Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest sales opportunities of the year, and delivery orders are playing an increasingly significant role in helping stores meet customer demand. Last year, Lula’s data from 2024 revealed clear trends in what customers were ordering, when they were ordering, and how convenience stores can optimize their offerings for game day. Whether you’re gearing up for delivery or fine-tuning in-store operations, here’s how to ensure your store is ready to tackle Super Bowl Sunday like a pro.
1. Most-Ordered Delivery Items in 2024
Delivery orders surged on Super Bowl Sunday, particularly for beverages, snacks, and other quick essentials. Based on last year’s data, here’s what topped the list:
- Beverages: Drinks dominated orders, with ready-to-drink cocktails like BuzzBallz Chillers and Monaco Citrus Rush leading the pack. Popular sodas, including Dr Pepper and Coca-Cola, as well as energy drinks like Red Bull, were also in high demand. Ice bags and mixers proved to be important add-ons for party hosts.
- Snacks: Bold, spicy options like Barcel Takis Fuego topped the list for game-day snacks. Single-serve candy and gum, such as Bubblicious Watermelon Gum, were also popular additions.
- Party Essentials: Ice bags, ping pong balls, and even Fireball miniatures made frequent appearances, showing that customers use delivery for those last-minute party needs.
- Sweet Treats: Desserts such as Laffy Taffy Rope Blue Raspberry rounded out orders, often paired with beverages or other items.
Tip: Highlight these top performers in your delivery app with “Game Day Favorites” bundles or special promotions like “Buy 2 beverages, get a snack 50% off” to encourage larger basket sizes.
2. Timing is Everything
Super Bowl Sunday delivery orders hit their peak at 6 PM in 2024, with consistent growth starting in the late afternoon. Here’s how the day broke down:
- 3 PM - 5 PM: Orders steadily increased during this window, as customers stocked up on snacks, beverages, and frozen foods for their parties.
- 5 PM - 6 PM: The busiest hour of the day. Many customers placed last-minute delivery orders for beverages, ice, and heat-and-eat items to prepare for kickoff at 6:30 PM.
- 6 PM - 7 PM: Demand remained high immediately after kickoff, particularly for beverages and party essentials, before tapering off later in the evening.
Tip: Prepare for the 5-7 PM surge by ensuring your delivery team is well-staffed and that high-demand items are prominently displayed in your app. Offer quick “last-minute party packs” to cater to the rush.
3. Boost Sales with Delivery-Specific Strategies
Take advantage of delivery trends to maximize your Super Bowl Sunday revenue:
- Create Bundled Offers: Game-day combos like “Buy 2 frozen pizzas, get a 6-pack of soda at 20% off” encourage larger basket sizes.
- Use Eye-Catching Product Names: Label items with fun, football-themed names in your app, like “Game Day Nacho Kit” or “Tailgate Essentials Pack.”
- Optimize Item Placement in Apps: Put your best-selling Super Bowl items at the top of your delivery menu to make them easy to find.
Tip: Promote these bundles and offers on your social media and in-store signage leading up to the big day to drive awareness.
4. Prepare for Delivery Success
Partnering with a delivery platform like Lula can help ensure your store is equipped to meet Super Bowl demand. Here’s how to optimize your delivery experience:
- Accurate Inventory: Double-check that all delivery app listings match your real-time inventory to avoid frustrating customers with out-of-stock items.
- Efficient Order Fulfillment: Assign dedicated staff to handle delivery orders during peak hours. This minimizes errors and ensures orders go out quickly.
- Promote Delivery Services: Use social media and email to remind your customers they can skip the line and order their Super Bowl essentials straight to their door.
5. In-Store Tips to Complement Delivery Success
While delivery may dominate the day, don’t forget about in-store shoppers. Based on 2024 data, here are tips to enhance the experience for walk-in customers:
- Create Game Day Displays: Put snacks, beverages, and heat-and-eat items in high-traffic areas. Use themed signage to draw attention.
- Offer Exclusive Deals: Attract walk-in shoppers with deals they can’t get via delivery, such as discounts on larger quantities or exclusive bundles.
- Adjust Staffing: Peak in-store shopping hours align closely with delivery demand, so ensure you have enough team members on hand to manage both.
6. Stay Ahead of the Game
Super Bowl Sunday is an opportunity to not only increase sales but also create a memorable experience for your customers. By focusing on delivery trends, promoting your offerings effectively, and planning ahead, you can set your store up for success. At Lula, we’re here to help retailers stay ahead of the game when it comes to e-commerce. Talk to a delivery expert today and learn more!
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