How Dunkin's Growth Blueprint Can Pave the Way for Grocery Retailers

The Dunkin' Donuts growth blueprint stands as a testament to the power of strategic innovation, consumer-centric planning, and expansive vision.

The coffee and breakfast chain's plan is not just applicable to quick-service restaurants (QSRs); it can also be a guiding light for the supermarket and grocery retail industry.

So how can Dunkin's key growth strategies be applied in the supermarket context to drive growth, revenue, and customer satisfaction?

1. Menu Innovation

Dunkin' prioritizes menu innovation, introducing new beverages, breakfast sandwiches, and donuts to cater to evolving consumer tastes. Similarly, grocery retailers must continually innovate their product offerings to meet changing customer demands.

For grocers, this could mean expanding organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, offering ready-to-eat meals, or partnering with local farms and producers to bring in fresh, locally-sourced products. Continuous product innovation not only attracts new customers but also ensures existing ones stay loyal. 

2. Unparalleled Convenience

Dunkin focuses on convenience, with one of the fastest service records in the QSR industry and innovative initiatives like the DD Perks® Loyalty program and tender-agnostic participation.

Supermarkets can also put a premium on convenience - offering online shopping options, curbside pickup, or even home delivery services.

Loyalty programs can provide personalized offers based on shopping habits, improving customer satisfaction while gathering valuable data for the retailer.

Additionally, embracing a "tender agnostic" approach, accepting all forms of payment, including mobile and contactless, can further enhance the shopping experience.

3. Broad Accessibility

A significant part of Dunkin's growth strategy is increasing accessibility to its brand through new restaurants and packaged goods. 

Similarly, supermarkets can expand accessibility by increasing their physical presence in underserved areas or through online platforms.

Furthermore, grocery retailers can collaborate with third-party delivery services to ensure their products reach consumers who prefer shopping from home.

They can also consider launching their private-label products in other retail stores or online marketplaces to increase brand visibility.

4. Restaurant Excellence

Dunkin' recognizes that the in-restaurant experience is crucial for market share and sales growth. 

Similarly, the in-store experience is paramount for supermarkets. From easy navigation and clean premises to helpful, friendly staff - every aspect counts when it comes to CX. 

Technologies like self-checkout kiosks or smartphone-based scanning and payment systems can streamline the shopping process, making it quicker and more efficient.

Ensuring superior customer service requires crucial employee training and development.

AI-powered scheduling and payroll systems are equally significant. These systems can interpret store footfall and seasonal trends, allowing for precise staffing right down to specific hours and departments.

5. Brand Evolution

Dunkin' is committed to evolving its brand, staying modern, relevant, and positioned for long-term growth. This principle is also vital for supermarkets.

Whether it's implementing sustainable practices, embracing digital transformation, or refining the brand message, supermarkets must continuously evolve to stay competitive and relevant.

6. Global Expansion

Dunkin's blueprint also entails international growth.

For supermarkets, global expansion might not always be feasible. However, the underlying principle is growth - which could mean penetrating new domestic markets, demographic segments, or diversifying product portfolios.

Dunkin's growth blueprint is a masterclass in strategic planning and execution. While the operating environments of QSRs and supermarkets are different, the core principles of innovation, convenience, accessibility, customer experience, brand evolution, and growth hold true across CX. 

What's next?

At Egen, we've been pioneering data-driven innovation for trailblazing grocery retailers. For example, we helped one nutrition-as-a-service brand hyper-personalize shopping and reduce infrastructure costs by over 30%. 

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

To learn how we can help you seize the unfulfilled promise of the cloud, read A New Data Blueprint, a small-steps, big-results approach to modernization and business growth. 

Source: Dunkin' Brands Presents Three-Year Plan Fueled by the Dunkin' Donuts U.S. "Blueprint for Growth" at its 2018 Investor & Analyst Day