Thanks to MNB user Bob Thomas, who sent us an email telling us about a new Ahold concept being utilized in some of its Malaysian stores.
This format combines a number of elements that will appeal to an upscale demographic, much of it made up of expatriates. They include an HBC section called “Relax, Renew, Revive,” a cooking center complete with demonstration kitchen, upmarket wine and bakery departments, and a bistro.
This format combines a number of elements that will appeal to an upscale demographic, much of it made up of expatriates. They include an HBC section called “Relax, Renew, Revive,” a cooking center complete with demonstration kitchen, upmarket wine and bakery departments, and a bistro.
- KC's View:
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Not being able to travel to Malaysia (for the moment), we’d be interested to see how these various elements are integrated to appeal to shoppers. Sometimes retailers make the mistake of creating these kinds of terrific departments, but marketing them in a vacuum…not taking advantage of the fact that the person who is interested in “relaxing, renewing and reviving” might look at food and wine a whole different way.
Especially at this level of retailing, an integrated and consistent marketing approach can create a differentiated and appealing shopping experience.
