Just as retailers rethink their prod- uct assortment, merchandising and displays as the new year turns, the staff of Gourmet Business does the same. We continuously assess the relevance of our content, graphic design and layout to ensure we deliver information that is timely, addresses your business needs and concerns, and is user-friendly.
With the help of our Gourmet Retail Advisory Team (we call them GREAT), we have introduced some new features and columns to our 2014 lineup. In addition to our monthly in- depth category coverage with merchandising primers, our new product galleries and readers’ favorite departments such as Cookbook Corner and My Favorite Thing, our GREAT team members helped us uncover the need for more coverage on important areas of retail best practices.
So, in nearly every issue of Gourmet Business this year, you will find special features that will focus on important areas of retail disciplines – operations (human resources, financial management, risk management and legal challenges), merchandising, marketing, and supply chain and logistics. Leading retailers and industry experts will share their knowledge on everything from hiring, training and retaining the best employees, as Ellen Leaf-Moore, partner at Fezziwig’s, does in this issue on page 16, to the ins and outs of proper cash flow management, and the best ways to source private-label products, coming later this year. The purpose of this deeper and more frequent coverage is to help gourmet retailers continue to share and elevate their business practices, and thrive economically.
Another new addition is the Retailer Profile in every issue, featuring the industry’s top performers executing truly innovative retail formats, product offerings and programs. Retailers profiled will include gourmet food and beverage merchants as well as those predominantly focused on housewares, table- top and design from alternating regions of the country. In this issue, on page 7, James Mellgren visits Oxbow Public Market in Napa Valley, Calif., and takes readers on a delightful epicurean journey that is certain to stimulate new ideas and approaches to the gourmet business, and help retailers boost customer interest, as well as sales and profits.
A special thank you to our GREAT team members for their passion for the gourmet business and their enthusiastic contribution to and support of the work we do here.
From all of us at Gourmet Business, we wish you a healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year!
Maureen Azzato
Managing Editor, Gourmet Business
mazzato@gourmetbusiness.com