Category Archives: Columns
Sounding Board: Not boxed in
The CEO of The Container Store says loyalty—to employees, customers and vendors—is the linchpin of the retailer’s success. By Len Lewis How would you … Continue reading
Food Forum: Retail convergence
While more consumers are shopping and comparing prices online, the store is still relevant. Mike Webster Retailers are experiencing an unprecedented rate of market … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: The best year ever
Four independent grocers share their plans for 2011 and beyond. By Jane Olszeski Tortola Mark Batenic, Juvenal Chavez, Bill Orr and Rick Geyer are … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: Putting people first
When independent grocers connect with their employees, everyone wins. By Jane Olszeski Tortola Many of the most successful supermarket retailers that I know have … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The bedbugs are biting
Bedbugs have reappeared in many locations. Is this an opportunity for grocery stores? By Seth Mendelson Those nasty bedbugs are biting everyone and everywhere. … Continue reading
From the Publisher: The good times ahead
An improving economy could actually spell trouble for the grocery industry. How can retailers position themselves to benefit from an economic recovery? By Seth … Continue reading
Food Forum: Clean matters
While promotions and incentives can attract new customers, cleanliness is crucial if you want them to become regulars. By Bobbi King Customers choose the … Continue reading
Future Forces: Food as medicine
While more Americans are making healthier choices at the supermarket, there is room for improvement. How can grocers help shoppers make the connection between … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Getting a dressing down
As the first provisions of health care reforms begin to take effect, some industry executives express concerns about higher costs and hidden requirements. By … Continue reading
On Point: A question of answers
When shoppers come asking, knowledge is power. By Tom Weir As the grocery industry’s main point of contact with the consuming public, retailers have … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Beyond the sale
Too often, supermarket executives think the relationship ends when the customer exits the checkout. A look at the Best Buy model could change some … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: Hitting the gas
Can independent grocers compete in the fuel business? By Jane Olszeski Tortola Over the past couple of years, we’ve witnessed it all as “retailers” … Continue reading
Food Forum: Targeting mature Millennials
This demographic represents a growing opportunity for grocers. By Richard J. George, Ph.D. Age, lifestyle and life stage all influence food retail attitudes and … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The new sheriff in town
Bed, Bath & Beyond is going after the nonfoods category. That is not good news for any supermarket chain’s GM/HBC department. By Seth Mendelson … Continue reading
Food Forum: Turkeys with history
Heritage turkeys can help grocers appeal to consumers who are interested in the origins of their food. By P. Allen Smith With the holiday … Continue reading
An Independent Voice: A few simple rules
A family business can be a wonderful thing, but everyone needs to follow some guidelines to make it work. By Jane Olszeski Tortola The … Continue reading
Future Forces: Eradicating food deserts
The industry should be proud of what it has done so far to improve access to affordable nutritious food, but there is more work … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Looking inside the box
A marketing gimmick shows that creating the right mystique can grab consumers’ attention and more sales. By Seth Mendelson I got a neat product … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Political fallout
As executives at Target discovered, a political donation can be a land mine for any retailer. By Len Lewis Free speech is the cornerstone … Continue reading
Wellness Forum: Talking calories
Grocers can help consumers get a better handle on how much they are eating. By Cary Silvers Americans have a curious relationship with calories. … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Technology in the aisles
New products and software are making a big difference at retail chains. Can merchants learn how to harness the power of new technologies? By … Continue reading
Food Forum: Building consumer confidence
While the U.S. has been slower to adopt traceability legislation than Europe, it is only a matter of time before similar rules affect retailers … Continue reading
Sounding Board: A nagging problem
It’s time to address the embarrassing issue of food deserts. By Len Lewis There are just some issues in the supermarket industry that won’t … Continue reading
Food Forum: The many flavors of Hispanic consumers
This growing demographic has a wide range of cooking styles and taste preferences. By Joseph Pérez Many years ago, the Hispanic community was relegated to … Continue reading
On Point: Hurry up and think!
By-the-book innovation is a pretty silly idea. By Tom Weir The reigning concept in business thinking today seems to be innovation, and there is … Continue reading
