Many retail spaces look the same. I don't know about you, but personally, oftentimes when I walk around the mall, I can't tell which store I'm in unless there's a sign to inform me.
Luckily, this isn't always the case. Some businesses don't think it's enough to just have clientele and invest their resources into making our shopping experience as pleasurable as possible.
Whether they put up balloons to designate produce and help us navigate the aisles or set up A/C-controlled dog houses to provide our pets with a comfortable stay while we go about our business, turns out, there's still creativity in the retail sector.
So we at Bored Panda put together a list of pictures showcasing some of the best solutions to remind you to stay mindful about where you spend your money. If we give it to these folks, maybe their competitors will try to catch up and these practices will become the norm!
This post may include affiliate links.
Free Vegetable Leaves For Pets In My Local Supermarket
My guinea pigs would eat like kings! They already eat like lords, but this would be fantastic!
Crayola Started A "Choose Your Own Crayon Box" Station In This Office Supply Store
As Bob Phibbs, also known as The Retail Doctor, points out, retailers should seek new local store marketing ideas because direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are targeting their formerly loyal customers through social channels.
Price and promotion strategies that were once used to attract shoppers have lost their effectiveness, according to Phibbs, because many consumers realize that "once-in-a-lifetime," "Super Saturday," or friend and family sales are like buses - it's only a matter of time before another one comes along.
This Irish Supermarket Has Quiet Evenings For Sensitive People
I'm not autistic but this sounds really nice. Wish it was everywhere!
Our Local Supermarket Makes Juice Out Of Unsold Fruits. Literally Zero Waste
A Grocery Cart That Attaches To A Wheelchair To Provide Greater Independence While Shopping
When curbside pickup, driven by the pandemic and fear of going into the store, disappeared for many retailers, and the need to find creative ways to bring shoppers back increased, Phibbs asked his followers to share some of their favorite methods to attract customers.
One of the first suggestions was to create your own YouTube channel. Eli J. Gurock created one that educates people about his company, Magic Beans, and its products and business. It generates a tremendous amount of goodwill, and viewers reciprocate by shopping.
A recent customer comment on one of the posts reads, "Baby is due in June - I'll be buying the Nuna Pipa RX from your store because you deserve the business for this awesome video! It's been a huge help with my first-time dad-to-be jitters."
This Baby Store Has Different Surfaces To "Road Test" The Strollers
My Grocery Store Started Selling Overripe Bananas For Cheap With A Recipe For Banana Bread On The Bag
It looks like it has lots of recipes! That is awesome, way better than throwing it all away!
This Store In Poland Allows You To Buy Frozen Dumplings And Veggies In Bulk And Weight Them Instead Of Prepackaged Boxes
My Shopping Bag Has A Printed Holiday Pattern, So It Can Be Reused As A Wrapping Paper
Another tip was to hold a live shopping event. "Heidi West of Lifestyles of Saratoga noted that they started with Facebook and Instagram videos, but when they did a live shopping event where customers could click and buy products they were discussing right on their screen it really took off!" Phibbs says.
They Have Pet Carts In Grocery Stores In Italy
Note to self....when I visit Italy, make sure to learn how to ask to pet the dogs and cats.
Our Local Shop Grows Its Own Salads And Herbs On Site
All Supermarkets Should Do This
They do at my market (old-fashion Spanish market), but never saw something that level at a supermarket.
Load More Replies...NZ too, at Countdown (which is reverting to Woolworths soon - again!!)
Load More Replies...In the US in some stores kids get free cookies. I know how surprised everyone will be to learn this information
Lol. Kroger (giant US grocery chain, for those unfamiliar) does the free fruit for kids thing. Big surprise, right? :|
Load More Replies...as a kid all i had to survive on was free chips and humus samples lol
and had to walk 2 miles uphill to the grocery store
Load More Replies...I only worry about the cleanliness of things like apples or other fruits where you may eat the skins, just because you never know who's touched them after wiping their nose or picking their butts.
