Bi-Lo Introducing Value Format
Bi-Lo Supermarkets said yesterday it was rolling out a new no-frills banner, Food$mart. A Bi-Lo store in Lenoir, N.C. will be the first to convert to the new concept, closing today for the overhaul. The first Food$mart will have its grand opening May 7.
The format is designed for customers who want and need very low prices, and are willing to accept a basic shopping experience, the grocer said.
"Food$mart will have select regional and national brands, along with our Southern Home private label products," noted Bi-Lo director of new business development Rich Ramey. "We will be able to take advantage of exceptional values from manufacturers for limited-time or limited-quantity offerings."
Food$mart will be able to offer lower prices by streamlining programs and services. For instance, store hours will be to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, shorter than those of most conventional grocers. Additionally, there may be fewer sizes of a particular item available, and deli/bakery products will be set out on self-serve tables.
In contrast to similar concepts, Food$mart will have free bags and assistance with bagging groceries. Shoppers will receive discounts without paying club memberships or having to buy extra-large club-sized SKUs.
Quality, however, will remain high, the grocer promises. "Our produce will still be triple-inspected, and we will have fresh-cut meats," said Ramey. "The difference between Walter's Produce and what we will offer at Food$mart is that the sizes may not be as uniform in a bag of potatoes or apples, but the quality will still be excellent."
Bi-Lo is currently looking at other locations for future conversion to the Food$mart banner, but has not decided on sites yet. Workers at the Lenoir Bi-Lo will be offered jobs at Food$mart or nearby Bi-Lo stores.
Mauldin, S.C.-based Bi-Lo operates 222 supermarkets in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. The company employs about 16,000 people.
The format is designed for customers who want and need very low prices, and are willing to accept a basic shopping experience, the grocer said.
"Food$mart will have select regional and national brands, along with our Southern Home private label products," noted Bi-Lo director of new business development Rich Ramey. "We will be able to take advantage of exceptional values from manufacturers for limited-time or limited-quantity offerings."
Food$mart will be able to offer lower prices by streamlining programs and services. For instance, store hours will be to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, shorter than those of most conventional grocers. Additionally, there may be fewer sizes of a particular item available, and deli/bakery products will be set out on self-serve tables.
In contrast to similar concepts, Food$mart will have free bags and assistance with bagging groceries. Shoppers will receive discounts without paying club memberships or having to buy extra-large club-sized SKUs.
Quality, however, will remain high, the grocer promises. "Our produce will still be triple-inspected, and we will have fresh-cut meats," said Ramey. "The difference between Walter's Produce and what we will offer at Food$mart is that the sizes may not be as uniform in a bag of potatoes or apples, but the quality will still be excellent."
Bi-Lo is currently looking at other locations for future conversion to the Food$mart banner, but has not decided on sites yet. Workers at the Lenoir Bi-Lo will be offered jobs at Food$mart or nearby Bi-Lo stores.
Mauldin, S.C.-based Bi-Lo operates 222 supermarkets in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. The company employs about 16,000 people.