Meijer Inc. has been chosen as the Portland, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest’s 2012 Pear Retailer of the Year for its outstanding pear merchandising program that resulted in a 15.8 percent increase in pear sales over the past year. By implementing proven pear merchandising strategies, Meijer has taken advantage of the profit opportunity that pears have to offer.

Kevin D. Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, said Meijer put a mix of tactics into play that led to achieving this level of success in the category. “Carrying ripe pears on display and maintaining a conditioned pear program was one of the key strategies that Meijer used to see pear sales at this level.”

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer also maintains “large, eye-catching pear displays with multiple pear varieties offered together, both organic and conventional, in two sizes, in bulk and in bags," said Moffitt, noting that Meijer also positions pears at the front of the produce department to increase visibility alongside competitive prices.

All told, Meijer’s “array of tactics prove good pear merchandising increases sales and profits,” added Moffit, in Meijer’s case to a 15.8 percent sales increase in one year.

The Pear Retailer of the Year Award was established by Pear Bureau Northwest in 2011, when Demoulas Market Basket took top honors. The Pear Bureau’s team of regional marketing managers selects the annual recipient based on sales performance, creativity in pear merchandising, and overall excellence in supporting the pear category.

Honorable Mentions for 2012 are Dierbergs, Lewis Food Town, Sprouts Farmers Market, TOPS Markets, and W. Lee Flowers (IGA).

Pear Bureau Northwest partners with retailers nationwide in an effort to increase overall success with the pear category.

For more information visit www.usapears.org.

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