Yes but it varies round NZ, some do apples and bananas only, some add other seasonal fruit as well.
the old supermarket we used to go to in hamilton gave kids bread buns
Load More Replies...My local supermarket used to do this, but after Covid struck, they were told to stop 😢
I had this at Market Street in Texas, always loved shopping there as a kid
like a healthier (but still sweet!) version of the free cookies at harris teeter when i was a kid 😋
Our local super market does this! My kids are begging me to go there. Just for the fruit. I mean, it's nice and it keep the blood sugar levels up = happy children = happy parents. But let's be honest, they do this to keep us longer in the store = 💰🤑 🛍️ 🛒
My local Harris Teeter before the pandemic would give kids free cookies :)
This is New Zealand and a nice idea for sure. Sadly though grocery costs are ridiculous in NZ!! There is a duopoly (2 supermarket chains) so consumers get an unfair deal at the supermarket checkouts due to systemic competition problems.
Too true. The free food for kids is great. But it would be better if their parents could afford it to start with. Will be interesting to see prices drop if GST is removed. I'll bet they don't.
Load More Replies...Why free only for kids? Have a box where the parent could deposit ten cents, and have the lid open.
when I was a kid, butchers would give a free slice of sausage to kids. I like fruits even better!
My grocery store did this for a while until the adults were coming in without the kids and grabbing up the 'free' fruit.
Much healthier than the Free Cookie for Child deal at my North American grocery store! (I mean you, Sobeys)
If they did that at my supermarket there would be apple cores and banana peels all over + a bunch of parents demanding apricots, watermelons etc. because their kid doesn't like those two fruits.
Yay Countdown/Woolworth! Depending on which side of the 'ditch' you're on.
In BC (Canada) Save-on foods offers customers with young children a cookie from the bakery. I like this idea better.
Most NZ stores do this. We also have a pump station at our supermarket (all from a NZ brand called ecostore) that you bring your refillable containers to fill up with all sorts of washing liquids, like dishwashing, powder & liquid clothes washing, body wash, hand soap, cleaning liquids etc. It's only in some New Worlds tho.
My local co-op does this - it’s so cute to see the kiddos running to pick out an apple when they arrive.
Tesco in the UK do this, pretty sure Asda do also although to be honest the fruit rarely looks appealing.
Tesco in the U.K. do this and Morrisons have the quiet times for autistic / anyone who hates too much noise.
We had this in our local Kroger for a little bit, not anymore tho
I have a feeling this wonderful idea would die a quick death because I’m imagining 🫏🕳️s coming to the store and loading up their bags with free fruit. Grrrr.
I have never seen it be abused, or an adult take one. They tend to be smaller sized bananas, apples and mandarins
Load More Replies...I doubt this in the US. People would absolutely ruin something that nice. They'd be taking armfuls of it or letting their kid take a bite and then put it back or there'd be unfinished fruit left all over the store in stupid places. Or they'd say their kid prefers cookies, so they should give those out free, too. We can't have nice things like that here, too many Karens.
You'd be surprised! The Kroger and Publix close by where I work (granted it's a richy-rich type area/nicer city) have the free fruit for kids stands and I haven't seen it trashed or random fruit everywhere. I was surprised.
Load More Replies...I work for this company and some guy bagged up two bags of fruit thinking he was going to get them for free, that's not how this works lol
Most places in Denmark, you can get a piece of fruit or a bun from the bakery, for the kids. Great way to shop in peace.
Many stores here has it, also some has buns. But as it has been abused only parents are allowed to take for their kids, as some kids has emptied the bowl.
Most supermarkets in Sweden do this. Or you can just take a piece of fruit for them to eat if they don't like what is offered!
This was only a recent thing - I remember when it came in.
Load More Replies...Woolworths, hence the W shaped as part of the fruit. New Zealand supermarkets are going to change to the new name.
Load More Replies...When my kids were little they could get free fruit, a bun and a slice of luncheon sausage at the supermarket (in NZ). It would keep them happy while I shopped and I didn't need to make them lunch.
They used to do this in my local Tesco, but I haven't seen it for a while.
Same! I think the discontinued it unfortunately. Hey had no need too :(
Load More Replies...My local supermarket is a Woolworths and I can't say I've seen them doing this.
I'm not sure if my local supermarkets do this, since I don't have kids. But most of the kids I see when I'm there don't want fruit.
Not in the UK. It's back in the main supermarkets here.
Load More Replies...Stores in my hometown would have a flipping fit if anyone even suggested this...
Which shows how short sighted they are! Happy kids means happy parents, who will spend longer in the shop and buy more. The times my son was a toddler and I would pick up an item and let him eat it as I shopped, handing over the empty wrapper at the end to pay, or if that wasn't in the budget I would abandon my shopping and leave.
