November / December 2014

Turkey Hill Markets are a way for Kroger to experiment with a store size that falls between supermarkets and c-stores. Kroger has enjoyed tremendous

Retailers understand the importance of aligning values and building consumer trust as an integral part of demonstrating competence and deepening customer loyalty.

Will the same thing happen with healthcare?

A Letter from the President and CEO "In its own silent way, the neighborhood grocery store is present at the table alongside the relatives, old and young, new and not so new, who join in the celebration."

This 2015 Leading Retailers issue highlights specific reasons and innovations that have garnered these premier companies well-earned recognition. And the Special Trends section covers the course of direction all businesses will need to perform to experience leading–edge growth.

Safeway already held the No. 2 position, behind Kroger. But the deal cements that position and narrows the gap, as the new company now has more than 2,700 stores nationwide. It also is seen as a way to address some problems that had afflicted the companies in their previous incarnations.

Communications and consumer affairs professionals in food retail never know when they might be dealing with a crisis, and regardless of the type of crisis a company faces, one thing is true: Simulating a crisis can better help you prepare for one.

The second imperative is still very much in place. But the first one is getting a bit stretched.

Partner, Global Analytics and Consulting