Convenience stores are losing out on significant revenue due to poor fresh produce display, according to a former industry head.
Raj Chandegra, former chair of the Londis Council and owner of a number of shops under the Desi name, told delegates at the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual summit in Birmingham last week that presentation was costing c-stores.
Chandegra believes that, when competing with supermarkets, c-stores need to push their presentation, particularly of perishables, which “is often the hardest to achieve a good layout with”.
He told freshinfo: “There are a lot of smaller retailers out there putting in effort to make fresh produce look inviting, but some let the sector down, creating the image of untidy independent stores, and we all get put in the same basket.
“It is very important to keep things tidy to browse and improve the shopping experience, which obviously can be difficult with large volumes of stock.
“It’s not just about display - it’s maintenance. If shelving and stands do not look like something you would buy yourself, then don’t expect custom. Looking at your shop’s presentation, or just the shops surrounding you, can give you that extra one per cent to become first choice.”
Chandegra’s business in Hounslow sources a large range of fresh produce, including exotics such as lychees and pomegranates, from Western International wholesale market.
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