Kelly Gates

Articles by Kelly Gates

Bad Hair Days

Hair care is hurting. Due to the sluggish economy, shoppers aren't spending as much on shampoo, conditioner and styling products. Only select consumers

Power Packed

Forget conventional medicine. Many shoppers are replacing traditional remedies with functional foods that are believed to prevent disease and provide

GIFTABLES

Gift cards have hit critical mass and are now an important revenue stream for supermarkets. Cincinnati-based Kroger demonstrated this earlier this year

GUILT-FREE SNACKS

The health and wellness movement has invaded the snack aisle. In recent years, everything from potato chips and crackers to popcorn and cookies has been

Protein Replacements Grow Slowly, but Steadily

Meat substitutes like veggie burgers, tofu and seitan have been slowly gaining in popularity in recent years. Most shoppers who reach for such faux foods

CONSUMER EDUCATION: Topco Associates

INTEGRATION LEADER: Tree of Life

WHOLESALER: Unified Grocers

Unified Grocers, a retailer-owned wholesale distributor headquartered in Los Angeles, is forever focused on helping its member retailers thrive. This

SUPPLY-CHAIN OPERATIONS: Wal-Mart Stores

KIDS' MARKETING: Minyard Foods

STORE-IN-STORE SECTION: Publix Super Markets

STORE ARCHITECTURE: Hannaford Bros.

Lifting Spirits

The economy is struggling, but that hasn't deterred shoppers from splurging on alcohol. Major trends that were driving sales before the downturn are still

Summer Elation: Sun, Fun & Health

THE FITTEST SEASON OF THE YEAR is just around the corner, and retailers are getting into shape promoting health and wellness to families. For some, the

Retailers Raise the Bar for Earth-Friendly Products

Bi-Lo is continually expanding its environmental efforts. So far, the Mauldin, S.C.-based retailer has established a reusable bag program and now offers