Category Archives: Columns
From the Publisher: Racking up miles
Save Mart executives travel to each store and headquarters unit during the holidays, which says a great deal about their commitment to employees and … Continue reading
Food Forum: Keeping infants safe
New warnings are aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by infant carriers falling from shopping carts. By Paul Giampavolo This … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Think small
Declining home ownership has more people living in tighter quarters. Retailers and manufacturers need to adjust. If there is one thing synonymous with the … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Getting no respect
It is time for the media to understand that supermarkets offer the same services as drugstores when it comes to health and beauty care. … Continue reading
On Point: Now you see it…
The best service is sometimes invisible to the customer. By Tom Weir To the male half of the couple it was surprising, disappointing actually, … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Back from the crypt
Seeking to build sales and profits, grocery retailers may want to start expanding some long-dormant categories. It may be time for grocery retailers to … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Boom towns
Retailers weight their next moves as the real estate markets begin to heat up. Where is the next best place to operate? Now that … Continue reading
Future Forces: The Amazon effect
Center store profits could be at risk as consumers do more of their research and buying online. By Patrick Kiernan As our industry continues … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
