Category Archives: Columns
From the Publisher: Gas pump economics
Consumers are paying more for gas and other energy needs. Sounds like more bad news for retailers. Except there may be a silver lining … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: The art of appreciation
We tend to focus on showing gratitude around the holidays, but we should recognize workplace excellence throughout the year. By Jane Olszeski Tortola We … Continue reading
Food Forum: Bridging the social media gap
Grocers need to tailor their social media outreach to older members of the Gen Y and Baby Boom generations. By Richard J. George How … Continue reading
Food Forum: Increase the power of the candy aisle
Clearing up the chaos and having an efficient assortment are just some ways to boost candy sales. By Timothy LeBel In these uncertain economic … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: When the pipeline is overflowing
New nonfoods items keep arriving, but there is no more room on the shelves. What can grocers do? By Seth Mendelson An executive from … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: A pet story
The pet category offers retailers the potential for huge sales and profits, but they have to be willing to get into the game. The … Continue reading
On Point: Checking out the future
In a world of change, customer focus is the constant. Technologies come and go. Today’s bells and whistles will be tomorrow’s antiques—obsolete, unnecessary, unwanted. … Continue reading
Food Safety Forum: Expanding the food safety net
While the Food Safety Modernization Act is a good start, a centralized database is needed to ensure food safety and protect the industry’s reputation. … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: Learning and networking in Vegas
The upcoming NGA Show will offer expanded educational opportunities and partnerships. By Jane Olszeski Tortola For independent grocers small and large, the must-attend event … Continue reading
Sounding Board: The dark side of social networking
The next round of labor negotiations may involve stipulations surrounding social media use. The next time union contracts come up for renewal retailers may … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Eye of the storm
Hurricane Irene pounded the East Coast with high winds and heavy rain. It was the perfect weather for increased batteries sales. By Seth Mendelson … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: Finding good help
Independents need to make time for interviewing and training as they hire workers for the upcoming holiday season. By Jane Olszeski Tortola Hiring a … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Not a jolly holiday
The Christmas selling season is shaping up to be a rough one for retailers. They need to plan ahead to get consumers in a … Continue reading
Sounding Board: The never-ending story
With social networks, blogs and websites, customers are continually evaluating their shopping experiences. Retailers should do the same. By Len Lewis Are you offering … Continue reading
Food Forum: Can grocers leverage emerging media?
Only time and thorough testing will determine if supermarkets can profit from social media, location-based marketing and other budding communication channels. By Marek Polonski … Continue reading
Food Forum: A trip to the local watering hole
Domestic bottled water offers a close-to-home option that appeals to eco-conscious consumers and retailers. By P. Allen Smith We are in the middle of … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: Cashing in on cards
Grocers have a chance to grow their social expression departments as many independent card shops fold. By Jane Olszeski Tortola She received numerous good … Continue reading
Future Forces: Pass it along
Combining location-based marketing with mobile technology will make word-of-mouth marketing even more powerful. By Patrick Kiernan You have probably noticed the growing use of … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The competition is online
Ecommerce can take a bite out of nonfoods sales. It is time to fight back against the Amazon.com’s of the world. By Seth Mendelson … Continue reading
On Point: The fight is not over
Walmart may be down, but do not count the retailing giant out. By Tom Weir Nothing like hard times to bring a high-flyer down … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Unfriendly labor relations
With their ranks depleted, hungry unions are increasingly targeting retailers. By Len Lewis It is a funny thing about fear. It just feeds on … Continue reading
Food Forum: Superfruits at a tipping point
Foods such as granola bars, muffins and cold cereals that incorporate superfruits will drive growth. By Jeff Manning Health-conscious consumers who already eat fresh … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Power in numbers
The decision to merge three shows into one could be a boost for the retail industry. But it is going to take a lot … Continue reading
Future Forces: A new breed of retailer
Think about the possibilities of combining the best traits of two retailers. By Patrick Kiernan By now you may be living with one of … Continue reading
