Idea that is now out of the box

he cost-of-living crisis in New Zealand is a daily topic of discussion, particularly among the most vulnerable population - pensioners and retirees. They feel the pinch, with many cutting down on meals and hesitating to turn on power due to rising costs and further exacerbated by many pensioners already on tight budgets.

A business expert has warned that supermarkets pursuing endless price increases are heading towards a path of mutually assured destruction. The current rise in prices carries with it the danger that customers will be more open to seeking alternative options. This could be a potential game-changer for the supermarket duopoly in New Zealand, which may lose customers to subscription-based offerings, farmers' markets, and even onsite grocery stores in retirement village developments.

Including onsite grocery stores is a relatively new development in retirement village facilities in New Zealand. However, they can attract a significant number of the customer base from mainstream supermarkets, as retirees usually only buy for one or two people and pack size matters.

By working with local suppliers, these onsite village stores can offer a greater variety of products not typically available through major chains in pack sizes that suit and are often priced more competitively.

The baby boomer generation values having a choice, and an onsite supermarket/grocery store provides a convenient and safe shopping option. Providing such facilities that give residents the freedom to shop in a secure environment has become increasingly attractive in recent times.

By adding grocery shopping facilities to retirement villages through a fixed store or pop-up, residents have smaller product sizing availability, variety and the convenience of shopping at their leisure.

I think this has been a missed opportunity for one of the supermarket banner groups with a small footprint offering – doing a deal with the big six village developers would have provided a win-win, particularly if sited on the corner of the development where locals could also shop.

Onsite grocery stores are an idea that is now out of the box and taking on a life of its own as developers, both here and overseas, continue to think creatively to widen the appeal for retirees to buy into a development.

Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

PS

PUBLISHER: Tania Walters

GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell

MANAGING EDITOR: Caitlan Mitchell

ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe

SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento

TANIA WALTERS Publisher

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