Waitrose: A Comprehensive Analysis of Retail Trends, Customer Satisfaction, and Recommendations

Inquiry-Based Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
RETAIL TRENDS OF THE INDUSTRY..............................................................................................................4
ANALYSIS OF THE ORGANIZATION...............................................................................................................6
Background of the company....................................................................................................................6
Primary Research Method.......................................................................................................................7
Analysis: Interpretation...........................................................................................................................8
Performance of firm against industry trends...........................................................................................9
RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................................10
ACTION PLAN.............................................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................13
APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX 1: Questionnaire...................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX 2: Answers from Interview...................................................................................................15
APPENDIX 3: Product Portfolio..............................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
The project in which the groups of people study the issue, idea, or some question is known as
an inquiry-based project. This is a legitimate project wherein those individuals who are part of
the project undertake a study to augment their level of awareness. These projects comprise of
solemn assignation and inspection (La Prad and Hyde, 2017). The present report illustrates the
retail trends, analysis of the firm, and recommendations. At last, the conclusion will be
demonstrated.

RETAIL TRENDS OF THE INDUSTRY
The supermarket sector is changing constantly. The food choices of the consumers, their buying
behaviour, frequent guideline modifications, and new technologies to incorporate are just
some of the things that are collected from the customer input that is concerning the most
established issues for the sector. In simple words, it can be said that disruptive transformations
have come into the supermarket industry (LS Retail, 2020). Online and offline innovations in
technology, change in customer expectations are changing the manner in which the food
retailers function. Below are the trends that are shaping the future of supermarket and grocery
stores:
In-store pop-ups events and classes: It has become mandatory for retailers to encourage the
customers to stay at the store for maximum time. These days, the supermarkets are involved in
creating pop up experiences and special events that are inclusive of cookery classes to increase
customer footfall and level of engagement (LS Retail, 2020). This kind of effort also makes a way
for alliances, where two brands work together to create similar experiences.
Hybrid shop and eat concepts: These days it has come to notice that supermarket brands are
exploring new dining concepts that intermingle shopping and dining. In the UK, Waitrose has
started a supper club-style restaurant in some branches. Here, the customers can book a table,
and have special menus that are developed by the local chef by using the store products. As
retailers have understood the significance of new in-store experiences, therefore, they have
gone beyond the retail sector and are amalgamating with the event management and
hospitality sector (LS Retail, 2020).
Sustainability: These days' stores are involved in offering a greener way to individuals to shop,
sell food without packaging in an attempt to decrease the negative influence of plastic on the
atmosphere. Now, the customers are bringing their containers from home and just take the
goods that they are willing to buy. According to estimates of Guardian, for the last 2 years,
around 100 supermarket stores have responded towards the rising consumer's concerns in the