Pricing is important to shoppers, especially during inflation, but is it the overwhelming factor? Columnist Armand Lobato shares the top grocery store preferences that he's heard from customers over the years... Read More
Few produce subcategories create more shopping appeal and more benefits than the cut-fruit section, says columnist Armand Lobato, who offers insight about making the most of a summertime opportunity... Read More
The journey for a new produce manager typically begins at a lower-volume store with fewer resources. Columnist Armand Lobato offers some thoughts on handling the challenges — and the opportunity to aim higher... Read More
With the time crunch of operating a produce department, it can be tempting to hurry that next order — but it will cost you even more time and money if you don’t take proper inventory first, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
You're qualified and check all the boxes for a coveted promotion, so why wouldn't it be yours to take? Columnist Armand Lobato offers a deeper look at some perceived strengths that may not matter as much as you think... Read More
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. .. Read More
Summer merchandising is ripe with opportunity. Columnist Armand Lobato shares some must-have steps and display tips to make the produce department stand out to shoppers this season... Read More
Signs are everywhere in the produce aisle, but what you express, how you present them, when you place them and why you choose the information conveyed can make a big difference, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Gross profit margin improvement is never easy or fast. Here are a few tips to set your plan up for success, from columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Want to send a message to customers that your store is the place to shop for fresh produce? Columnist Armand Lobato offers some "neat" advice... Read More
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... Read More
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... Read More
With all the work to do in a produce department, it can be tempting to skip breaks — but ensuring workers and managers keep to their scheduled stoppages is vital to any operation, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Any retail grocery chain is susceptible to regress and failure. The produce department figures prominently in customer satisfaction, store profits — and the future of a store or chain, explains columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it's a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
When pursuit of a sought-after position doesn't go as expected, Plan B isn't necessarily a lesser option. Columnist Armand Lobato shares the lessons one produce pro learned in taking a step down in order to move up... Read More
With merchandising and labor demands for March Madness, spring break, Easter and more on the horizon, produce managers should analyze the challenges like a chess grandmaster, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
It's Potato Lover’s Month, and what's not to love about the budget-friendly, nutritious potato? Tell customers how to handle this produce rock star's sensitive side to ensure the spuds they're buying don't go to waste... Read More
It helps to grade well on quality assurance, because when things get out of control, it’s often a downward spiral that follows, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
If you wait for solutions to all your problems will flow downhill from a distant home office, you may be in for a long wait. Some of the best ideas sprout from those already around you, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Want to increase business? Start by taking exceptional care of the customers you already have. Otherwise, it'll be costly to mend that relationship — if it can be done at all. Columnist Armand Lobato explains more. .. Read More
Competition checks are an integral part of understanding your business and seeing how other stores are doing. Columnist Armand Lobato offers some observations to include in your checklist... Read More
An impressive produce lineup at the front entrance can elevate customer expectations for what they'll find further into the store, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Are you eating five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day? Produce department staff can easily surpass that while on the job and be better prepared to educate customers about items, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Adding these relatively simple showcases can compel customers to spend more time in the produce department — and raise the potential for purchases, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
