The foodservice industry has witnessed dramatic change in the last few years. Since the onset of the recession, the industry has seen a reduction in the number of operator units, increased regulation, higher food and energy costs, and intense competition at all levels. In the face of these changes, many have recognized that improved collaboration […]

Developed under the Gerald E. Peck Fellowship, this report is the first in a series of three studies. This report provides an in-depth review of the current landscape following some of the most significant shifts in food retailing and wholesaling in a long time. The overview includes trends in store sales and outlets, market share, […]

Early this decade obesity was declared a global epidemic, and the nutritional value and marketing practices to children of branded food products were declared causative factors…Download the full text.

Saint Joseph’s students know they can call on Richard George for advice any time, except during the summer when he’s off playing with dolphins…Read more of the Business Week article.

FROM RETAILWIRE: On a recent visit to his local c-store, the author encountered a sign that read, “No Cell Phones in Line.” The store owner had insisted that “the customers always come first,” but the sign seemed incongruous with that message. What do you think about the convenience store owner’s move to ban cell phone […]

FROM RETAILWIRE: The level of satisfaction that consumers have with the online retail experience dropped roughly three percent over the past year, according to the Top 100 Online Retail Satisfaction Index by ForeSee Results. How would you evaluate the state of customer service in e-tail operations today versus last year? MY COMMENTARY: No doubt the […]

Traditionally, retailers consider brands as those items on the shelf or on the rack that consumers come in their store to purchase. While this is true, it misses the concept of a brand and the importance of branding. Retailers have a tremendous opportunity to develop a differentiated brand but only if they realize that they […]