If there’s one stereotype that has a lot of truth to it, it’s this — kids love candy. That’s one of the reasons why Halloween is such a popular holiday, and dentist visits are such terrifying events. Despite our universal love of candy, candy sales are actually going down. The reason why makes a lot of sense. And yes — it involves technology.
The same reason why candy sales are going down is linked to the same reason why your grocery store has gotten a bit less crowded on weekends. More and more people are buying their groceries online and having them delivered to their house. It’s not a bad idea, as a trip to the store often takes over an hour — or longer if the closest one is far away from your home, or if you’ve got an intense grocery list. It just makes sense to stay at home and have your groceries come to you, even if it means those bananas you bought are a bit riper than you would have liked. (And if you have the extra cash to spend on the delivery fee and driver tip.)
Now, think about where candy normally lives at the grocery store. Unless you buy in bulk, it’s usually lining the check-out aisles.
That’s because it’s a temptation purchase. It’s something you didn’t set out to buy, but looks pretty good while you’re waiting in line. Candy is purposely placed there with impulse in mind.
Those who buy their groceries through services provided by Amazon, Peapod, or InstaCart aren’t faced with that temptation. And if you don’t see it, you don’t think about purchasing it.
AdAge reported a statistic from advisory group Brick Meets Click, which found that up to 30% of us shop for groceries through Amazon, which is believable, yet still pretty insane when you think about it. Whoever thought that grocery stores might someday become a thing of the past?
Luckily, candy companies are already trying to think of good ways to keep their sales steady, at a minimum. Many ideas involve online vouchers for free candy that can be redeemed at participating stores. Using the concept of “free product” is a great way to get more people to visit the physical location, where they might be tempted to make other purchases as well.
Times are definitely changing. Fingers crossed that doesn’t mean Snickers will one day go extinct.
