The biggest football game of the year is more than just a sporting event; it's a high-stakes occasion for food retailers, with customers eager to stock up on snacks, beverages and party supplies. This year, retailers can capitalize on this $17B+ food shopping event by appealing to both last-minute shoppers and early planners.
With 77% of viewers seeing food and snacks as essential to the game-day experience, food retailers are in a prime position to boost sales. Here are ways to maximize this opportunity and drive more sales.
1. Anticipate demand and plan inventory early
Demand for snacks, beverages and party foods surges ahead of the big game. Use past data and sales trends to stock essentials like chips, dips and beverages. Predictive analytics from previous years can guide stock decisions, while SMS or email alerts keep customers informed about stock availability and special game-day deals, letting them know when popular items are back on the shelves.
2. Optimize in-store displays for the game day crowd
Set up displays that spotlight game-day essentials in high-traffic areas. End caps near entrances or checkout aisles can even increase sales without a price discount, so showcase snack bundles or grab-and-go items to drive impulse buys. Add QR Codes to displays that link to recipes or pairing guides featuring your products. You can also offer exclusive discounts or sweepstakes, such as “Scan for a chance to win a party pack!”
3. Maximize on-the-go sales with cross-promotions
Bundle high-demand items like snacks, beverages and party supplies into “game day kits” and offer bundle discounts to increase sales. Use short links or QR Codes on these kits to link to a branded landing page with tailored product recommendations, bonus offers or loyalty rewards for bundle purchases. Offering discounts on these bundles encourages customers to buy more and fosters loyalty that extends beyond the event.
4. Engage customers with limited-time offers and experiences
Tie exclusive offers and promotions to game day to drive foot traffic and engagement. In-store tastings, sampling events or giveaways in the weeks leading up to the game provide additional reasons for customers to visit. Send exclusive SMS or email offers to opted-in customers, and promote these events on social media. Track engagement using branded short links to capture valuable insights on customer interactions while cutting down on character counts in SMS messages.
5. Stand out with game-day content and personalization
A recent McKinsey report found that 76% of consumers are more likely to consider purchases when they receive personalized communications. Customized, game-day-themed content can help your retail store stand out. Use email campaigns or social media to share tailored recipes, snack pairings or a “game day survival guide” to inspire and engage shoppers.
Retailers can tap into this by offering further engagement opportunities with a branded landing page that serves as a hub for game-day recipes, product pairings and tips, helping customers create memorable spreads.
6. Stay nimble with real-time data and quick adjustments
Monitor sales trends as game day approaches, adjusting displays, pricing and promotions as needed. Real-time data can identify fast-moving items and those needing a boost. Use email or SMS alerts to notify customers when popular items are back in stock, and analyze QR Code scan data across regions to track demand trends and adjust stock accordingly.
7. Prepare for future opportunities
After game day, review the effectiveness of your promotions and displays to refine your approach for next year. Use data from landing pages, social media and QR Code engagement to improve future strategies around inventory, promotions and customer engagement.
Win big on game day and beyond
Special events and annual occasions provide food retailers with a prime opportunity to capture attention, increase sales and build customer loyalty. By anticipating demand, creating engaging in-store experiences and using real-time data, your brand can score big—both on game day and beyond.
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