I run a Co-op meat dept, so that means a fresh self service case, smoked wall and freezer's. my competition is:
a Freson IGA
(small chain) with MeatCutter's on hand (no meat manager there lately, nobody wants to work for the Freson company because they treat their staff like crap and pay is crap, good for me lol)
Wal-Mart (with complete Meat dept)
all the meat is shipped in prepacked, quality poor to fair
No Frills (with complete Meat dept)
again, all the meat is shipped in prepacked, quality poor to fair
My biggest concern is No Frills, they like to price shop and undercut everyone else, and they run some lowball flyer ad's (example: fresh pork back ribs 2.99/lb 6.59/kg)
So I keep my quality and customer service top notch, my staff have been doing a great job too. but when it comes to matching prices, our company policy is we won't, and I try to be competitive as possible.
- good and bad I want you know your thoughts on the subject
what is the competition like in your area and what's the best way to to stay "a cut above"
no frills is all prepacked though so people that want fresh cuts will come to u........the service case should be ur focus to compete with them.........i was meat manager for loblaw companys for years and even they are starting to go prepacked ......walmart has some cheap prices
Competition comes from no frills, Safeway, Superstore and Wal-mart. Customers are becoming quite educated these days. They want to know where their products come from, what hormones are given to the animals. The prepackaged cheap cuts that walmart stocks are not such a great deal as they may have been shipped across the country, who knows when, good for a selected market share. Customers are learning and they want the personal service that only a shop in store can provide. Service, Service, Service and good quality cuts will keep them coming back. You can't get a 10 pound boneless Rib Eye Roast from wal-mart without any notice this is one of the goods things we can provide. And of course customer service is the clincher. I work for Sobeys
Walmart is a competition for us because of prices however their meat dept could still use alot of work also there isnt an associate that will take you to the product when you try to find something, so service is a huge thing with most people today
Service is where it's at. Also carrying something you cant get at those other stores. I reminds me of an old saying. Customers wont look for another supplier unless you give them a reason too.
