Progressive Grocer - December 2008 - (Page 8)

On demand ONLINE Front end Retail news and trends analysis The top stories people were reading in recent weeks on Progressivegrocer.com: 1. Global Shopper Study Executive profile Onstead becomes interim Bi-Lo c.e.o. andall Onstead says that he “found things in good shape” when he took over as interim c.e.o. of Mauldin, S.C.-based Bi-Lo last month. “We’re heading into a very important time of year in our business,” the grocery veteran adds, emphasizing that he plans to “hit the ground running” after the first of the year. On Nov. 3 Bi-Lo revealed that Brian Hotarek, its president and chief executive, would retire Dec. 31. The grocer’s board of directors named Randall Onstead to replace Hotarek as interim c.e.o. and chairman of the board. Onstead, the former chairman and c.e.o. of Houston-based Randalls Food Markets, Inc., has more than 27 years’ experience in the retail food industry. He has been a Bi-Lo board member since May 2008, and will continue as chairman after a replacement c.e.o. has been found. At present, however, the company isn’t searching for a permanent c.e.o. Bi-Lo will “locate a c.e.o.” in the first half of 2009, according to Onstead. Meanwhile he sees several busy months ahead. “We will be doing things over the next few months that we believe will lay down the foundation for our future,” says the exec, noting that time is of the essence, since competition is strong in all of Bi-Lo’s markets, which he notes is typical of the industry. Onstead says the grocery industry 8 • Progressive Grocer • December 2008 Says 30% Choose a Brand in the Store 2. Walmart to Close Neighborhood Market in Dallas 3. Albertson’s, LLC Bows $4.99 Prescription Discount Program R is roiling with change, but will weather the current economic storm. “I think the grocery industry is resilient,” he explains. “We have had a lot of changes recently. Customers have more opportunities to shop at multiple stores than in the past. Yet the supermarket continues to be successful—but not without trying. We have to do everything that we can to keep prices low, quality high, and [to] differentiate ourselves from the myriad of competitors that exist today.” Onstead says he believes competition makes a company better, but that the current climate is tions,” with less capital presenting operators spending. “Retailers will with unique challenges. take a hard look at “Weaker competitors expenses, make sure tend to fall in tough ecooperations are solid, nomic times like we hunker down to get have today,” he observes. Randall Onstead through the year, and “We need to focus on look forward to brighter our traffic count. You may have the days ahead,” he says. same amount of customers, but your Bi-Lo, a portfolio company of volume may drop as customers trade Lone Star U.S. Acquisitions, LLC, down, buying ingredients to cook operates about 223 supermarkets in from scratch rather than luxury foods.” South Carolina, North Carolina, He thinks 2009 will be a time for Georgia, and Tennessee. all retailers to “work on their opera—D. Gail Fleenor When opened, the new units will bring the Tim Hortons total restaurant count in the United States to 488, excluding other locations planned for the balance of 2008. “We’re two strong and growing brands in the markets we serve, and we share a common goal of meeting the needs of our time-sensitive customers while providing them with quality products,” notes Tops president and c.e.o. Frank Curci. “Having Tim Hortons products in our stores will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ total shopping experience.” “Tops is an ideal fit for our continued strategy to build our brand and convenience for customers through both standalone stores and non-standard full-serve and self-serve formats,” adds David Clanachan, c.o.o., U.S. and international at Tim Hortons. Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops operates 71 full-service supermarkets and five franchise supermarkets, and Continued on page 16 FORMATS Tim Hortons teams with Tops TOPS MARKETS, LLC and Canadian quick-serve restaurant chain Tim Hortons are rolling out either fullservice Tim Hortons restaurants or self-serve kiosks in 82 Tops supermarkets and Tops Express stores by the end of 2008. The Tim Hortons restaurants will feature such items as premium coffee and other beverages, fresh baked goods, and the chain’s popular breakfast sandwich. The selfserve kiosks will offer freshly ground coffee, cappuccino- and espresso-based drinks, and a range of Tim Hortons baked goods. Plans call for up to 20 full-service restaurants and 62 self-serve kiosks at the Tops locations. Several of the self-serve kiosks are expected to become full-service locations eventually. A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T www.progressivegrocer.com http://www.Progressivegrocer.com http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - December 2008

Progressive Grocer - December 2008
Contents
Front End: Onstead Becomes Interim Bi-Lo C.E.O.
Nielsen’s Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight: Shelfstable Juices/Vegetable Juices and Drinks
Market Snapshot: .Seattle-Tacoma,Wash
Retailer of the Year: Taking the lead
Lempert Report: Obama Prepares to Tackle Food Industry Issues
Independents Report: What Grocers Need to Know About Market Day
Consumer Research: Reason for Relevance
Shopper Culture: Reimagining Convenience Foods
Wake-up Call: The Ballad of The Egg Man
Eggs: A Kinder, Gentler Egg
Shelf-Stable Juice: Making a Splash
Post-PMA Show Analysis: High Yield
Niche Pork: Go Whole Hog for Local
Pharmacy: Chronic Customer Service
Technology: A Small-Town Grocer Discovers Digital DIY
Equipment Innovations
What’s Next: Editors’ Picks for Innovative Products

Progressive Grocer - December 2008