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trend we’re going to see escalate.” “Basedoncustomerfeedback,wedidn’tcarry
enough organic,” he explains of the dramatically re-merchandised produce department, where dominant organic displays welcome shoppers.
First To React
While Kroger runs a strong centralized pro- curement operation, it prides itself on creating an infrastructure that allows flexibility at the store level to capitalize on local buying opportunities to support grower communities while connecting to customers. “We do as much local produce and flo- ral as we can. I’m friends with Danny Grant of Grant Farm and Greenhouse, located 15 minutes away from here [in Williamsburg, OH]. He can get ears of corn freshly picked at 8am and deliv- ered to the store by 2pm that day,” says Coughlin, adding, “We’re not taking corn from the backyard; he’s a professional farmer and the quality is out- standing. Local product is encouraged and endorsed from our merchandising team, and food
safety is paramount,” he emphasizes. “Our cus- tomers want home-grown, and there is nothing fresher than that.”
Environmentally Friendly
While the store’s diverse product selection and employee enthusiasm invite community engage- ment, the physical plant itself is a work in progress to achieve sustainable benchmarks.“[Ample] use of skylights have become a huge deal for us,” says Oliver. “Our lights will sync on and off depending on how sunny it is outside,” adds George, noting, “On a nice day, we don’t even need them.”
The Loveland store added solar panels last year. While highly efficient, George explains, they only account for three percent of the total energy usage. Solar will remain a niche investment based on numerous factors, including federal and state incentives. “Will we put solar in every store some day? Probably not,” he says.
Other sustainability initiatives are sure bets. Kroger is transitioning to LED lighting across store
banners for significant energy savings. “When con- verting tracks to LED, we have to be careful we get it right for merchandising,” says George. LED spotlights well positioned in the produce depart- ment can put the emphasis where needed, according to Jason Hensley, produce manager of the Loveland store, located in Miami Township. Other energy savers include motion sensors and automated systems for turning lights on and off, and re-engineered refrigeration.
Kroger’s nationwide composting initiative translates differently on a store-by-store basis. “Out of 190 stores in our division, 34 are now composting,” says Bosse. Extrapolating the impact, the plan is to increase participation to 75 percent of stores. If product can’t be sold, Kroger’s first priority is donating food when possible through the Perishable Donations Partnership (PDP), Bosse continues, and then to recycling non-food products and composting. “Our goal is to help our communities and send as little product to landfills as we can,” says Bosse.
be doing composting everywhere, but the infra- structure is not there yet.”
Inthesameway,whilethefirmhasdabbled in LEED-certified stores at the Fred Meyer
chain in Oregon, Kroger has not found the pay- back that it feels is necessary to justify the cost ofLEEDcertification.“We’vemadeapersonal choice as a company to more likely pursue an
Energy Star certificate,” says Marmer.
Streed adds, “In some cases, if you look at our EPA certificate, we would meet those LEED requirements when comparing carbon
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