May 25, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC — May 25, 2004 — Current food industry trends, marketing strategies, category analysis, departmental cost controls and merchandising are some of the key issues to be discussed at the 2004 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Managing the Total Store: Operations Course August 1 – 5 at the Bernhard Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Held in partnership with Western Michigan University, this course is designed to help food store managers, owners and operators, general managers, and district and divisional managers improve their stores’ bottom line through more efficient operations.

     
“This distinctive program emphasizes interaction among food industry professionals to create new and inventive approaches to the complex operations issues facing the food retailing and wholesaling business,” said Kimberly Roberts, manager of education, FMI. “Store managers and operators will get a complete look at current industry trends with an emphasis on practical information for day-to-day operations.”

   
The program offers a thorough examination of current and emerging business challenges in supermarkets through case studies, discussions and lectures. Throughout the week, attendees will learn techniques to analyze market data, execute solid financial management practices, improve store performance and enhance personal communication styles.

     
Specific subjects that will be addressed during the conference include:

The State of the Food Industry — Examines the forces that are changing the food industry — such as technology, competition, labor, government legislation, commerce and consumer demands — and explores how current industry trends are changing the way supermarkets compete in today’s highly volatile marketplace.

Departmental Cost Control Series — Focuses on improving departmental performance by determining where the real opportunities for improvement are and how to execute for enhanced departmental results. Participants will work on developing strategies to improve deli and bakery merchandising and cost controls.

Category Analysis — Explores merchandising issues related to efficient product assortment. Participants will analyze store and market data to assist them in making more effective category related decisions, and will apply this information to retailers visited on store tours.

Price Mix Strategies and Analysis — Addresses key components of sound financial management through hands-on case examples.

Merchandising Magic — Identifies innovative industry practices on how to position a store, as well as how to obtain information from customers in order to micro-merchandise to unique customer bases.


Other highlights of the conference will include a visit to the Kellogg World headquarters and store tours of area retailers.

For more information on the Managing the Total Store: Operations Course, contact Kimberly Roberts (202-220-0720, kroberts@fmi.org) or visit the FMI Web site (www.fmi.org/events/).