Schnucks Markets has announced that Kim Gray will lead the company’s merchandising team as chief merchant, succeeding Ryan Cuba, who will become the company’s first chief growth officer. Gray brings to Schnucks more than 20 years of merchandising and leadership experience across fresh, center store and e-commerce category management. She previously held senior merchandising roles at […]
Category: Merchandising News
The Giant Co. Names Lupfer As SVP, Chief Merchant
The Giant Co. has named Rebecca Lupfer as SVP and chief merchant, leading all aspects of merchandising for the company, as well as commercial planning and pricing. “With nearly 20 years of retail grocery experience spanning nearly all areas of the business, Rebecca brings a tremendous amount of expertise to the table as well as […]
Target Shares Several Changes To Leadership Team
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. has made several changes to its leadership team. Christina Hennington, currently chief growth officer, has been named as chief strategy and growth officer, and Rick Gomez, currently chief food, essentials and beauty officer, will take over as chief commercial officer, overseeing Target’s merchandising business, both effective July 7. Lisa Roath, Target’s chief marketing officer, will […]
SpartanNash Taps McIvor For VP Of Merchandising, Pharmacy
SpartanNash has appointed Graham McIvor to the newly created role of VP of merchandising and pharmacy, where he will spearhead key initiatives to advance the company’s operations in both areas. “Continuously progressing our merchandising transformation is a vital part of our mission to deliver the ingredients for a better life in the communities we serve,” […]
Best In Class: Maximizing Memorial Day Sales
Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military, also marks the unofficial start of summer, synonymous with backyard barbecues, family gatherings and festive picnics. It’s also a prime opportunity for supermarkets to maximize Memorial Day sales by focusing on customer experience, value and community spirit. Firing Up Customer Engagement Interactive Grilling Demonstrations: Host in-store […]
The Giant Co. Names Crishock As VP, Center Store Omnichannel Merchandising
The Giant Company has named Joanna Crishock as VP of center store omnichannel merchandising, effective immediately. Crishock will report to John Ruane, president of The Giant Co. “With vast experience in consumer insights, strategy and, most recently, commercial planning, price strategy and marketing, Joanna brings tremendous knowledge and strength to her new role,” Ruane said. “She […]
FMI: Consumers View Value In Terms of Quality, Experience
Value is the name of the game for consumers today. Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods for FMI – The Food Industry Association, recently spoke about trends in fresh with The Griffin Report’s Maggie Kaeppel. Stein said FMI research shows that “value isn’t just what it used to be.” Instead of solely a price point, consumers […]
Imperial Distributors Makes Several Leadership Changes
Imperial Distributors has announced key organizational changes to its leadership team, effective April 1. Michael Sleeper, who joined Imperial in 1964 and became president and CEO in 1970, will transition into the role of executive chairman of the board. Sleeper’s entrepreneurial and visionary leadership and commitment to Imperial’s values have shaped its success and influence […]
Prices Remain Big Worry During Thanksgiving Season
According to Acosta’s proprietary shopper community, prices remain a “big concern” this Thanksgiving, with 40 percent of consumers looking for deals, “using coupons and comparison shopping.” Acosta reports that a majority of hosts plan to prepare the entire holiday meal themselves, while 40 percent plan to attend Thanksgiving as a guest. The company also found […]
Buehler’s Fresh Foods Promotes Melillo To VP Of Merchandising
Christina Melillo, director of center store and packaged goods, has been promoted to VP of merchandising for Buehler’s Fresh Foods. In her new role at Buehler’s, Melillo will work with store operations to ensure the implementation of operational programs and innovative concepts. She will play a role in shaping and driving the strategic direction of the […]
SpartanNash Elevates Smith In Floral Merchandising
SpartanNash has promoted Andy Smith to senior director of merchandising in produce/floral. In his new role, Smith will oversee all aspects of SpartanNash’s produce and floral merchandising to include retail, category management, distribution and procurement. “I’m pleased to promote Andy from within to fill this critical role on the merchandising team,” said Bennett Morgan, EVP […]
Walmart Offers Late-Night Delivery, Live Shopper Feature
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has begun to introduce late night delivery nationwide, according to a recent blog post by Tom Ward, EVP and chief e-commerce officer for Walmart U.S. “Life doesn’t always happen on schedule, and Walmart understands that implicitly. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer online pickup and delivery at over 4,000 stores nationwide, and […]
SpartanNash Elevates Morgan To EVP, CMO
Citing his leadership skills, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has promoted Bennett Morgan to EVP and chief merchandising officer. Morgan, who joined SpartanNash in January 2022 as SVP and chief merchandising officer, leads fresh, center store and pharmacy merchandising, pricing, promotions and category and master data management. “Bennett’s leadership has advanced our capabilities in merchandising and […]
Butterball Releases 2023 Thanksgiving Outlook Report
Garner, North Carolina-based Butterball has released its 2023 Thanksgiving Outlook Report, revealing consumer plans and sentiment. According to the findings, people are optimistic and planning to celebrate – with turkey as the centerpiece – again this year, but inflation is top of mind for many. Notably, 79 percent of consumers who plan to celebrate Thanksgiving expect inflation to impact […]
FMI Report: Parents Buying Groceries Online More Often
The most recent survey of grocery shoppers’ spending habits and attitudes by FMI – The Food Industry Association found that parents are using online grocery shopping more than most consumers. According to FMI’s “Back to School” report, 42 percent of parents noted a year-over-year increase in frequency for buying groceries online. As a group, they […]
Study: Families Skip Meals Due To Financial Reasons
Thirty-six percent of U.S. families have skipped meals due to financial reasons in the last year, according to the fourth wave of the dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker study released Aug. 2. The quarterly study – now completing its first year – also found that 30 percent of Americans across all age groups reported they have skipped […]
Study: Regional Grocers Face Mounting Online Competition From Walmart
New research from Mercatus illustrates how much Walmart will continue to challenge regional grocers’ e-grocery business. The retail giant enjoys on average a 15 percent price advantage online based on a large basket of groceries in the U.S. In addition, Walmart relies little on service fees to support the cost of pickup operations, and it […]
Survey Finds Shoppers Expand Perception Of Value Beyond Price
The latest survey of grocery shoppers by FMI – The Food Industry Association for its “U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2023” series reveals that the meaning of “good value” is becoming more complex as consumers navigate grocery aisles. The analysis revealed several common considerations for how shoppers think about value, both for the food and beverages they buy […]
Study Reports Shoppers Choosing Store Brands, Private Labels
Salsify has announced the findings of new consumer research that reveals 63 percent of shoppers are choosing store brands or private labels due to their low prices. The study also shows that pandemic habits persist with 68 percent of respondents indicating that they are shopping more online, with delivery speed and flexibility being the No. 1 […]
SpartanNash Hires New VP, Merchandising Strategy And Analytics
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has hired Arpen Shah as VP of merchandising strategy and analytics. Shah will be responsible for merchandising strategy and analytics for the overall merchandising business. He will also lead promotional planning, shelf technology, category management and merchandising data analytics. “Arpen is an astute and people first merchandising executive who has a […]
