David Biernbaum

Schnucks Denies Market Exit

August 25, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
It's no secret that there are some regional supermarket chains facing tough times. Schnuck Markets finds itself in the odd position of having to deny rumors that it is closing up shop in one of its market areas because of a recent store closing in Memphis, Tennessee. How do you perceive the current state of regional supermarket chains in the U.S.?      [more...]

Schnucks is extremely strong in the St. Louis market; however I'm pretty confident that Schnucks has a firm commitment in Memphis, as well. Regional supermarkets chains are more important in certain markets than others. In markets like St. Louis, for instance, where consumers are quite ethnocentric about their home town, their own regional taste and idiosyncrasies, their own home town brands, etc., retailers like Schnucks will continue to thrive and survive because most of the national chains don't "get it" for what it takes to do well in a "regional market."