Naomi Sleeper
Vice President Continuous Improvement and Strategic Initiatives
Imperial Distributors
Like most things in 2020, Thanksgiving will be different this year. Thanksgiving is the one holiday my extended family typically spends all together. But like so many families this year, we will all be separated into several small Thanksgiving meals with the plan to gather virtually at some point during the day.
This has implications for supermarkets and the food and non-food products they sell for this holiday. With many more smaller holiday celebrations than usual, we expect a big boost in demand of food-prep and other holiday-related general merchandise this season. Stores should plan for higher demand of key holiday gadgets like basters, peelers, measuring cups and graters, as well as bakeware and foil pans, especially roasting pans. With supply still strained in some of these categories, like certain kitchen tools & gadgets and glass bakeware, brand and product flexibility for retailers and consumers will be key.
With Covid-19 cases rising throughout most of the country, the priority this holiday season is to stay safe and healthy. For many families who have suffered losses and hardships resulting from the pandemic, the next couple of months could be particularly difficult. It’s a reminder, this Thanksgiving maybe more than ever, how thankful to be for the health and security we do have. From the entire team at Imperial, we wish everyone a healthy and peaceful holiday.