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
Learn these tips to avoid a crushed ankle or bloody thumb in the supermarket backroom, warehouse or produce aisle... Read More
We’re now on the threshold of the most intense two to three months of fresh produce sales, says columnist Armand Lobato, who offers guidance on making the most of your summer setup... Read More
Any organization that deals with fresh produce works to meet both their external and internal customer needs — and that includes how its operations handle delivery delays, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
How you open a new or remodeled store can say a lot to customers. Columnist Armand Lobato gives his thoughts on how to make a great first impression... Read More
Bad routines drag a produce department down into lethargy. Good routines make all the difference in the world, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
It's a given that managers want to avoid overtime, but skimping on regular-hour scheduling can be counterproductive, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
There's a lot of critical work that happens in the produce department's backroom, but many do not have an inside perspective of how much happens there — and when it occurs — says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
If produce sales jump after resetting the layout of the department, it has to be a success, right? Columnist Armand Lobato shares his own experience from witnessing the ups and downs of one merchandising modification... Read More
While higher education can help further a career, lessons from on-the-job produce experience can also aid in the pursuit of a degree, says columnist Armand Lobato. .. Read More
Produce managers are quintessential coaches, whose words and leadership choices can motivate crew members and elevate the performance of everyone on the team, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
Other produce part-timers made excuses to avoid this messy late-shift routine, but columnist Armand Lobato says he thrived on it. .. Read More
