Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
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info@ReliantRibbon.com • Call 1 - 8 0 0 - 8 8 6 - 2 6 9 7 A Family Business Since 1963 Specialty Foods Deserve Specialty Ribbons S H O W R O O M L O C A T I O N S : ATLANTA • DALLAS • NEW JERSEY · Specializing in Custom Ribbons and Bows · Custom Printing on Ribbon · Large Stock on Pre-Made Twist Tie Bows Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 4953 retailer profile The channel has long been competitive, and these market changes are forcing mainstream food retailers to reinvent to stay relevant. Some supermarkets are getting creative to make a mark in the retail landscape by providing upgraded offerings and services. ShopRite is a prime example. In November 2013, the Northeast cooperative chain of retailers, introduced Village Super Market in Morristown, New Jersey. The store format diverges from typical ShopRite stores, offering an entirely new shopping experience to help woo busy consumers. Reimagining the Supermarket At first, this 78,000-square-foot shopping center seems like any other suburban supermarket: a large, brightly lit, sprawling space with colorful signs and televisions highlighting current specials, upcoming events, and promotions. But taking a few steps further inside reveals some unexpected features. First: the Wellness Center, situated near the entrance, where customers can meet with a dieti- tian or drop in for fitness classes like Cardio Boot Camp, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, or barre class. (Multitasking shoppers can have their groceries held at the ShopRite from Home department while they work out.) The massive store also features several specialty eateries, delivery options, and other programs, including free babysitting for children ages 3–8. The company set out with the goal of making grocery shopping a more exciting and productive experience. "This was a brand new concept for us," says Amanda Fischer, director of business relations for Village Super Market. "We took a lot of inspiration from restau- rants, other stores, and local and cultural trends." A Focus on Convenience and Health Shoppers come from all over Morris County, Fischer says. "People come for many different reasons," she adds. "Some drive to us because we have a fitness facility, so it allows them to shop and exer- cise at the same time." The fitness center offers classes all day, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Shoppers can purchase a membership for $20 a month or pay a drop-in rate of $10 for two classes. "One of the biggest draws for long-distance shoppers is our Learning Center for Future Geniuses, free childcare for children ages 3 to 8," Fischer says. "People tell us all the time they pass many other grocery stores just so they can come to us and take advantage of the service." Fostering a healthy lifestyle was the drive behind these offerings, Fischer explains. Another distinctive feature points more directly at "We took a lot of inspiration from restaurants, other stores, and local and cultural trends." 110 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com