Imperial Distributors

Commentary From Our President

Why Supermarkets Will Flourish:
Roche’s New Westborough Store Tells the Tale

Michael D. Sleeper, President/CEO, Imperial Distributors, Inc.

Some observers of the retail scene have said that supermarkets have passed their peak and may be headed towards oblivion. Others state supermarkets as we have known them are on a downward spiral.

I wish the naysayers could have been with me to witness the Grand Opening of the new Roche Bros. in Westborough, MA. Located in a revitalized center town mall, Roche’s newest store with innovative product categories, merchandising and presentation, is targeted to young-adults, upscale and well-educated shoppers.

Throngs of shoppers at the checkouts were buying far more than ad features. Heavy traffic from both the perimeter and center store brought shopping carts filled with prepared foods, gourmet cheeses, natural health & beauty and groceries.

The store at 44,000 square feet isn’t a big super center, but it gives a warm and welcoming shopping experience with beautiful décor of well-balanced modern and traditional ambiance. Fabulous graphics, wood cabinetry, tall brick end caps, rustic-style wood flooring and fieldstone wall treatment set the stage for outstanding perishables, extensive natural and organic groceries and expanded non-foods.

Founders Pat & Bud Roche set the standard long ago, and the Roche team projects their values with certainty. This store is staffed by experienced, want-to-serve personnel, headed by management that cares.

Roche’s product focus includes non-food product assortments that suit the store. The 180-ft. HBC department features a cabinetry-style section with mahogany-stained wood shelving and interior lighting for Natural HBC and an upscale Bath and Body section. General Merchandise runs 90 feet and features a Method endcap for environmentally friendly cleaning needs and includes traditional kitchen tools and gadgets, bakeware, party goods, stationery, pet and closet shop, all integrated with related grocery lines.

Roche Westborough has found a successful niche. Building on their strengths and know-how, they discredit those who talk about the demise of supermarkets. Roche Bros.’ newest store is a good example that not everyone has to compete on the same basis. Their resilience and enterprise give us certainty that supermarkets will flourish for a long time to come.

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

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