St. George and Elko Retail Connection Meetings Highlight Retail Innovation
Members of the Associated Food Stores’ (AFS) Executive Team recently held the final Retail Connection meetings with member-owners. On November 9, retailers gathered in St. George, Utah and on November 16 another session occurred in Elko, Nevada.
Retailers in each meeting provided background on their businesses and talked about ways they are progressing, differentiating and driving additional innovation. In the St. George meeting, Scott Hymas, from the Terrel’s organization, talked about their new licensed Macey’s store in Santaquin, Utah. The store includes many exciting features including an Arctic Circle, Beans & Brews, sushi, impressive balloon merchandising and more.
Richard Timpson, from Bee’s Marketplace also presented in St. George. Richard highlighted their remarkable new store in Colorado City, Arizona. The store features incredible fresh departments, Arctic Circle, Beans & Brews, a drive-through pharmacy and a team he will tell you is second to none.
In Elko, the small but energetic group held a panel discussion with Sam Khoury, his wife, Nawal, their son Jehad and Jamil Khoury, son of Gus and Mimi Khoury. Moderated by Retail Councilor Tony Obrien, the group covered labor challenges, growth, supply, differentiation and other important topics.
Following the presentations and discussions from retailers, AFS leaders shared details about driving retail sales, technology, marketing to today’s consumer, attracting and retaining talent and much more.
“What has been most impactful for me is the store visits,” said Bob Obray, president and CEO of AFS. “To see our members in their stores is a tremendous opportunity. During this year’s Retail Connection meetings, I’ve probably visited 75 to 80 stores. For us, speaking with the members, listening to them, hearing their stories and successes has been incredibly beneficial.”