As the days grow shorter, the weather begins to cool, and people’s minds turn to heartier eating. It is vital to ensure your produce department is ready to rock and roll with the fall season. As soon as signs of fall emerge, typically around Labor Day, it is time to reduce the summer focus and reset lead tables and displays. Don’t be caught with a giant display of lower quality peaches and nectarines at the front of the store while your competitor down the street has transitioned to apples and pears and is showcasing the best of the season.
Being first to market with in-season displays will draw people in and keep them coming back for more! Plus stopping them from heading down the street to see what the competition has for seasonal delights is a bonus!
Despite the ability to purchase and eat most produce throughout the year, one of the great beauties of produce is the seasonality of it. In this time of global supply chains and the desire for having it all now and forever, there is power in finding the best of the season and showcasing the high quality and flavor packed choices of the moment.
Much like the summer season there are myriad options for display possibilities in the fall. From apples and pears to winter squash and sweet potatoes. There is a cornucopia of options for seasonal displays. However, unlike berries or other key summer categories, fall fruit can withstand being out of refrigeration for longer periods of time. This can free up space in the department and potentially allow for more dynamic display options in the front of the store or department. While this is true for the previously mentioned categories it is still important to not forget about the key categories such as root and roasting vegetables which do need to be monitored more closely for temperature control. Fall is prime time to feature broccoli, carrots, or any number of other items which are coming into season and will find more of a space on people’s plates.
Picking and choosing what specific items and categories to feature throughout the season is one of the joys in produce as the selections and quality will vary throughout the fall months. Depending on regional growing possibilities, fall is also a great time to feature local farmers. With the fall harvest coming in and those items typically having a longer shelf life and storage possibilities. This is a great time to lean into these relationships and feature their products for a longer amount of time.
Highlighting seasonality, connection to your community, and the bounty of a fall harvest with dynamic displays is one of the best ways to help usher your customers into the fall and keep them coming back to see what you have in store throughout the season.
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