Although not directly associated with Retail Systems 99 RETAIL Alert visited a number of Shopping Centres and Retailers to observe how technology and consumer demand is forcing retailers to change the way they operate.

An example of change, which will satisfy consumer demand and use technology to grow market share is Dominicks Food Stores.

Although in its pilot stage Dominicks have recognised that food consumers are moving to purchase prepared or in some instances cooked foods as opposed to cooking and preparing foods at home.

Dominicks have now installed limited cooked foods ‘to go’, including Japanese, as well as ‘Chefs Choice’ semi prepared foods and normal prepared salads.

Significantly these sections are at the front of store with the normal supermarket offer slightly smaller than usual – they seem to be happy with the initial reaction.

Dominicks are now considering an On Line grocery service to provide the complete home service.