March hit the stores like a vibrant spring storm, with each retailer battling for shopper attention throughout their real estate.
The retail media activity we saw across all the stores we visited, revealed key shopper insights: the power of emotional triggers in seasonal displays, the effectiveness of visual disruption in high-traffic areas, the importance of integrated meal solutions, and the growing consumer interest in sustainability and brand storytelling.
Retailers that effectively leverage these insights are well-positioned to capture shopper attention and drive sales in a competitive market this Spring season.
Sainsbury'sWinterstoke Rd, Bristol
Stepping into Sainsbury’s, the immediate visual impact was Lucozade’s celebrity-driven display, a clear play for impulse buys at the store’s entrance. Observing shopper behaviour, it was evident how effectively sports personalities drive immediate product interest.
Moving further inside the store, the Easter and Mother’s Day displays showcased a strategic layering of emotional triggers.
Lindt’s prize-focused Easter promotion highlighted the dual appeal of immediate gratification and potential reward, while Cadbury’s nostalgic messaging around Mother’s Day underscored the power of emotional connection in gifting.
The Thorntons and Tanqueray collaboration stood out as a premium offering, tapping into the growing trend of experiential gifting.
The chilled and ambient aisles revealed key insights into product placement and messaging. Our very own Charlie Bigham’s 3D headerboard demonstrated the effectiveness of visual disruption in high-traffic areas, while Lurpak’s “Butter the Mood” campaign highlighted the use of emotional language to enhance product appeal.
The cross-category collaborations, like Azera and Alpro’s breakfast display, illustrated the potential for driving multi-basket purchases by creating integrated meal solutions.
AsdaEast Street, Bristol
ASDA presented a different approach, heavily focused on promotional activity.
Cadbury’s “Hide an Egg” campaign effectively fostered a sense of community and engagement, while the Mini Cheddars prize promotion drove immediate purchase interest.
The strategic use of impulse displays, such as Cadbury Creme Egg stickers in the freezer aisle, highlighted the importance of capturing last-minute decisions.
ASDA’s focus on health and wellness, with prominent displays from Muller Light and Arla, reflected the growing consumer awareness of nutritional value.
TescoEastgate, Bristol
Tesco’s store layout and brand activations revealed a focus on sustainability, education, and innovation.
Oatly’s climate impact messaging and Pringles’ recyclable packaging demonstrated a commitment to environmental consciousness.
In-store promotions, like the Oreo and Minecraft giveaway, were designed to create immersive brand experiences and drive customer loyalty.
Our very own Yeo Valley protein campaign, with its strong shelf presence, underscored the importance of brand storytelling in building consumer trust.
Co OpGloucester Rd, Bristol
Co-op’s strategic use of space highlighted the importance of effective POS in smaller store formats.
The Easter bay takeover demonstrated the power of visual dominance, while impulse-driven FSDUs from brands like Walkers and Dr Pepper maximised product visibility.
The focus on prize promotions, with Maltesers and Felix, reflected the effectiveness of gamification in driving sales.
Co-op’s educational brand play, with QR-led storytelling from Nescafé, illustrated the potential for deepening customer engagement through informative content.
