Category Archives: Columns
Nonfoods Talk: Right on Target
The giant mass merchandiser is boosting its nonfoods assortment and it is likely to pay off at the cash register. By Seth Mendelson In … Continue reading
Food Forum: Striking a balance
Robust market basket analysis can help retailers identify the right products to discount while protecting margins and market share. By Anthony Bruce Value shoppers … 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
Digging deep
There is a lot going on in the nonfoods world, even if we have to look a little harder to find the news. By … Continue reading
Food Forum: Shades of green
By increasing the number of green brands in mainstream aisles retailers can win over more “light green” shoppers. By James D’Agosta Picture a refrigerated … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Getting the message
Consumers are wired and that means they know everything in an instant. Can retailers take advantage of this trend? By Seth Mendelson Facebook and … Continue reading
A warm welcome
As the next leader of the NGA, Peter Larkin needs to continue to nurture the independent spirit and build on the past 28 years. … Continue reading
Food Forum: Better buying
Perishables buyers need access to enhanced information to survive economic uncertainty and market inefficiency. By Ryan Schneider Commodity food items have experienced unprecedented price … Continue reading
Food Forum: Cope is not a strategy
Recent compliance requirements highlight the need for retailers to implement efficient and effective systems for managing vendor data. By Nick Parnaby When sales, profits … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Dethroning the lunch lady
When the ingredients in school lunches are the same as those in pet food, there is a problem. Will retailers seize the opportunity to … Continue reading
Nonfood Talk: A new soapbox?
A fledgling e-commerce site is eyeing the health and beauty care category. Traditional retailers need to pay attention and initiate some strategies to fight … Continue reading
On Point: An eye to the future
Healthier foods will be a growing presence on grocery shoppers’ lists. By Tom Weir It seems not a day goes by without at least … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Changing channels
P&G doesn’t think every sale has to go through a retailer. Likewise, retailers shouldn’t feel obligated to carry every product in every size. By … Continue reading
Food Forum: Pause before you cause
Companies can do the most good by choosing a cause that fits the corporate culture and supporting it in a big way. By Jyoti … Continue reading
The value of education
Training teaches staffers how to handle the tasks of today, but education prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow. By Dr. John L. Stanton … Continue reading
From the Publisher: Getting into plastic
Credit card transaction fees may be headed down for retailers, thanks to a federal bill now making its way through Congress. By Seth Mendelson … Continue reading
Sounding Board: More than lip service
The good news is that grocers are giving the “customer experience” some serious attention. But what’s the best approach? By Lew Lewis If you’re … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: The firing line
Some GM/HBC suppliers are eager to say that they do not target supermarkets as much as other retail outlets. I think they are missing … Continue reading
Nonfoods Forum: The future of pharmacy
Today’s pharmacist is the face of neighborhood health care, highlighting the importance of training and professional development. By Steven C. Anderson The pharmacist is … Continue reading
Nonfoods Forum: An advocate’s perspective
As the 40th annual General Merchandise Marketing Conference gets underway, some of the challenges facing nonfoods remain the same. How will the industry respond? … Continue reading
Fresh Food Forum: Balancing the apple cart
Is there a risk to offering too many varieties of apples? By Kevin Precht How many new apple varieties do we need? Everyone up … Continue reading
Future Forces: Defining moment
Will the industry tell its story of change, or will it let others be the voice of the future of food? By Patrick Kiernan … Continue reading
Food Forum: Making things happen
Moving from “think” to “feel” to “do.” By George Latella Shopper marketing has been a hot topic in our business for a few years. … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Open communication
A simple coupon may have changed the way one consumer shops for HBC items. Retailers take note. I certainly did. By Seth Mendelson I … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Staying on track
While readers may not recognize the name Fred Harvey, there is much to learn about customer service from this operator of restaurants at railroad … Continue reading
