Canadian retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is no longer just a one-stop-shop for personal care and pharmaceutical needs but is now home to fresh produce offerings that can be purchased as single units.
For many urban professionals, a trip to the grocery store is replaced with a convenience store run which is a quick and budget-friendly option. Shoppers Drug Mart is making note of this and recently stocked up its Midtown Toronto location with a premium produce section that also features fresh food items like artisan cheeses.
"We see we are selling a lot of single units. People are doing what we would call a fill-in shop — they are not buying a big bag of apples for the week, they are buying a couple of apples,” said the brand's president Mike Motz when speaking about the new venture. While this isn't the drug store's first foray into the packaged food market, its fresh food offering is sourced locally, resulting in a cost-effective marketing strategy.
What's Driving This Trend
- Pharmacy-produce Hybrid Retail
- Pharmacies offering fresh produce reflect the rise of convenience and one-stop-shop options for busy urban professionals.
- Localized Fresh Food Sourcing
- More retailers are sourcing fresh food locally to lower overhead costs and appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainability and supporting local businesses.
- Single-unit Purchasing
- As consumers gravitate towards quick fill-in shops rather than large weekly grocery hauls, retailers are finding new opportunities to sell single-unit items, including fresh produce.
Who This Affects Most
- Pharmacy Retail
- Pharmacy retailers have the opportunity to expand their offerings and attract new customers by integrating fresh produce markets into their stores.
- Local Farming
- As more retailers prioritize locally sourced fresh produce, there is an opportunity for small and medium-scale local farms to establish partnerships with these stores and expand their reach.
- Urban Convenience Store
- Convenience stores in urban areas are well-positioned to meet the needs of busy professionals who gravitate towards quick fill-in shops and one-stop-shop options for their daily needs.
