Consumers, Convenience, Corner Stores and Technology

At the intersection of technology, foodservice, consumers, and convenience is one start-up that is quite possibly the next big headache for legacy grocery stores and convenience store operators according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Paul McDonald and Ashwath Rajan, both former Google employees, joined to start Bodega with the aim of bringing the corner store to the consumer. "At Bodega, we're combining the convenience of online ordering with the instant gratification of real world retail. We're building hardware, software and supply chain operations to create delightful automated stores that are only a few feet away and always stocked with what you need," the company stated on its website.

That places Bodega within the front lines of the grocerant niche filled with Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food.  Fresh food fast with added benefit of those one off items you ran out of that you need now according to Johnson.

Let’s pause here for a moment to make sure you understand just I’m saying.  Success leaves clues and regular readers of this blog know that McDonald’s sells more toys than any other retailer in the world. You also know that Starbucks foundation of success was built on Mix & Match bundling of retail products from coffee Machines, coffee cups, music, movies and more with coffee. Regular readers also know that mix & match bundling is a key driver of the growth of the grocerant niche.

According cofounder McDonald  stated "With Bodega, we're bringing that same ease and convenience to those of us that don't have a corner store by putting one right where you live and work,"… "We've created small, automated stores stocked with the essentials you need, right where you need them  — whether it's snacks at the gym or toiletries and household goods in your apartment's lobby."

Currently there are 30 live Bodega locations in the San Francisco Bay area.  McDonald continued Bodega,  wants to bring commerce to places where commerce currently doesn't exist.” According to our Grocerant Guru® “faster, fresher, and convenient each resonates with consumers today, when you add in technology it elevates relevance edifying a ‘halo’ of better for you with the consumer.”  Are you evolving with consumers?

Success does leave clues www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  is the global leader in grocerant niche business development.  We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities.  Has your company had a Grocerant ScoreCard completed a Grocerant Program Assessment, or new Grocerant niche product Ideation?  Want one?  Call 253-759-7869 Email: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us