Sponsored By

Avanza Ends Shelf-Plus Pricing

Nash Finch Co. has discontinued its controversial “shelf-plus” pricing policy at its Avanza stores, according to sales fliers that went into effect Wednesday.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

April 3, 2009

1 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

JON SPRINGER

MINNEAPOLIS — Nash Finch Co. here has discontinued its controversial “shelf-plus” pricing policy at its Avanza stores, a company official told SN Thursday.

"Like any retail business, Avanza re-examines its pricing models from time to time. As of last week, Avanza has replaced Shelf-Plus pricing in all of its stores around the country, preferring a new pricing strategy," the spokesman, Brian Numainville, said in a statement. "One thing that has not changed is Avanza's dedication to offering its customers low prices on the products they demand. Real values and competitive prices have always been the hallmark of Avanza stores."

The policy, which added a 10% surcharge at the register to the entire basket, is the subject of two lawsuits filed late last year alleging the chain used the policy deceptively and in violation of Colorado's consumer protection laws. According to an article in the Denver Post newspaper Thursday, the lawsuits are expected to continue.

Avanza operates three stores in Colorado and one in Nebraska. The company operates one other retail store using shelf-plus pricing, but that store is scheduled to discontinue the practice by the end of this month, Numainville said.

About the Author

Jon Springer

Executive Editor

Jon Springer is executive editor of Winsight Grocery Business with responsibility for leading its digital news team. Jon has more than 20 years of experience covering consumer business and retail in New York, including more than 14 years at the Retail/Financial desk at Supermarket News. His previous experience includes covering consumer markets for KPMG’s Insiders; the U.S. beverage industry for Beverage Spectrum; and he was a Senior Editor covering commercial real estate and retail for the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jon began his career as a sports reporter and features editor for the Cecil Whig, a daily newspaper in Elkton, Md. Jon is also the author of two books on baseball. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Journalism from the University of Delaware. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his family.

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like