BARRINGTON, Ill. — Despite greater emphasis on fresh foods, the Center Store remains the economic engine that drives total store performance, according to the 2007 Total Store SuperStudy report by consulting firm Willard Bishop. “Center Store generates 72% of store sales and nearly all of the net profit in a traditional grocery store,” said Willard Bishop’s managing partner Paul Weitzel. “Considering the shift to a smaller footprint by many retailers, it’ll be more important than ever for suppliers to work with their retail partners to develop a successful Center Store formula that balances both consumer appeal and economic success.” The SuperStudy is based on data from Kroger, Ahold and Supervalu. “The findings of the Grocery SuperStudy, especially related to net profit, will help the entire industry better optimize space planning and assortment in our stores,” Dan Glei, vice president of grocery warehouse for Giant Food Stores, Carlisle, Pa., said in a statement.

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