Chocolate for loved ones or just for yourself
OPPORTUNITIES for chocolate gifting are in high demand during the first quarter of the year.
Between Valentine’s Day and Easter celebrations, retailers will be aiming to stock up on the right bars to suit consumer demands.
Stuart Common, sales and marketing director at Mackie’s of Scotland, reckons this should provide ample opportunity for the firm’s own premium chocolate selection.
He said: “C-stores should look to capitalise on chocolate gifting, in particular through Valentine’s Day and Easter, where self-contained gift boxes give consumers an easy treat to pick up last minute and generate an increased sense of occasion.”
As such, Common has pointed out the firm’s eight pack of 35g bars, which includes Mackie’s four original chocolate bar flavours: Traditional, Honeycomb, Mint and Dark. While there will be plenty of chocolate to share with loved ones, many consumers will still be keen on the same treat for themselves.
And as shoppers aim to cut back across the board due to the latest financial crisis, Common said more will look for smaller, more affordable indulgences to help pick themselves up.
“As shoppers aim to reduce their overall spending, they are likely to look for small treats such as a chocolate bar from their local c-store.
“Retailers can capitalise on this by ensuring that products are effectively displayed and stock levels are monitored closely.
“Dining out is likely to fall, so small indulgences such as chocolate may as the perfect pick-me-up, and weekends may become an important trading period,” he said.
