Welcome back to Shopper Talk, a blog series that spotlights what drives consumer decisions inside retail stores.
Recently, I had a conversation with Tighe, a St. Louis suburban father whose shopping trips to Schnucks have become a cherished family tradition. His story shows how Schnucks creates value for parents like Tighe through thoughtful technology that makes shopping a breeze, while keeping the kids excited to tag along for the weekly grocery run.
Who makes up your household, and what drives your shopping decisions?
I shop primarily for myself and my wife – we're both in our mid-30s. We have two kids, aged six and three. Our six-year-old is going into first grade, so we pack her lunches and snacks. My three-year-old is a bit of a pickier eater – he likes snacks more than meals so we have to be strategic about choosing snacks with health benefits.
How has your approach to shopping changed since having children?
It changed dramatically. Before kids, I could go to multiple stores and pick my favorite products from each. Now, convenience is paramount – and convenience means different things to me. First, it's about being able to go into one store and fill all our shopping needs. That's why I choose Schnucks – they carry everything I need, have those products in stock, and offer substitutions if my preferred brand isn't available.
But convenience is also about how enjoyable the experience is for my kids. Schnucks has kids' shopping carts, and my children actually fight over who gets to come with me on Sundays so they can see Tally. Both of them love Tally, and when we're in the store, they need to go find where Tally is “napping”.
A recent survey found that almost 80% of shoppers have a positive affinity and strong preference for robots in retail stores. Check out the survey here.
How do Schnucks' technology solutions enhance your shopping experience?
The Schnucks app is essential to my shopping routine. When I don't know where a product is that my wife has put on the shopping list, I can pull up that product in the app, and it tells me the specific aisle and section. They've even added functionality where I can press a button to make the electronic shelf label flash for that item, helping me find the exact location.
What is the impact of product availability on your shopping habits?
Product availability is crucial, especially during the holidays. When planning a big Thanksgiving dinner, you need many ingredients for all the different dishes. Schnucks' wide selection and reliable stock levels mean I can usually find everything I need in one trip. If they're out of a specific brand, there are always good alternatives available.
How has Tally influenced your children's interest in technology?
My son absolutely loves robots now. Whenever he sees any kind of robot, he thinks it's Tally. I think seeing Tally in person at Schnucks made robots more real and exciting for him as opposed to just seeing pictures. My daughter has different interests – she's more of a girly girl, and her career aspirations change frequently. Her latest dream is to become a WNBA player!
Tighe’s shopping trips to Schnucks have become a fun family routine, with his kids excited to see Tally.
Looking ahead, what are your expectations for retail technology?
I hope stores continue to innovate in ways that engage both shoppers and their children. The combination of Schnucks' app, Tally robot, and electronic shelf labels makes shopping more convenient and enjoyable for the whole family. These technologies helped us get through the pandemic's supply chain challenges, and I'm confident they'll help navigate any future disruptions smoothly.
