Beyond Candy: How to Use Snacks & Sodas to Double Your Sales
| BY NEAL ROTHSTEIN
While we all certainly have a dedicated sweet tooth, a truly successful candy store knows that variety is the spice of life… and the secret to higher revenue! Today, we’ll explore how expanding your inventory with some exotic snacks and sodas can essentially double your store’s sales, almost instantaneously. We’ll show you how pairing glass bottle soda pop and savory treats with your bulk candy offerings can create the perfect cross-selling opportunity to increase your average ticket size and keep your customers coming back for more.
So, if you’ve been in the confectionery business for a while, you probably already know the drill: a customer walks in, buys a chocolate bar, and leaves. It’s a sale, sure, but is it the best sale possible? Probably not.
By limiting your inventory to just sweets, you are essentially leaving money on the table. The modern consumer is looking for an experience, a mood lifter, or a full-on snack break. At Redstone Foods, we have seen firsthand how retailers who diversify their shelves with our massive selection of over 500 unique craft sodas and savory snacks have transformed their shops from simple "candy stops" into ultimate snacking destinations.
Let’s look at how you can use the art of the sweet and salty "combo" to turn a $5 sale into a $15 haul!
The Science of "Sweet and Salty Snacks"
There is a biological reason why we crave potato chips right after eating a chocolate bar. It’s the "flavor layering" effect. Sugar provides a quick energy spike, while salt triggers different pleasure centers in the brain. When you offer both, you aren't just selling products, you’re solving a psychological and a physical craving.
To capitalize on this, you need to merchandise your sweet and salty snacks together. Don’t hide the savory stuff in the back corner!
- The Crunch Factor: Stock high-quality potato chips, pretzel bites, or pre-packaged popcorn right next to your chocolate displays. The contrast in flavor and texture is a huge selling point.
- Healthier Options: Don't ignore the dietary trends. Many customers today are looking for low-carb and gluten free options, or snacks made with natural ingredients. Having these available removes the "guilt" barrier, making it easier for health-conscious shoppers to justify a treat.
Pop the Top on Profits with Glass Bottle Soda Pop
If you aren’t stocking a robust selection of glass bottle soda pop, you are missing out on one of the highest-margin impulse buys in the industry.
There is a distinct nostalgia and premium feel to a glass bottle that a plastic bottle or aluminum can just can't match. When you pop the top off a glass bottle soda, it really feels like you’re celebrating a special occasion! At Redstone Foods, we carry over 500 varieties of wholesale craft sodas, ranging from vintage root beers to wild, new-school concoctions.
Installing a well-lit cooler near your checkout counter is like a magnet for thirsty customers. It visually disrupts the shopping journey and prompts the question, "Am I thirsty?" (Spoiler alert: The answer is almost always yes).
The Rise of Exotic Snacks and Sodas
Thanks to TikTok and its impact on global pop culture, the demand for exotic flavors is at an all-time high. Gen Z and younger Millennials are constantly hunting for exotic snacks and sodas, especially the products they can’t find at the local big-box grocery store.
Stocking rare Japanese sodas, spicy chips from different corners of the globe, or unique regional American treats positions your store as a "treasure hunt" location, and today’s shoppers love a good hunt! These items often command a higher price point due to their exclusivity, which is a fantastic way to learn how to increase average transaction value in a candy store without needing to sell more units.
FAQ: Mastering the Upsell
Q: What are the best salty snacks to sell next to candy?
The best salty snacks to pair with candy are those that offer a textural contrast. Potato chips (especially kettle-cooked varieties, and Lay’s Chinese flavors), pretzel bites, and pre-packaged popcorn are top performers. The saltiness of these items perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate and gummies, encouraging shoppers to buy both.
Q: How does a craft soda cooler increase the opportunity for impulse purchases?
A craft soda cooler acts as a visual "interruption" in the customer's journey. The bright colors and premium look of glass bottle craft sodas draws the customer’s eye, while the cold temperature promises immediate refreshment. Placing this near the register captures customers at the moment they are ready to pay, easily transforming a single-item purchase into a multi-item ticket.
Q: What are the most profitable candy and soda bundles?
The most profitable bundles are "Themed Experiences." Try a "Movie Night Bundle" (Popcorn + Bulk Candy + Craft Soda) or a "Nostalgia Pack" (Retro Soda + Vintage Candy Bar). These bundles increase the perceived value for the customer while significantly raising the total ticket price for the retailer.
Q: How do I organize displays for effective cross-selling?
To organize for effective cross-selling, stop thinking in categories and start thinking in "occasions." Place wholesale craft sodas next to salty snacks for a "thirst-quencher" setup. Place gourmet chocolate bars next to natural ingredients snacks for a "premium treat" section. The goal is to put complementary items within arm's reach of each other.
Redstone Foods is Your One-Stop Inventory Partner
You don’t need five different vendors to build a world-class snack and soda section. As America’s favorite candy distributor, Redstone Foods is your complete inventory partner! With our massive selection of bulk candy, wholesale craft sodas, and a rapidly growing lineup of savory snacks, we make it easy to curate a menu that doubles your sales.
Ready to expand your offerings and boost your bottom line? Sign up for an account with Redstone Foods today! Let’s fill those shelves with the sweet, salty, and fizzy treats your customers are craving. We offer fast, convenient shipping, and a customer service experience that goes above and beyond the rest!
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