Progressive Grocer - January/February 2010 - (Page 26)

Outstanding Independents Awards Recognizing excellence in the grocery business Sharing the OUTSTANDING COMMUNITYBASED VISION By Meg Major Retailer As it enters its 62nd year in business, there’s ample cause to join us in celebrating Kansas City, Mo.-based Cosentino’s Food Stores as our Community-based Independent Retailer of the Year. espite conventional wisdom that cautions against trying to be all things to all people, leaders of Kansas City, Mo.-based Cosentino’s Food Stores beg to differ. “That’s a saying that doesn’t exist in our organization,” declares John Cosentino, a second-generation co-owner of the thriving 25-store communitybased independent. “We really strive to be everything to every customer,” he goes on, “by offering an experience that will compel them away from wanting to go anywhere else. In this economy, consumers are making purchasing decisions differently than they have in recent years. We are doing our best to keep up with their changing demands.” Regardless of the economic climate, John affirms:“We will not change our high standards. Our goal has, and always will be, focused on providing price, service and quality fresh products in the cleanest environment, while remembering that customer service is our first priority. That’s what got us where we are, and what we feel will take us to the next level.”• Progressive Grocer • January/February 2010 Amid a marketplace rife with competitors of all stripes — including a robust assortment of other entrenched independent grocers — John says,“While our customer count remains strong, Carrying on the vision of the Cosentino’s organization are executives and family members (from left) David, Don, Jimmy, Jamie,Victor and John Cosentino. Left: Cosentino’s stores feature a strong emphasis on quality prepared foods and catering. Indeed, while the four-pronged strategy has certainly served Cosentino’s well throughout its vibrant 62-year history, a critical component of its future journey, notes John, requires the regional grocer to add another facet to its playbook, namely, aggressive prices. A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T our focus is on building sales by building the basket and creating a festive atmosphere in the stores.We’re doing that with loyalty card marketing, aggressive pricing and promotional advertising, as well as remaining focused on exceptional service and fresh quality products.”What’s more, he adds, an ingrained philosophy of “clean, fresh stores every day by 9:00 in the morning,” is a www.progressivegrocer.com http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - January/February 2010

Progressive Grocer - January/February 2010
Contents
Nielsen’s Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight
Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independents Awards: Independent Inspiration
Outstanding Regional Retailer: All Together Now
Outstanding Community-based Retailer: Sharing the Vision
Outstanding Independent Wholesaler:Values for Growth
Independents Report: A Lasting Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration
Fresh Perspectives: Spartan’s Fresh Outlook
Produce: Priced to Move
Refrigerated Meat: A Great (Meaty) Start
Frozen Seafood: Reel it In
Beverage Alcohol: Let it Pour
OTC Medications: Extended Flu Season
FutureTech: Going Mobile
Retail Profile: Food Lion: Renewed
GMA Director’s Note: Leading the Charge
Best Practices: A New Approach to Knowledge
Food Marketing Insights: Got Talent?
Upcoming Events: International Eats
What’s Next

Progressive Grocer - January/February 2010