by Sarah Barker
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Fresh, local produce? Aisle 1. Curbside valet service? Done. Organic beef and poultry? Sure thing. Grocery chain H-E-B incorporated customers’ requests in building its new 68,000-square-foot market in Dripping Springs, TX (BlancoCountyNews.com 7.21.10).
- If they don’t carry a product, they’ll order it. Some other shopper-generated features include a sushi bar, the largest seafood department in the area, a pharmacy, a flower shop and a fuel station/car wash.
- H-E-B staffs the store with specialists in each department. They stress service, the shopping experience and responsiveness over rock-bottom prices.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- H-E-B? Could be shorthand for good vibes. Shoppers not only find local organic cheeses but also a sense of community and personal ownership.
- More consumers are specialty-food lovers who demand sophisticated selections.
- Cavernous warehouse stores don’t have room for service or ambiance. Shoppers are often willing to pay for a little personal service.
RESOURCES
