Armand Lobato

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Columnist Armand Lobato shares a message of thanks, reflecting on the demanding work to prepare for pre-Thanksgiving shopping — sharing a burden and bond with co-workers.
So often in produce, a merchandising challenge or an issue can be identified by tearing things down to the mat, metaphorically speaking, and starting over, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The price-friendly potato is nutritious and versatile in meals — but be sure to maximize your opportunities when advertising a sale, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Having a seasoned produce supervisor handle operations for major store events is good — having additional experienced personnel on hand to deal with the swarm of demands is even better, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It’s nice to have a great idea, but it’s even better to execute the plan at some point. Columnist Armand Lobato has advice for getting over the hump.
Strong leadership is a two-way street that includes creating trust with employees who in turn are motivated to do the job right. Columnist Armand Lobato explains how to get there.
Worrying too much about operations and goals can hinder produce managers and their departments. Columnist Armand Lobato says focusing on these key steps can help alleviate the burden.
A produce manager should encourage staff to do not only what’s expected, but exceed expectations, to benefit themselves, other shifts — and customers, says columnist Armand Lobato.
When a challenge arises in produce, hesitation and inaction can lead to an undesirable outcome. Sometimes the best option is to “just lower your head and push,” says columnist Armand Lobato.
If a grocer is built properly for convenience, with good customer service, a tired shopper is more likely to head to that store at the end of the day, says columnist Armand Lobato.