BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. -- Ingles Markets here has unveiled a larger supermarket format that emphasizes customer service and fresh food departments.
ing to Neal Polaske, labor director.
In the next several weeks, stores with the new design will be opened in Boiling Springs, S.C.; Waynesville, N.C.; and Kingsport and Knoxville, Tenn. The Boiling Springs and Waynesville units will be replacements. The first store operating under the new model opened June 30 in Dacula, Ga., followed by openings in Forsyth, Griffin and Cleveland, Ga., plus Hendersonville, N.C.
Though the new-format stores have most of the same amenities offered at other Ingles units, the difference between the newer and older models is "like night and day," Polaske said. Besides bigger entrances and a new color scheme for the exterior facade, the stores feature customer-service areas in various departments; a two-story cafe; a prepared-food section with items like rotisserie chicken, pizza and sandwiches; a big frozens area; full-service bakery, deli and meat departments; a floral department; a video store; and UPS and fax services.
Ingles decided to open more of the new-model stores due to recent sales gains, according to Robert P. Ingle, chairman. "We are confident that our new look and schedule fits our program of continued growth and progressive changes to our stores," he said. "The go-ahead for any program is the response of our customers, and based on continuing sales increases, it is evident that our stores are being very well-received."
Ingles sales for the nine months ended June 29 rose 8.6%, and net income climbed 42.2% in the period.
