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
The inclusion of food systems in global climate plans opens a realm of opportunities and challenges, underscoring a need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach, says guest columnist Tamara Muruetagoiena of the IFPA... Read More
How much is a good produce professional worth? Columnist Armand Lobato takes a look at how labor market conditions and employee intangibles factor into pay... Read More
Dumping produce onto a fixture may make for a quick and easy display, but that "shortcut" ultimately costs a department in terms of sales, increased shrink and lower customer satisfaction, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More
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
A powerful force in fresh produce, Hunts Point Produce Market is as rich in family history as it is passionate about feeding fresh fruits and vegetables to some 22 million people every year. .. 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
Check out the top 10 most popular podcast chats we’ve had with industry leaders, delving into the hot-hot-hot issues of the day... Read More
