Any retail grocery chain is susceptible to regress and failure. The produce department figures prominently in customer satisfaction, store profits — and the future of a store or chain, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it’s a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It’s Potato Lover’s Month, and what’s not to love about the budget-friendly, nutritious potato? Tell customers how to handle this produce rock star’s sensitive side to ensure the spuds they’re buying don’t go to waste.
When pursuit of a sought-after position doesn’t go as expected, Plan B isn’t necessarily a lesser option. Columnist Armand Lobato shares the lessons one produce pro learned in taking a step down in order to move up.
With merchandising and labor demands for March Madness, spring break, Easter and more on the horizon, produce managers should analyze the challenges like a chess grandmaster, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It helps to grade well on quality assurance, because when things get out of control, it’s often a downward spiral that follows, says columnist Armand Lobato.
If you wait for solutions to all your problems will flow downhill from a distant home office, you may be in for a long wait. Some of the best ideas sprout from those already around you, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Want to increase business? Start by taking exceptional care of the customers you already have. Otherwise, it’ll be costly to mend that relationship — if it can be done at all. Columnist Armand Lobato explains more.
Competition checks are an integral part of understanding your business and seeing how other stores are doing. Columnist Armand Lobato offers some observations to include in your checklist.
An impressive produce lineup at the front entrance can elevate customer expectations for what they’ll find further into the store, says columnist Armand Lobato.
