Problem 1: Choose a specific niche that you think is under-served or that could be well-served by a specialty food store, such as an ethnic group, single professionals, or two-working-parent families with young children.
a. You can get help finding demographic information on potential consumers in the U.S. market by checking searches with local zip codes in American FactFinder.
Problem 2: Make a list of some food-related needs and preferences of your chosen demographic group For example, two-income families are typically rushed for time and often must shop during evenings or weekends; professional singles want smaller portions of high-quality food; both may want more ready-to-eat food.
Problem 3. Brainstorm the ways you can transform your small supermarket to better serve the marker niche you've chosen. Some questions to answer:
a. What are some characteristics of the products that will most appeal to your market niche? (For example: gourmet, organic, spicy, ready. to-eat meals, upscale, inexpensive, healthy, child-friendly, specific ethnic, and so on)
b. Will you offer anything but food and beverages? (For example: household products, baby clothes, gifts, and the like)
c. Could you offer any unique services or features? (Cooking classes? Tastings? Singles mixers? Child care? Other?)
d. What will significantly distinguish you from the competition? Be specific.