Progressive Grocer - June/July 2009 - (Page 116)

Technology Service Three wholesaler IT executives share how they work with their retailer-partners. By Joseph Tarnowski At Your ccording to Progressive Grocer’s fifth annual report on “Technology and the Independent Grocer,” 59 percent of independents have one or fewer dedicated IT employees, and with the economy in its current state, few are likely to add staff anytime soon. Because of this, these grocers increasingly rely on their wholesalers for technology guidance and support. Indeed, according to the PG study, nine out of 10 independents work with their wholesalers on technology solutions (see the chart on p. 118). For 65 percent of independents, the wholesaler recommends solutions and assists with IT strategies. “Some larger retailers with their own IT personnel will choose to set their own strategies relatively independently from us, but I would say this is becoming more and more rare these days,” says Mike Brown, general manager, retail technology, for Commerce, Calif.-based wholesaler Unified Grocers. “Even those retailers setting their own strategies will want these to be compatible to A From top to bottom: Larry Foster, Nash Finch; Mike Brown, United Grocers; and Glenn D. Kriczky, Associated Wholesaler, Inc. 116 • Progressive Grocer • June/July 2009 A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T www.progressivegrocer.com http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - June/July 2009

Progressive Grocer - June/July 2009
Table of Contents
Nielsen’s Shelf Stoppers/ Spotlight: Cheese/Shredded Cheese
Market Snapshot: Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.
Independents Report: The Advantages of Older Associates
Lempert Report: Food Experts Tackle the Economy
Industry Achievement: The Top 100 Women in Grocery
Multicultural Marketing: 2050 is Today
Retailer of the Year: Celebrating Kroger
2009 Deli/Bakery Operations Review: Shrink-Wrapped
Fresh Developments: Consumer Shifts Create New Complexities for Fresh Food Trading Partners
Produce: Brimming With Possibilities
Meat: Fired Up!
Store of the Month: Giant Eagle’s Express-Ohhh!
Cheese: Cooked Cheese and Other Spiritual Revelations
Beverage Alcohol: A Cup of Cheer
Frozen Foods: Frozen Vegetable Sales are Steaming
Real Estate: Bigger is not Always Better
Technology: At Your Service
Equipment Innovations
What’s Next: Editors’ Picks for Innovative Products

Progressive Grocer - June/July 2009