Opinion
Produce departments need advocates to ensure there’s ample room to properly and safely receive, stage, break down and prep a load of product, and that ultimately helps a store’s life span, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Most produce departments’ busiest period will begin around Memorial Day, and every business is looking for help amid a labor shortage. And if you have the people, there’s more still to do, says columnist Armand Lobato.
When a store’s produce operations turn into disaster, “savior” managers are needed to right the ship — but their methods and personalities aren’t what some expect from a department leader, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The IFPA’s Joe Watson offers insight on setting, and meeting, shopper expectations for produce.
Amid times of division, this Thanksgiving message is as relevant today as it was over 160 years ago.
When hockey teams have a sloppy shift change, bad things follow. The same is true in the produce aisle, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Plans are good, but not everything goes according to plan. Columnist Armand Lobato recalls when a 10-minute commute became an 8-hour trek.
Columnist Armand Lobato explores finding success by embracing the ever-changing nature of the industry.
Columnist Armand Lobato reflects on how good managers make produce work look simple and his hope for the next generation.
Establishing rules, levying accountability and treating everyone fairly are keys to a well-run operation, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A well-kept produce department often is a profitable one. Columnist Armand Lobato explains how to build a regimen that gets results.
When a manager takes a week off, someone has to step up. Columnist Armand Lobato discusses compensation for taking on those key responsibilities.
By being available for weekend and evening shifts from the start, new employees can enhance their reputation and the chance of getting their preferred schedule later on, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Nothing beats great customer service, and having responsive and knowledgeable produce clerks helps a grocer stand out, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A full produce markdown rack can be a symptom of inefficiencies contributing to increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The hundreds of thousands of farmworkers who harvest fruits and vegetables for U.S. consumers are often taken for granted.
The ideal store conditions in place for a grand opening often tail off over time, says columnist Armand Lobato, so what’s a realistic expectation that’s also good enough for customers?
Bringing these elements into a produce department requires added effort, but customers will notice, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Working the occasional late night can show produce managers a lot about their operation and customers, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato discusses how hard work, a desire to learn and some good fortune can lead to opportunity.