Load More Replies...These Shopping Carts In German Store Have A Built-In Magnifying Glass
Another option is to create a sense of scarcity. Sharing her neighborhood marketing success with The Retail Doctor, Jennifer Backus of Jenn's Java said that, "during the initial lockdown, we posted 'Dessert Drops' with pictures of desserts as we were cutting them in the store. People would message us to reserve items and then come grab their assortment at the end of the day. Thankfully we've been able to stay open for at least pick up through the entire experience. It was wildly successful."
The Body Shop In Stockholm Has This Now. Refillable Shampoos And Other Products
This is a great idea that should be more widespread and would work for many products.
In This Grocery Store, Cashiers Hangs Up Flags At Their Registers To Indicate The Languages They Speak
The Vegetable Shops Here Shows A Picture Of The Farmer
We love you Japan, but you don’t need to shrink wrap everything in plastic
Chairs In A Mall Food Court Are Notched To Hold Shopping Bags
Finding novelty with mass appeal can help retailers too. A good example comes from Alberta, Canada, where Debbie Sue brought in locally grown heart-shaped cucumbers. “I special ordered them as a novelty item for Valentine's week at our garden center," she told Phibbs. "Posts, videos, sharing customers stories on Instagram. Value added. Literally no other retailer has these."
Supermarket Trolleys In Sweden Have A Map Of The Supermarket
Need one for IKEA. Especially one that shows the shortcuts between entrance and exit.
These Two Different Sets Of Shopping Baskets At A Department Store In Bangkok. For Those That Need Help And Those That Want To Be Left Alone
This Store Sorts Avocados By Ripeness
This Board In An Italian Supermarket Shows You What Fruit Is Available At Different Times Of The Year. This Would Be Useful In All Supermarkets
I love this idea! I'll admit I can never remember when something is in season. I ended up asking my Dad when things we in season and he decided to make a little spreadsheet for me, print it out on cardstock and laminate it. I keep it in my purse. It's about the size of an index card.
"Attracting customers takes great visual merchandising, creative use of social media, and innovative use of how customers interact with you on the web, via email, and text," Bob Phibbs, the author of The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business says.
According to him, building word-of-mouth buzz around your brand requires training your crew to open their hearts to a stranger, actively listening to what they are saying, and finding ways for them to buy what you have to sell.
"Miss that, and you’ll be stuck as a transactional retailer 'selling stuff.'"
This Shopping Cart Has A Spot For Kids To Stand On While Their Parents Pushes
This Sporting Goods Shop Has A Pool To Test Aquatic Equipment
This Checkout Has No Candy For Parents With Kids
IMHO, none of the checkouts (in the USA specifically) should have candy, OR any beverages, at the checkout. It should ONLY be the registers to pay for your items. If you want any snack, beverage, or magazine, then go to that aisle and get it there.
"Blind Dates With A Book" Prevent You From Judging A Book By Its Cover
The Bra Store I Went To Has Instructions For A Self Breast Exam In The Changing Room
Men's Restroom In A Grocery Store Had A Selection Of Free Diapers
My Local Grocery Store Prints Their Receipt Paper Double-Sided
These Mini Display Tents
The Grocery Store I Shop At Repacks The Unbroken Eggs And Sells Them At A Reduced Price
This Grocery Store Has A Bigfoot Statue That They "Hide" Around The Store So Children Can Find It And Report It's Location To An Employee
This Store Allows You To Build Your Own Pens
My Local Supermarket Has These Yellow Sockets So The Shopping Cart Doesn't Roll Away When Stowing Your Shopping Into Your Car
So many nearby supermarkets have sloping car parks. This would be a huge help if they do it right.
I Was Handed This At A Furniture Store. You Can Plant This Paper Embedded With Seeds, And It Will Grow Into Flowers
This Dutch Grocery Store Offers Samples Of All Their Toilet Paper In Their Restrooms
This Shopping Cart Has A Calculator Attached
Canidae Kibble Refill Station. First Time I've Seen Zero Waste Pet Food Refills
This Grocery Store Has An Aisle Specifically For Reuniting With Lost Spouses
My husband would love that. He'd be like "meet me in the lost spouse aisle in 5 minutes." LMAO. And I admit I am the one that goes off wandering in the store, and since I am short, he can't find me easily. I'm really quick. LOL.
