Wakefern, Dunnhumby Team on Merchandising, Category Management Solution

Wakefern Food Corp. has selected customer data science firm dunnhumby as its strategic platform for category management and merchandising, the companies said in a release.

Dunnhumby will use its expertise in customer data models, along with consumer-led insights and collaboration, to help Wakefern make merchandising decisions that will enhance the shopping experience and drive engagement and growth across the cooperative’s 363 supermarkets, including nearly 280 ShopRite stores.

Wakefern for years has used internal solutions to manage its category management and merchandising. The dunnhumby partnership, which the companies said would build upon existing capabilities, represents  the first time the cooperative has leveraged a third-party system, a company spokeswoman told WGB. 

“Our customers remain our singular focus. The tools and process that dunnhumby brings to the vendor relationship will allow us to increase product/service offerings delivering the best shopping experience our customers deserve,” Steve Henig, Wakefern’s chief customer officer, said in a statement. “Dunnhumby is a global industry leader that uses data and insights to understand evolving customer needs and help retailers deliver the products and categories that meet those needs.”

Wakefern cooperative members independently own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners.

“We are honored to have been selected by Wakefern as their strategic partner for category management and merchandising. Wakefern and its cooperative members have a long history as customer-centric and innovative retailers,” said Grant Steadman, president of North America for dunnhumby. “Like them, we are passionate about improving the shopping experiences for customers and creating life-long loyalty.”