ABCO DOUBLES ITS SALES OF LOAF CAKE BY SLICING

PHOENIX -- Abco Markets here sliced into its loaf cakes and, as a result, doubled sales of the item.

s in a hinged container. It sold so much better that way, we began merchandising all our loaf cakes like that," said Jim Finnerty, director of service deli-bakery merchandising for the 75-unit chain.

Previously, the 15-ounce loaves were displayed whole with an overwrap.

The cake slices, fanned out in see-through containers, give customers a better look at the product, Finnerty said. Probably because of that and because the cake looks ready to serve, sales continue to go higher, Finnerty said.

The loaf cakes, sourced from outside, are offered in four flavors: banana nut, lemon poppy, Danish butter and marble butter.

All varieties are displayed every day, but banana nut and lemon poppy are the clear favorites, Finnerty said. He puts all flavors on special once a month, bringing the everyday price of $3.19 down to $2.99.