store takes pride in being a trendsetter in the grocery industry, and customers eagerly anticipate the arrival of new items. From seasonal treats to unexpected flavor combinations, Trader Joe’s never fails to surprise and delight its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Trader Joe’s different from other grocery stores?
Trader Joe’s stands out from other grocery stores due to its unique selection of products, unbeatable prices, and friendly atmosphere. The store offers an exciting array of gourmet and specialty items, all at affordable prices,making it a destination for food enthusiasts. Additionally, Trader Joe’s prides itself on creating a neighborhood vibe with its welcoming staff and sense of community.
2. Does Trader Joe’s offer organic and healthy options?
Yes, Trader Joe’s is known for its commitment to offering a wide range of organic and healthy options. The store carries a variety of organic produce, as well as organic dairy products, meats, and pantry staples. In addition, Trader Joe’s has a selection of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian products to cater to different dietary preferences and needs.
3. Are Trader Joe’s products affordable compared to other grocery stores?
Yes, Trader Joe’s is renowned for its affordability. While providing high-quality products, Trader Joe’s manages to keep its prices competitive. This combination of quality and value makes it an attractive choice for shoppers looking to get the most out of their budget.
4. Can I find international ingredients and spices at Trader Joe’s?
Absolutely! Trader Joe’s takes pride in offering a diverse range of international ingredients and spices. Whether you’re looking for exotic spices for a specific recipe or unique international snacks, Trader Joe’s has a selection that will satisfy your culinary cravings.
5. Are there any Trader Joe’s branded products?
Yes, Trader Joe’s has its own line of branded products. These Trader Joe’s branded items are carefully curated and developed to meet the company’s high standards for quality and taste. From snacks and pantry staples to frozen meals and beverages, you’ll find a variety of Trader Joe’s branded products throughout the store.
6. Does Trader Joe’s have a return policy?
Yes, Trader Joe’s has a customer-friendly return policy. If you’re not satisfied with a product you’ve purchased, you can return it to the store with a receipt for a full refund. Trader Joe’s aims to ensure customer satisfaction and stands behind the quality of their products.
Conclusion: A Shopping Experience Like No Other
Trader Joe’s offers a shopping experience that is truly unique. With its diverse and high-quality product selection, unbeatable prices, and friendly atmosphere, it has become a favorite destination for food enthusiasts and budget-conscious shoppers alike. Whether you’re searching for everyday essentials, international ingredients, or innovative snacks, Trader Joe’s has something to offer. So, the next time you’re in search of a grocery store adventure, don’t miss out on the vibrant and exciting world of Trader Joe’s.
Uncover the extraordinary story of the Rebbe’s Dollar distribution, a powerful tradition that has transformed lives and inspired acts of kindness across the globe.
The Rebbe’s one-dollar bill, a symbol of charity and compassion, continues to embody the spiritual legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, inspiring countless individuals to embrace a life of giving and kindness.
Every Sunday, people from all walks of life – Jews and non-Jews alike – would line up outside the Rebbe’s residence at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York, eager to receive a dollar bill and a blessing from the Rebbe.
It was a testament to the universal nature of the Rebbe’s message of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds.
The Rebbe would hand out dollar bills to each individual, instructing them to donate the money to a charity of their choice. Through this small act of giving, the Rebbe instilled the value of charity and the potential of a single dollar to create positive change.
The use of lab grown diamonds NZ in jewellery has been growing rapidly over the last few years. This is because they are eco-friendly, and they cost less than mined diamonds. However, it is essential to understand the differences between a lab-grown and a mined diamond before making a purchase decision.
A Lab-Grown Diamond is a synthetic diamond created by humans in a lab instead of being mined from the ground. They are similar to natural diamonds in almost every way, except that they do not cloud or lose their luster over time.
There are several processes that can be used to grow a diamond in a lab, but the most common ones are High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These methods are incredibly complex, but they have the same end goal: to replicate the conditions that naturally occur when a diamond grows on the earth’s surface.
Unlike mined diamonds, formed after millions of years of exposure to extreme heat and temperatures within the earth’s crust, lab-grown diamonds are created by scientists in a controlled environment. This allows them to mimic the same physical and chemical properties of natural diamonds, while also being significantly cheaper and environmentally friendly.
How They’re Made
When a diamond seed is placed inside of a sealed chamber, it is pressurized and heated until the carbon particles break down and crystallize into a fully grown diamond. This process is called growing a diamond in a lab, and many companies have done it since the 1960s.
In addition to being more sustainable, lab-grown diamonds are more ethical than mined diamonds because they don’t heavily impact the environment. For example, a study by Frost & Sullivan found that for each carat of diamonds mined using traditional methods, nearly 100 square feet of land is disturbed and more than 5,798 pounds of mineral waste are created.
Another great thing about lab-grown diamonds is that they don’t consume as much water in the making process. This is because the processes involved in creating a mined diamond require significant amounts of water, and they also create a lot of pollution.
This can lead to many issues, including depleted water supplies and environmental calamities. In addition, the soil can be destroyed, and in turn, the land is rendered unusable once mining operations have ceased.
It is also worth noting that lab-grown diamonds don’t contribute to global warming like mined diamonds, as their carbon is sourced from CO2 emissions. This is a very good thing for the planet, and it is one of the major reasons why people are switching to lab-grown diamonds instead of mined diamonds.
If you want to buy a piece of jewellery with a lab-grown diamond, you’ll need to do some research and make sure that you are getting a good deal on the product. You can do this by checking out prices at different retailers and comparing the costs. You can then choose which option is best for you and your budget.
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