What would you stock in your “man aisle”?
Breaking News: Westside Market in NYC has launched a “man aisle.” Clearly, this is not breaking news. However, from a marketing standpoint, I do find a supermarket man cave intriguing. The grocery’s new dedicated aisle reportedly features: chips, beef jerky, steak sauce, condoms, beer, deodorant, razors and other so-called manly necessities.
Gentlemen, here’s my question for you: are you enjoying the new man-centric marketing trend, or do you find it annoying? Also, what items would you want permanently stocked in your “man aisle”? When I asked my husband this question, he replied with, “Do you want my short list or my long list? I’ll give you my short list. Planters peanuts, assorted chips, prime cuts of beef, eight different types of beer and single batch bourbons. Oh, and Nic, don’t forget the fine cigars.”
The more I think about this concept of specialty supermarket aisles, I think it’s brilliant! What do you think?
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Milk, bread, eggs, apples, oranges, bananas, pineapple, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, limes, potatoes, broccoli, corn on the cob, carrots, peppers (various), meat counter with a broad selection, oatmeal, walnuts, etc. Fresh, nutritious, tasty, familiar food is manly. For the most part the man aisle already exists. It runs around the perimeter of most stores.
Of course many real men like pine nuts, fennel, and cilantro. Claim most of the supermarket and farmers’ market for men, I say and do.
I think that new it insulting. to insinuate that men get confused to the store. not to mention none of the crap in that row is what I shop for at the store.
Speaking as father of 4 children.
Someone should be taking notes. Does Peapod have a man aisle yet?
High quality playing cards. A wide variety of hot sauces that must include Dave’s Insanity. Several varieties of canned and bottled gravy. A wide selection of draft microbrews, particularly local ones, dispensed into growlers which would also be for sale (Piggly Wiggly does this!). Fireworks, according to local law. Plastic cups and ping pong balls. A variety of pork cracklins. Domestic and imported pate’s, including foi gras. 3″ thick rib eyes and pork chops. All kinds of batteries. Work gloves. Lighter fluid and flints for Zippo lighters. 4 in one screwdrivers. Freshly made, refrigerated meat pies. The stock person on… Read more »
Gentlemen, here’s my question for you: are you enjoying the new man-centric marketing trend, or do you find it annoying? That depends on the intent of focus on men. Is it an effort to recognize that men actually do shop for groceries or is it more buying to this “end of men” stuff. If it’s the latter then I don’t find simply annoying but patronizing. Such intent is nothing more than trying to build up false insecurities in men and then score off their desperation to ease those insecurities (much like women and make up). If it’s the former then… Read more »
I think it’s brilliant. We don’t exactly have a “woman isle” but in some ways the whole market is aimed at women…
The “man aisle” for every man would vary of course. My husband’s would be: extra hot salsa, many varieties of chips, multiple varieties of salami, Dove for Men, and non-alcoholic beer.
When I go down the aisle of baby supplies, feminine hygiene, and family planning products at my local supermarket, I think I’m in the “woman aisle” to match this “man aisle.” I prefer the one your stock photo guy is shopping in; my man aisle has pineapples and Wasa crispbread, too. And ice cream. And hard cider.
I like how baby products, family planning, and indeed most of the supermarket (you know, all the basics for keeping your house clean, preparing meals for the family, and all the other boring everyday household items) is really a “aimed at women”. Because running the household is something women do? I contrast, a “man aisle” is all about toys, snacks, beer, personal health and food items. And here I thought we agreed that perpetuating the idea that men are just big children who leave all responsibility around the house to women was a bad idea? Anyway – I’d personally have… Read more »