Changing Habits of Consumers.
Following on from my take on the changing high street I believe we should take stock of how the ongoing pandemic has changed our habits.
The Corona virus initially sparked panic buying from the large supermarkets attracting panic buying of essential items. When people could not find the items they needed they turned back to the local stores. The butchers, green grocers, and bakers. Now the first major change that would face the consumer is lack of choice as we have been privileged over the decades of global supply chains. Now this would lead to some products no longer been available as part of our daily routine but a return to a more sustainable consumerism. Unintentionally we will have brought items with a lower carbon footprint or a reduction in packaging.
This will have affected some more severely then others as those with allergies and intolerances will have faced a reduction in availability which is not a choice but a need. Yet many bakeries as an example have evolved with consumerism offering suitable alternatives and some local businesses offering ready meals which are locally sourced and vegan in areas. The next generation of consumer has found a fondness for old retail establishments finding they reflect the values of their generation. Many of these businesses have been further strengthened by opportunities to explore other ventures as consumer demand has warranted an increase in delivery services and online ordering. So whilst their is certainly areas that the independent sector can learn from the established high street stores. Their independence and the unique brands that they represent but if these businesses are to grow post covid they need people to buy into their ethos. Local produce brought from local businesses sold across the local village. Food or types of food using local recipes and knowledge to advertise heritage I’m from Stoke on Trent so Oatcakes are a nostalgic food which reminds me of home and the Newmarket sausage is a fast growing favourite.
Yet if they want to increase brand awareness using new tools such as social media to promote their place in the local community. Letting people know what they are doing, new ideas, innovations as well as any projects they are working local businesses standing out. Some have taken to promoting their crafts online showing their consumers a craft as well offering a service. Or you can take an existing craft and change or reinvent it such as Yorkshires Vege Butchers. We see much of this locally as well such as at Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Newmarket and Cambridge. Now some of these businesses offer their services across the local markets or bespoke services at particular markets. Now the importance of both open air and internal markets both today and in the future is something I will address in a subsequent blog tomorrow. The innovations of the local businesses is something which is greatly admired as is their fortitude.
With many now noticing they can return to local businesses and the growing sustainable movement we are seeing a reinvigoration of these businesses. The question of whether they will continue on this trend is up to us.
