Tops Friendly Markets Makes Top Executive Changes

Tops Friendly Markets has promoted Mike Nugent to the position of VP of merchandising and Darren Robbins to VP of finance, the Williamsville, N.Y.-based supermarket chain announced April 19.

Through his 29 years with Tops, Nugent has held other key positions within the organization, including director of asset protection and district manager. Nugent most recently was director of edible grocery. A resident of Lancaster, N.Y., Nugent will oversee Tops’ merchandising programs to meet budgeted objectives of inventory and service levels, pricing policies, and sales and profit goals.

Robbins previously was director of strategy and analytics since 2018. A resident of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Robbins will be responsible for Tops specific financial budgeting, capital expenditure planning and analysis, financial reporting, performance analysis and Tops Fuel Operations, the company said in a statement. 

Darren Robbins (left) and Mike Nugent 

Tops Friendly Markets has 157 company-owned stores and five franchise locations in New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania. On April 19, the supermarket chain celebrated 25 years in the Jamestown, N.Y., area at its store located at 1800-2000 Washington St. in Jamestown. The supermarket chain said it celebrated its silver jubilee by opening a time capsule.

“I would like to acknowledge the loyal customers that we have had throughout the years making this day possible,” Store Manager Chris Allenson said in a statement. “Without them we would not be here going strong. I would be remiss if I also didn’t mention our dedicated associates. We may only have two that are still here from the beginning, but we have had plenty that have made their mark over the years and used this store to grow and later, further their own careers.