“Retail is as much about evolution as anything. If you stay in any one place for too long, you’ll be overtaken,” Andrew Iacobucci, president, discount division of Loblaw tells the press.
Sellers
The grocer announced recently that its private label Life Brand personal care items would be made without triclosan, phthalates, and microbeads. In making this move, the company is responding to consumer preference for products that are made without potentially hazardous ingredients: “Working with our scientific advisors, we identified ingredients that may have a negative impact on the environment, or on our customers, and are working to remove them,” Galen G. Weston, executive chairman and president of Loblaw said.
At-mass retailers across North America are adjusting their personal care business to accommodate other long-term trends. The Whole Foods organic guidelines are one example of this. And CVS, the pharmacy chain, plans to revamp beauty too.
Buyers
Loblaw acquisitions in recent years have helped the retailer reach a more diverse group of consumers, explains Francine Kopun, business reporter for thestar.com. The company bought T&T, a supermarket chain serving Asian-Canadians, as well as Arz Fine Foods, which specialize in Mediterranean groceries.
The store in Mississauga will feature many successful brands already sold at T&T and Arz. It will also borough some best merchandizing practices, according to Kopun.
Not only are consumers more diverse in the global economy but also shoppers are looking beyond their own backyard to buy the latest, greatest, healthiest, and most effective products.
Consumers
Globally, Asian beauty products are sought after for their innovative formulations and technologies. This is not lost on Loblaw as it considers how to position its stores for the future.
“At a second store entrance, shoppers will find an entire section of Asian skin and hair care products, including hennas and the popular My Beauty Diary face masks,” reports Kopun. “These are very important customers to us. We are very excited about this area of the store,” explains Chris Fisher, vice-president, overseeing this pilot project at Loblaw.