Congratulations! Big Y - 2009 New England Retailer of the Year

Commentary From Our President

Congratulations! Big Y - 2009 New England Retailer of the Year

Michael D. Sleeper, Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Distributors, Inc.

One of the best things about writing a column is having the opportunity to reflect on those defining moments that changed our industry.

In the early 90’s, the defining moment for Big Y and for our industry came with the introduction of Big Y’s World Class stores. It was a dramatic change that transformed Big Y from a small local chain to a leading supermarket chain with a national reputation for quality and innovation.

The D’Amours had the motivation and vision to build a World Class business. Their leadership produced World Class product assortments, merchandised in markets with World Class store décor and executed by World Class well trained, customer-friendly people.

From my personal viewpoint, Big Y has contributed so much more! The D’Amours have never forgotten their roots as a family enterprise. Their generosity is remarkably inclusive, from an unwavering commitment to our industry, to their philanthropy and community involvement, and certainly to their unparalleled dedication to education. Big Y is a role model for all of us who are engaged and invested in the supermarket industry and especially for those of us who operates a family business. They exemplify the highest standards of what can be achieved.

It is for these reasons that the D’Amour family and all of the Big Y associates are incredibly deserving to be honored as the 2009 New England Retailer of the Year.

Congratulations to a World Class family and a World Class team, who together, built a World Class company.

For comments or questions, contact us by phone at 508-756-5156, or e-mail: msleeper@imperialdistributors.com