Price Chopper/Market 32 Signs With SparkShoppe

Price Chopper/Market 32 has signed with SparkShoppe a new Albany, N.Y.-based marketing firm that specializes in shopper and digital strategy and solutions that engage shoppers while driving sales for retailers.

The supermarket chain, operated by Schenectady, N.Y.-based Golub Corp., is the first major client for SparkShoppe, which was founded by Heidi Reale, previously the director of Price Chopper/Market 32’s shopper and digital marketing division. The grocer diversified its marketing department three years ago.

“Presenting our programs at national trade conferences sparked tremendous interest from other retailers and brands,” said Reale, who is also SparkShoppe’s president. “It became apparent that there was a need in the industry for a team with consumer marketing experience and digital and analytical expertise.”

“We’ve had great success over the last three years, working with our trade partners to develop and execute best-in-class shopper and digital marketing programs that build brands with our customers,” noted Blaine Bringhurst, Price Chopper/Market 32’s SVP of sales, merchandising and marketing. “I have no doubt that our partnership with SparkShoppe will keep us on the leading edge of shopper and digital engagement as a brand builder and sales driver for many years to come.”

Among her many professional activities, Reale has served on Progressive Grocer’s Digital Advisory board.

The Golub Corp. owns and operates 135 Price Chopper and Market 32 stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Masschusetts and New Hampshire. The company's 21,000 associates collectively own more than 47 percent of its privately held stock, making it one of the nation's largest privately owned corporations that's predominantly employee-owned.