How E-commerce is Expanding Employment in the Grocery and Consumer Sector
The theory that e-commerce costs jobs isn’t ringing true in grocery stores such as Kroger. So far, the opposite is true. Since launching its ClickList service that allows grocery shoppers to order online and have their purchases bagged and loaded when they arrive at stores, Kroger has added 25 to 35 new jobs at each store offering the service. In a couple of stores, we’re as high as 40 new jobs per store, so it’s generating a lot of new jobs in every store that we’re putting ClickList in to.
New Roles and Store Operations
Each ClickList roll-out starts with three full-time positions: a manager, a lead selector who trains the store's grocery pickers and a lead attendant who trains attendants who deliver purchases to customer's awaiting vehicles. The selectors and attendants are new positions, while the manager is usually an experienced employee. In addition to Kroger, from other grocery giants to smaller players including SuperLo and Cash Saver, the grocery industry is finding ways to link digital shopping to brick-and-mortar services.
Most of the jobs created for ClickList are part time. We need flexibility because we are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., which is when customers can pick up groceries, so we’ve got to have the flexibility and obviously you’ve got a good bit of flexibility with part-time associates. However, part-time positions can qualify workers for full-time work, and a lot at Kroger are turning full time.
Kroger's e-commerce growth has created jobs and we’ve not cut any positions or any hours inside the store due to a ClickList operation. Data shows if shoppers visit a Kroger brick-and-mortar store five times a month, e-commerce encourages an additional sale.
Global Drivers and Consumer Behavior
Competing for retail dollars spent by millennials and younger generations also drives e-commerce, according to Nielsen. These consumers have an unprecedented enthusiasm for and comfort with technology and online shopping is a deeply ingrained behavior. Current usage of six e-commerce options—home delivery, in-store pickup, drive-through pickup, curbside pickup, virtual supermarket and automatic subscription—is greatest among the youngest respondents.
The cost of labor, particularly for home delivery, is a key factor for e-commerce growth in the grocery industry around the world. Lower labor costs, higher population densities and growing smartphone use make online ordering for home delivery in China and the Asia-Pacific region the growth leader for e-commerce in the global industry.
High-Paying Careers in Consumer Non-Durables
From fashion and food to personal care products, the consumer non-durables industry drives the global economy. Below are some of the top-paying roles that offer the best paychecks in this sector:
| Job Title | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Product Manager | $85,000 – $135,000 |
| Food Scientist | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $70,000 – $105,000 |
| Consumer Insights Analyst | $65,000 – $110,000 |
| Brand Manager | $65,000 – $100,000 |
| Quality Assurance Manager | $60,000 – $95,000 |
Key Career Responsibilities
- Marketing Manager: Lead campaigns to promote consumer products, ensuring maximum brand exposure and sales growth.
- Supply Chain Manager: Optimize production, transportation, and delivery processes, ensuring cost efficiency and smooth operations.
- Food Scientist: Develop new food products and enhance existing ones to meet consumer preferences and ensure safety.
- Consumer Insights Analyst: Use data to uncover consumer trends and preferences, helping companies refine their products.