Knee-Activated Water Taps At A Supermarket In Italy
A Non-Muslim Section At A Grocery Store In Dubai
Fair Exposition Of Yoga Pants At Local Nike Store
This Store Labels Where You Are In Sickness Cycle
A Shirt Store In Manchester Has A "Yes, No, Maybe" Pegs In The Fitting Room
My Supermarket Dedicated A Checkout To Old People Talking To Cashiers To Avoid Annoying Other Customers
This Shoe Shop Has An Area To Test Your New Shoes. It Also Has LEGO For Testing
I like this one more than the other shoe tester. At least this one has loose gravel and bark. That's a little more realistic than "stones firmly attached to a wooden surface". edit: OMG I can't spell these days.
This Store In Japan Automatically Calculates Your Total When You Place Your Basket In The Area Using RFID Tags On The Products
My Local Grocery Store Has Free Fruits To Snack On While You Shop
This Luggage Store Has An Airplane Set Up For Customers To Test Their Carry-Ons And Underseater Bags
This Sports Store Has A Mini Obstacle Course So You Can Test Your Hiking Shoes
A Locking, A/C-Controlled Dog House In The Middle Of A Shopping Center Available For Use While You Eat And Shop
So many of these remind me that we in the USA miss out on a lot of cool stuff and innovation because our litigious society, mistrustful nature, selfishness, and willingness to take advantage of others' kindness. Some of those that offered free samples would be gone in a matter of minutes because someone decided that since it's free, they'll take it all. Honor system? That's just free stuff. A slide next to the stairs? Cut your own soap? Those are just personal injury lawsuits waiting to happen.
Had a clerk put a basket of pens out for the customers to fill out foorms, & this guy runs up and proceeds to grab them all. Stopped him before he got them out. Knew he was going to sell them on the street. Half these wonderful iseas wouldn't work in the U.S.
Load More Replies...Same - didn't know what you were talking about but clicked her profile and there were dozens of comments, very few positive except always a but....
Load More Replies...Yup, and if someone likes or responds to a comment you post in a post that doesn't make the break (and before the article is cut) you get a notification but you can't access it. Very amateur.
Load More Replies...General question, have BP started delete the bottom of the post? Before there where a button that said,click here to view all posts. Now thatseams to be gone,and the post is shortened to 50?
Load More Replies...Willing to bet that 98% of these are NOT in the USA. Sad because we could use a lot of these ideas.
I'd bet money these are all in progressive thinking countries not regressive ones like in north america, especially the ones where you would get sued for any little thing
I really don't like living in America for this reason (and many others). I would move but my family lives here and it's hard to immigrate.
Load More Replies...So many of the shopping carts here are made of steel wire. They're heavy, clumsy, and a total pain. My supermarket has shopping carts of recycled plastic. They're stronger, have a third of the weight, always drive straight and are a joy to use. They should be everywhere.
So many of these remind me that we in the USA miss out on a lot of cool stuff and innovation because our litigious society, mistrustful nature, selfishness, and willingness to take advantage of others' kindness. Some of those that offered free samples would be gone in a matter of minutes because someone decided that since it's free, they'll take it all. Honor system? That's just free stuff. A slide next to the stairs? Cut your own soap? Those are just personal injury lawsuits waiting to happen.
Had a clerk put a basket of pens out for the customers to fill out foorms, & this guy runs up and proceeds to grab them all. Stopped him before he got them out. Knew he was going to sell them on the street. Half these wonderful iseas wouldn't work in the U.S.
Load More Replies...Same - didn't know what you were talking about but clicked her profile and there were dozens of comments, very few positive except always a but....
Load More Replies...Yup, and if someone likes or responds to a comment you post in a post that doesn't make the break (and before the article is cut) you get a notification but you can't access it. Very amateur.
Load More Replies...General question, have BP started delete the bottom of the post? Before there where a button that said,click here to view all posts. Now thatseams to be gone,and the post is shortened to 50?
Load More Replies...Willing to bet that 98% of these are NOT in the USA. Sad because we could use a lot of these ideas.
I'd bet money these are all in progressive thinking countries not regressive ones like in north america, especially the ones where you would get sued for any little thing
I really don't like living in America for this reason (and many others). I would move but my family lives here and it's hard to immigrate.
Load More Replies...So many of the shopping carts here are made of steel wire. They're heavy, clumsy, and a total pain. My supermarket has shopping carts of recycled plastic. They're stronger, have a third of the weight, always drive straight and are a joy to use. They should be everywhere.