Center Store Grocery Merchandising with Wakefern's Jeff Mondelli

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May 7, 2025

Jeff Mondelli, the Vice President of Grocery Merchandising at Wakefern, shares his unique journey from pharmacy to grocery retail. He discusses the shift in consumer behaviors after the pandemic and the challenges that come with e-commerce disruption. Jeff offers insights on how brands can successfully adapt to a digital-first world, emphasizing the importance of data and collaboration. He also identifies the evolving relationship between traditional retail and CPG, hinting at future trends in grocery merchandising.

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ANECDOTE

Pharmacist to Grocery VP Journey

Jeff Mondelli transitioned from pharmacist to VP of grocery merchandising by embracing humility and seeking honest feedback.
Being open to learning from experienced teams accelerated his growth in retail merchandising.

INSIGHT

Post-Pandemic Consumer Shifts

The pandemic shifted consumer focus from choice to availability and introduced lasting omni-channel shopping habits.
Hyperinflation and tariffs continue to pressure wallets, increasing private label and promotional shopping trends.

ADVICE

Back to Basics Promotions

Brands must return to simple, clear promotions with deep discounts displayed prominently and frequently.
Back-to-basics merchandising like end caps and shipper displays drives consumer traffic effectively.

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The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Vice President of grocery merchandising at Wakefern Food Corp. Jeff is a remarkable example of a pharmacist expert and leader now transformed into an everyday grocery merchant. We were so impressed by his leadership, he is the winner of the DSN (Drug store news) + CPGGGUYS retail merchandiser of the year for 2024!

Find Jeff Mondelli on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-mondelli-95a72148/

Find Wakefern Food Corp on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/wakefern-food-corp-/

Find Wakfern Food Corp online at : https://www2.wakefern.com/

Here's what we asked him :

1. You are a rare breed of merchants that have successfully transitioned from pharma to CPG - what did it take and how did you accomplish this?

2. How have consumer behaviors and preferences shifted in the post-pandemic world, and what does this mean for CPG brands?

3. CPG companies are facing a lot of disruption with e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors. What are the biggest shifts you're seeing in the industry today?

4. How do you see the relationship between traditional retail and CPG evolving over the next 5 years?

5. What advice do you have for CPG companies that are struggling to adapt to the consumer digital-first world?

6. How do you think CPG companies can best leverage data and analytics to improve their operations, marketing, and customer engagement?

7. What does a best in class partnership with Wakefern look like for a CPG brand?

8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how did it shape your path?

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