The December 16, 2005 issue of Warehouse Club Focus features the annual club industry survey. It asked readers about program attributes for BJs, Costco and Sam's buyers.
Asking respondents to rank "Most Important Program Attribute," price and value, expectedly, were the dominate response with values of 43% (Costco) to 52% (Sam's). However, the fourth most popular response for Costco and Sam's buyers was packaging, at 10%.
Responses to a question regarding "New and interesting packaging developments," include:
A nonfood vendor noticed the importance of pictures and graphics on packaging, commenting, “Packaging has become more 'self selling' with improved pictures and graphics.”
One manufacturer commented on the improved engineering of pallet displays as they "sell down" with less packaging to dispose.
A food vendor commented on the unique items finding their way into the club channel. He said, “Packaging [has been developed] for everyday items like movie tickets and stamps.”
Other insights regarding new and interesting packaging developments:
* Growth in variety packs in the ready-to-eat category.
* More tray graphics and point-of-sale information being used for [health-and-beauty aids] items.
* Resealable bags are very popular.
* The use of better packaging displays.
* Amazement at how many third-party packaging companies exist.
Packaging Insights offers these reports on the latest club store packaging courtesy of HHC Publishing, Inc., publishers of Warehouse Club Focus.
