![]() ![]() Our store development team also played an important role,” Schertle declared, adding that more than 2,500 additional associates were hired and trained to accommodate the growth initiative. “Associates from every part of the company played a key role in these conversions – IT, store support and supply chain. The former Supervalu executive, who began his career at the old Metro Food Markets/Food Basics banner in Baltimore, was particularly proud of the efforts of the company’s associates in completing the conversion of its 44 newly acquired stores last summer and fall. At the store level those upgrades include additional beer and wine cafes (50 currently exist), which was aided by a change in Pennsylvania law that allows food retailers to sell wine in its stores. He also noted Weis’ priority to remain on trend both with category growth and store improvements. Schertle told the vendors it was important that Weis step up its online presence, remain competitive with price-driven merchants such as Aldi, Wal-Mart and the soon-to-be new market entry, discounter Lidl (Weis is currently offering 180 “Valu Time” products comparable in price to its discount competitors). He also noted the growing impact of online competition and mobile ordering where studies have suggested that as much as 40 percent of all center store and non-food items will be purchased via the Internet by 2025. The 45-year old industry veteran noted recent key industry changes have included the Ahold-Delhaize merger (which is heading toward a more decentralized organization) the effects of Albertsons Safeway acquisition and regional consolidation and the shifting priorities away from retail at Supervalu. In his remarks, he provided the vendors with an overview of the market landscape and how Weis plans to continue to upgrade many of its systems and operations to remain ahead of the competitive curve. This allows us to compete in new markets and it makes us a bigger customer and a more valuable account for your business,” Weis proclaimed when addressing a packed house of suppliers, distributors and food brokers.Īlong with Jonathan Weis, chief operating officer Kurt Schertle is one of the drivers of Weis’ recent success. “As a result of our acquisitions, we have completed several years’ worth of growth in one. He added that the company, co-founded by his grandfather in 1912, will continue to invest in its growth this year with a $100 million cap-ex budget that will include 14 remodels, two gas stations and a major distribution center expansion. We’ve proven that point over the past 12 months,” Jonathan Weis asserted. “I’m happy to re-emphasize what I said at our last strategic alignment meeting in 2016: Weis Markets remains a buyer, not a seller. Weis, along with COO Kurt Schertle and senior VP-merchandising & marketing Richard Gunn addressed nearly 700 vendors at the regional chain’s annual vendor strategic alignment summit meeting held earlier this month in Hershey, PA. The acquisition of five Mars Supermarkets, 38 Food Lion units and one Nell’s Market were part of a total of 146 projects the company’s store development team completed last year.Īnd according to Weis chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis the momentum is continuing during the first three months of 2017. The Sunbury, PA merchant acquired 44 stores and, after remodeling, reopened all of them within 96 days. The past 12 months proved to be the busiest period in Weis Markets’ 105-year history. After Record Year With 44 New Stores, Weis Tells Plans To Continue Momentum
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