Category Archives: Columns
On Point: When science is not enough
Public relations concerns may settle the GMO-labeling battle. Based on the current state of knowledge, there seems to be no scientific justification for requiring … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Phoning it in at the front-end
Consumers seem to be more intent on surfing the Internet than perusing the front end. How does this impact the sales of products at … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Betting on the sandwich
The sandwich, along with a creative promotional program, can generate significant incremental revenue from multiple departments within a store. As James Beard, author, chef … Continue reading
Food Forum: Business is blooming!
Properly managed, bedding plants can provide a boost to the bottom line. By P. Allen Smith Want to jump start seasonal sales this spring? … Continue reading
Talking Shop with… Dave McConnell & Mark Deuschle, GMDC
Dave McConnell, president and CEO, and Mark Deuschle, vice president business development and chief marketing officer, for the Global Market Development Center (GMDC) talk … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Where the future lies
In good economic times or bad, in the end, quality will usually trump price. A manufacturer of housewares products pulled me aside at the … Continue reading
On Point: Sunshine State strategy
It takes more than low prices to own a market. New York City is not a place to admire grocery stores. Astronomical real estate … Continue reading
Sounding Board: A closer look at “Obamacare”
As the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approaches, retailers are going to have to make some tough decisions. By this … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Consulting the stars
Should retailers look toward astrology when making business decisions? In this economic climate, why not? “When the moon is in the Seventh House And … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Dialing in on diabetes
Diabetes has become a big concern. are grocery retailers doing enough to help shoppers look for sugar-free alternatives? The numbers are staggering. According to … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Making the right choices
Figuring out what product lines to carry, and not carry, play an important role in a supermarket’s success. I got a pretty interesting telephone … Continue reading
Food Forum: A Guide to winning with upscale
For retailers, the key to successfully navigating the beer category and growing their bottom line lies in optimizing shelves and merchandising. By Nick Lake, … Continue reading
Food Forum: Preparing for the next phase of the obesity debate
Healthy food options at retail are not enough for some activist groups looking to increase regulations even more. By Richard Berman, executive director, Center … Continue reading
Association Perspective: Addressing the independents
National Grocers Association’s 2013 NGA Show introduced several innovations developed to help small- to mid-sized grocers. By Peter J. Larkin, president & CEO, National … Continue reading
Sounding Board: The FDA’s watchful eye
The FDA now has teeth and if retailers are not careful, they might just get bit. It is that time of year when the … Continue reading
Food Forum: Going with the flow
The industry continues to trend toward fresh, yet some grocers seem reticentto embrace the technology that would allow them to really profit. By Jeff … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Getting intimate
Intimacy products are no longer taboo and grocers that manage the section properly can prosper. It is time for supermarket retailers to get more … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Independents taking the day
With a wide range of products tailored to specific neighborhood needs, independent Chicago-area grocers are thriving. I think I have seen the future of … Continue reading
A very public slugfest
Does a punch at Walmart give retailing a black eye? The Black Friday that kicked off the just-concluded Christmas shopping season was one for … Continue reading
Future Forces: Rethinking collaboration
Food prices, the food movement and the loss of the center store shopper will have a negative impact on the industry unless all parties … Continue reading
Food Forum: An 8-step plan to refresh your store
From painting walls to introducing new décor and signage, here are some things that retailers can do right now to improve sales. By Norbert … Continue reading
Food Forum: The true price of recalls
It can cost millions to pull a product off the shelves, not to mention the damage to the brand’s image and lost sales. Recall … Continue reading
Sounding Board: A new dimension to grocery shopping
“Virtual” grocery aisles are popping up in train stations, airports and other venues. While it is mostly an international trend so far, are U.S. … Continue reading
NonFoods Talk: The eye of the storm
Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in the Northeast. Mass retailers, as a whole, deserve a solid grade for getting consumers prepared for the storm and … Continue reading
Food Forum: Hydroponic growing gains momentum
When consumers purchase produce, they are spending more money on the fuel and transportation costs it took to get it to the supermarket than … Continue reading
