Category Archives: Columns
Nonfoods Talk: All the buzz
A new Fairway Market store in suburban New Jersey is catching the eyes and wallets of consumers from near and far. Will it last? … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Penney’s troubles
Most consumers no longer think of J.C. Penney as a cool place to shop. That is one big reason the chain is in such … Continue reading
L.A. law
Plastic grocery bags get the death penalty. By Tom Weir If you belong to the Baby Boom generation or the one before it, you … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The face of the new consumer
To paraphrase Bob Dylan, consumers—they are a changin’. As the media reported in late May, the demographics of America have evolved. The press reported … Continue reading
All The President’s Foods
Do politicians’ eating habits influence the products in the supermarket aisles? Now that we have officially entered the presidential campaign season, it is time … Continue reading
Talking Shop with… Bob Sewall
The executive vice president-sales and marketing for Blount Fine Foods says that his company’s soup lines enable retailers to offer higher-end, gourmet soups. Grocery … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Learning from history
The chronicles of Walmart, Target and Kmart can serve as a textbook for other retailers looking to make a mark in today’s tough retail … Continue reading
Food Forum: Moving targets
Grocery stores can reap the benefits of marketing programs that welcome new residents. By Larry Neal According to the USDA, the average family spends … Continue reading
Future Forces: Who will you trust?
The consumers’ quest for naturalness is really a continuing search for healthy living. By Patrick Kiernan Something happens to your view of life when … Continue reading
On Point: The transparency dilemma
A tough choice between facts now and fallout later. At this point, anyone who is still trying to make the case on behalf of … Continue reading
Food Forum: Washington hatches a good idea
Grocers should support federal legislation on eggs. By Gene Gregory How often do you hear grocers say, “That’s a great idea!” about something happening … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Do these trends have legs?
Retailers need to sift through a lot of fly-by-night offerings to find ones that will bring in business. There are just some food trends … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Playing catch-up
Wellness has been on consumers’ minds for nearly a generation. A new conference next year is geared to helping retailers gain more insight into … Continue reading
Food Forum: What is the gluten-free category missing?
A rush to market is resulting in some products that are not nutritionally sound. By Julie McGinnis Expensive alternative grains, starch-filled recipes, and speed … Continue reading
Feel-good stories
Officials at housewares and pet product companies say their categories are looking up despite a weak economy and high gas prices. Talk about optimism. … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Using technology to ring the till
Innovative applications can engage consumers, but will they buy? Are you as bored as I am with all the chatter about the technological revolution … Continue reading
Food Forum: Looking for the silver lining
By David Donnan Commodity volatility can create business opportunities for grocers. Effectively managing escalating commodity volatility is rapidly becoming an increasingly mission-critical agenda item … Continue reading
Checking gas prices
Though hard to fathom, higher oil prices may present a growth opportunity for grocers. For what it is worth, here is my read on … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The man cave
Enticing adult men into your grooming section is only half the battle. Retailers need to target teenagers as well if they want to maximize … Continue reading
On Point: Photo finish
There is much to be learned from Kodak’s misfortune. If your company is flying high and all signs point to a bright future, maybe … Continue reading
Food Forum: Creating opportunities for collaboration
To nurture the next generation of food retailers, industry leaders and educators must find new ways to work together. By Richard J. George, Ph.D. … Continue reading
Food Forum: Avoiding poor promotion execution
Discounts and other incentives that are handled incorrectly at the POS can result in significant losses for retailers. By Derek M. Rodner Retailers are … Continue reading
Not to be repeated
Supermarkets have avoided most of the major blunders that other companies keep making over and over. Can their winning streak continue? Some say the … Continue reading
Food Forum: Going wireless
By increasing the number of tasks they can perform in the store and warehouse, mobile-powered workstations can save labor costs while still improving morale … Continue reading
Talking Shop with… Mike Steele
The national sales manager for REMIS America says the company is expanding to meet increasing retailer demand for doors on coolers and cases. Grocery … Continue reading
