Speaker Jack Li presented IDDBA’s newest research that shows how retailers can “fill the gaps” and drive customer visits, increase sales, and boost shopper satisfaction. These gaps are sometimes called “white space opportunities” – areas where new ideas and trends from other channels or leading retailers can be applied to yield the desired growth impact to the instore deli and bakery.

Food (55%) is the No. 1 factor in what creates a great experience at the instore bakery and deli, according to this consumer research, followed by promotions (21%) and service (17%). On the flip side, service (named by 47% of respondents) was the top factor in determining a poor experience, followed by food (27%) and promotions (12%).

“Try to eliminate all the things that create a bad service experience and concentrate on all the things that lead to a great experience,” Li recommends.