5 Reasons Why Pre-Shop Planning Will Drive CPG Success in 2025

As we approach the new year, the grocery landscape rests for no marketer. With shoppers continuing to navigate endless SKUs, and multiple channels, CPG brands rely on their savvy advertising teams to find the best ways to attract consumers through shifting shopping trends.

This evolving shopper behavior is why understanding the consumer pre-shop planning phase is more crucial than ever. This critical shopping period is when consumers decide what to buy, often days before they enter a store or log onto a grocery app.

CPG marketers with access to pre-shop planning insights are setting themselves up for success in 2025. Here are five reasons pre-shop planning needs to be a part of your brand’s core strategy for the year ahead. Let’s dive in! 

1. Shopping Lists Are Still the Foundation

Consumers rely on shopping lists to stay organized, and those lists are still the key to influencing purchases. Research shows that nearly all shoppers use a list, and most items that make it onto a list end up in the cart. The challenge for brands in 2025 is ensuring their products land on those lists early in planning.

Influencing what shoppers write down or save digitally is crucial in capturing intent and driving sales. Whether it’s through digital tools, engaging content, or thoughtful messaging, connecting with consumers during their planning phase ensures your brand will stay top-of-mind when they’re ready to shop.

2. Digital Tools Are Still #1

As consumers increasingly turn to digital solutions, grocery planning is no exception. Apps, digital lists, and recipe platforms are now central to how people prepare for their shopping trips. By 2025, these shopping tools will be even more dominant, especially among generations who prefer mobile-first experiences.

This shift is an opportunity for CPG brands to meet shoppers where they plan. Whether it’s through seamless integrations with digital grocery lists or shoppable recipe platforms, aligning your strategy with these tools will create stronger connections with today’s tech-savvy consumers.

3. Shoppers Want More Than Coupons

While discounts and coupons remain a factor, shoppers look beyond deals when building their grocery lists. Inspiration now comes from recipes, seasonal celebrations, and health and wellness trends. Brands that tie their products to these moments can stand out during pre-shop planning.

Imagine your product being featured in a trending vegan recipe or positioned as the perfect addition to a holiday celebration. This kind of context makes your brand relevant and more likely to secure a spot on the list.

4. Pre-Shop Planning Drives More Than Just Lists

Planning doesn’t stop at the list; pre-shop plans influence online and in-store purchases. Whether shoppers navigate digital carts or browse physical aisles, their lists act as a roadmap for what goes into the basket.

Brands can turn awareness into action by connecting with consumers during the pre-shop phase. It’s about building loyalty, creating meaningful touchpoints, and ensuring your product stays front and center when it matters most.

5. Pre-Shop Strategies Will Define 2025 Success

Focusing on the pre-shop phase is one of the most effective ways to stand out in 2025. By aligning your marketing efforts with how consumers plan, you’ll make an impact and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Ensure you are tapping into intent-driven advertising, creating contextual campaigns, and staying visible across the tools your audience uses daily.

Brands that embrace pre-shop planning in a thoughtful, strategic way will position themselves for measurable success in the year ahead.

Start Planning for Pre-Shop Success in 2025

Pre-shop planning is where awareness meets action. When CPG brands engage shoppers early, they can influence purchase decisions, ensuring products make it from list to cart to purchase.

AdAdapted can help your brand win during this pivotal phase (we’re the pre-shop experts!). From push notifications to contextual recipe ads, we have the tools you need to stand out with our comprehensive Add-it™ One digital ad family. Schedule a meeting today and see how we can help make 2025 your strongest year yet! 

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