SpartanNash Names Amy McClellan VP of Fresh Merchandising

With an eye toward building out its fresh product categories, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash announced the promotion of Amy McClellan to VP of fresh merchandising.

McClellan has been for the past two years retail division VP for SpartanNash and SVP of retail operations and merchandising for Martin's Super Markets, which SpartanNash acquired in 2019. In her new role, she'll be responsible for developing SpartanNash's fresh product assortment and sourcing strategy and "introducing new solutions to meet and anticipate customers' ever-changing appetites," according to a news release from the company.

As SVP of fresh merchandising, McClellan will report to SpartanNash SVP of Merchandising Joe McQuesten.

SpartanNash last week reported fourth-quarter and fiscal 2020 earnings highlighted by better-than-expected comp-store sales growth of 8.7% in 2020's final quarter. The company paid down debt in 2020 and saw improvements in its cash flow and debt-to-adjusted earnings ratio, positioning the 154-store retailer and distributor to make investments in talent and technology in 2021 that will help it remain competitive, executives said in an earnings call.

"Amy has been a terrific leader of the Martin's business and will bring great ideas and great energy to her new role," SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam said in a LinkedIn post announcing McClellan's appointment. "I have no doubt she will excel in taking our fresh offering to new levels," Sarsam stated in the company's official news release.

McClellan joined South Bend, Ind.-based Martin's as a cashier in high school, SpartanNash noted, and ascended in family-owned grocer's business in communications, market research, and sales and marketing roles before the SpartanNash acquisition. She currently serves on the retail foodservice board for the United Fresh Produce Association on the SpartanNash Foundation board.