Food retailers urged to adapt to survive isolated customers

New Zealand food retailers are being urged to adapt their trading models to survive the social isolation measures Kiwis are taking on.

As customers are increasingly avoiding public places on the advice of the New Zealand Government, restaurants, cafes and fast-food operators will need to take this into account in order to keep trading.

““This slow-down in on-premise dining clientele trade throws up a whole new dynamic for those foodservice establishments not currently using the likes of Uber Eats or their own home delivery service as part of their marketing activities,” said Bayley’s national retail sales and leasing director Chris Beasleigh.

“Foodservice operators will have to adapt literally overnight to that new scenario. Adapt or face the very real possibility of going out of business.”

Should a retailer wish not to engage with meal delivery services, Beasleigh recommended a ‘click and collect’ style model, in which food can be prepared as normal and collected from the front desk with no face-to-face contact necessary.

The recommendations come as McDonald’s recommended Kiwis use its drive-thru outlets and closed it’s eat-in areas, and Krispy Kreme asked customers to utilize counter-collection or drive-thru options to keep risk of infection to a minimum.