Author Archives: Kim Ann Zimmermann
Grocers checking out POS options
With IBM exiting the POS business and stores getting smaller, supermarkets are eyeing new equipment for the checkout lane. Grocers looking to update their … Continue reading
A darker shade of green
Equipment manufacturers and retailers are kicking their sustainability efforts up a notch by focusing on new technologies and comprehensive energy-saving strategies. While saving the … Continue reading
Signing on
Grocers are capturing consumers’ attention and saving time and labor with digital signage and other in-store media. Hand-written paper signs touting prices or promotions … Continue reading
Dazzling décor
Grocery Headquarters’ annual design showcase… Continue reading
No longer one or the other
It used to be that if supermarkets wanted to save energy they had to sacrifice merchandising prowess and possibly sales. The old rule was … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Points of Light
Retailers are taking a shine to LEDs, expanding use to almost every part of the store. Bright lights, big savings. That is the mantra … Continue reading
Chilly forecast
Supermarkets are revamping their refrigeration systems with eco-friendly refrigerants and more efficient configurations and components. As supermarkets look to lessen their impact on the … Continue reading
Safety Equipment at the Ready
When ensuring the safety of the food supply, pallets, shelving and sanitation systems take on prominent roles. Continue reading
Food Safety Basics
When I embarked on the research for my story on food safety equipment for our July issue, I fully expected people to talking about … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
Self-made to order
Self-service kiosks, along with equipment for food preparation and presentation, keep things moving in the deli and bakery departments. On a Sunday afternoon, the … Continue reading
Breaking out of the box
With a triangular addition at the front, Grand Food Center gained a showcase for its fresh produce and floral departments. Continue reading
Cooked— and cleaned—to perfection
Retailers are looking for cooking equipment that is easy to use and simple to clean. Continue reading
POS Shakeup
It wasn’t a surprise when IBM exited the POS market earlier this month—Greg Buzek at IHL Group called it one of the worst kept … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
Behind the Looking Glass
Grocers are adding doors, LED lighting and other energy-saving features to refrigerated cases. At home, consumers keep yogurt, milk and cheese in the refrigerator, … Continue reading
Caught in the act!
Retail theft remains high but grocers are using some reliable crime stoppers such as cameras and public view monitors in new ways. Shoppers struggling … Continue reading
The Language of Supermarkets
It is a habit I have had for quite a while and one I cannot seem to shake. I have a tendency to ask … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
Lasting impression
The parking lot and store vestibule offer supermarket customers clues about what to expect on the rest of their shopping trip. If shoppers see … Continue reading
Soups satisfy
Industry observers say consumers and retailers are embracing the value proposition of fresh soup offerings. They further suggest that the primary reasons for growth in this category is that fresh soup represents value for the money, while offering a convenient meal solution. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 01 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
Shout about it!
Having just completed a story about LEED certification, I am probably more aware than the average shopper when it comes to energy-saving equipment in … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
LEEDing the way to sustainability
Many supermarkets are making an effort to use sustainable materials, and an increasing number are getting their projects certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Continue reading
Quality at any price-point
Even when they aren’t paying to dine among celebrities at one of his Spago restaurants, Chef Wolfgang Puck doesn’t want customers to be disappointed … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
An eye on design
Satisfying the consumer is first and foremost as supermarkets focus on designs that enhance the shopper experience. Space is a precious commodity, especially for … Continue reading
Coupon Crazy
I have an old college friend who would almost qualify for the show Extreme Couponing. He searches for coupons far and wide—newspapers, websites, you … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
3PLs lend a hand
As the Beatles song goes, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” The same can be said for grocers as they … Continue reading
Cracking the code
Those funny little squares that look like Rorschach tests (QR codes) have been struggling to find a purpose for while. They have a lot to … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
