Could grocery stores impact social isolation with such initiatives as “Coffee Corners” and “Chatter Checkouts”? Do you think people would make use of these types of services, and are there other — perhaps better — ways that retailers could help alleviate social isolation?
Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments, featured on RetailWire’s Braintrust :
Yes, grocers can make a positive impact and yes, I do think that where appropriate, shoppers will participate. This is a very positive step towards helping people that feel isolated and yes, not just for seniors but young people as well who use social media to such an extent that they are sometimes more isolated than seniors. The art of conversation is something that many young people struggle with. It is not the responsibility of the grocer to do this, but you see grocers in Europe doing this which is consistent with the way many other countries treat and in fact cherish their elders. In a way, Starbucks and Barnes & Noble have been doing this since day one. Although most will be engaged with their phones or computers, there is human interaction as well. Bravo Jumbo!
Read the entire article from RetailWire: