Modern trade formats are upping their game in Nigeria

Nigeria’s retail sector is dominated by traditional trade formats like open markets and kiosks in terms of absolute store numbers. Despite the prevalence of these channels, the Nielsen Nigeria Shopper Trends 2017 syndicated report reveals that modern trade formats like supermarkets and hypermarkets are stepping up to fulfil the needs of consumers.

Modern trade has the means to provide a comprehensive shopping experience, but in tougher economic times shoppers are actively seeking promotions and value for money that would make their trip to the stores worthwhile.

Place and purpose

In terms of the main shopping destinations, more than half of shoppers visit supermarkets and hypermarkets, which together, account for 26% of spend. Beyond modern trade, 76% of consumers shop in open markets, and on average, shoppers frequent these outlets 10 times a month or twice a week. The second-highest number of shoppers (61%) visit kiosks, but far more frequently at 20 times a month, although a smaller proportion of their grocery spend (12%) is in this channel.

The main reason Nigerians embark on a shopping trip is for regular pantry restocking, followed by essential or emergency items (16%) and everyday needs.

Source: Nielsen Nigeria Shopper Trends 2017 report

Shopper joy

Within this assortment of retail options, one of the most interesting findings of the study is that 90% of Nigerian shoppers say they “enjoy doing grocery shopping” and 87% say they always prefer to shop in a well-organised store with a pleasant ambience – with the same number stating that when they shop for groceries, customer service is very important to them. To capitalise on this mindset, retailers should look at optimising the store experience via organised store layouts, innovative merchandising and stand out promotional displays. In addition, it’s clear that shopper engagement is key, complemented by personalised customer service.

Nigerians also carefully consider their choices prior to purchase, with 92% saying they usually plan what to buy before they shop for groceries and 86% stating they have a strict budget for household groceries. However, 82% say although they do plan they usually end up buying additional grocery items, which shows they’re open to unplanned or impulse purchases.

Pricing and promotion

Against a backdrop of tough economic conditions and high inflation the study revealed that consumers have understandably become more price conscious. In response to this challenging scenario, 70% of Nigerian shoppers said they are aware of the prices of the items they buy off grocery shelves and more than 95% of shoppers notice when the price changes.

Sixty percent of shoppers indicated they are choosing to cut back on luxuries and only buying essential basket items, while 27% of shoppers are buying less groceries in total. In an effort to deal with the rise in prices, another 23% are buying in bulk and 17% of shoppers are switching to cheaper products.

The fast-moving consumer goods categories that have most been affected by increasing food prices and resulted in lower purchases by shoppers are fruit juices (93%); followed by carbonated soft drinks and mineral water (92%); fresh meat, poultry, fish, and seafood at 91%; and laundry detergent and household products category also at 91%.

Within this scenario, 76% of shoppers said they are influenced in some way by promotions and 21% were prepared to change stores, based on which one has the best promotions during that shopping trip. This provides an excellent opportunity for modern trade outlets which are synonymous with this type of activity to offer enhanced promotions to drive incremental sales.

As Nigerian consumers look for greater value and efficiency due to macro-economic and inflationary pressures, they are trading down on spend. Promotions and pricing will therefore be key tactics to attract consumers to stores.

For additional information on Nielsen Nigeria Shopper Trends 2017 report, click here.

This article was originally published by Nielsen.