5 ways to translate trends in store5 ways to translate trends in store

We tapped into the retail marketing mastermind of Debby Swoboda, a natural products industry veteran, to find out how stores can turn these inspiring stories into rings at the register.

1.  Have a favorite blog with a great recipe? Update shelf talkers with QR codes so shoppers can find inspiration right in the aisle.

2.  Break into the holistic medicine world with a seminar or health fair. “But it can’t be a sales pitch,” Swoboda stresses. “Make sure visitors get something at every table. A flyer with five tips on how to stay limber or best practices for great digestion goes a long way. Now shoppers feel connected to the retailer because you’ve provided a service that’s really helped them.”

3.  Host a movie night. Show Food, Inc., King Corn or another food documentary to spread the word about current issues you care about.

4.  Get kid friendly! Host seminars in your store, or even work with a local health teacher to bring natural food messages into the classroom. Stock miniature shopping baskets so kids feel empowered to shop for natural foods. Host cooking classes for kids and their parents. “Get the kids to touch the food, and you’ll see their relationship with it grow,” Swoboda says.

5.       Start your own blog to keep shoppers informed about trends that matter to you. It’s free and easy, and you can print the URL right on your store receipts.