After a produce show ends, the work begins with developing your new contacts into strong business relationships — and there's a surefire way to make a great early impression, columnist Armand Lobato explains... Read More
Don't miss out on sales because a customer wandered the store looking for an item they couldn't find. Columnist Armand Lobato explains how your produce merchandising can help shoppers... Read More
Like chess or any good board game, making sure that all the merchandising pieces fit together requires planning and anticipation, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Don't let a tight labor pool quash your great idea to boost seasonal sales. Retailers can find win-win opportunities with volunteers looking to earn money for their organizations, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Think no one buys fruit baskets anymore? It's more about a lack of inventory rather than a lack of shopper interest, says columnist Armand Lobato. A little foresight and preparation can nab additional holiday sales... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
Columnist Armand Lobato explains how adhering to the meaning of this French phrase can help optimize labor scheduling, product ordering and merchandising... Read More
Just like home, something always needs to be maintained in the produce department. If not done in a timely manner, things only get worse — and shoppers will notice, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
A busy travel and work schedule is one reason columnist Armand Lobato says he doesn’t have a backyard garden. And the other reason ….. Read More
When the senior bus rolls up, some clerks scoff at or avoid helping these customers. That's unfortunate, because there should be more consideration for the needs of this growing segment, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Do you have "diamonds" that "eat like candy"? Let's hope your stock has "legs" but isn't "kicked." Columnist Armand Lobato explains some of the unofficial terms heard around the produce aisle... Read More
Taking steps to minimizing food waste not only helps reduce shrink, but it also means fresher produce with a longer shelf life at the consumer’s home, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Overnight produce receiving isn’t for everyone, but it can solve many problems for stores with once particular issue in their layout, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
That hodgepodge of fixtures collecting dust in storage can be a merchandising vault that can help reset a produce department, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
While a brix measurement offers a detail about sweetness, going beyond the numbers can keep a customer coming back all summer long, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
In-person events in the relationship-based produce business help keep conversations and creativity flowing among professionals who work throughout the industry, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Added By Martha Noriega
