Meet Christina Melillo, VP of Merchandising at Buehler's Fresh Foods, who started bagging groceries at 16 and worked her way up over 36 years. Discover how this Northeast Ohio ESOP chain competes with big box stores through local farmer partnerships, Amish auctions, and adapting to major trends like the protein boom driven by GLP-1 medications and preventative health focus.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Christina's 36-year journey from bagger to VP

1:00 - Buehler's: 14-store ESOP chain in Northeast Ohio since 1929

2:46 - Local sourcing advantage: Amish auctions and farmer relationships

4:04 - Service differentiation: fresh donuts, meat cases, full-service floral

5:17 - Major trends: protein revolution and hydration products

5:55 - GLP-1 impact on merchandising and store layouts

7:48 - Future opportunities in supplements and healthy living categories

8:50 - Staying competitive: knowing customers by name in community stores

Thanks to Simbe for making our SpartanNash Conference coverage possible!

#BuehlersFreshFoods #EmployeeOwned #ESOP #NortheastOhio #MerchandisingStrategy #LocalFarmers #ProteinTrends #GLP1Diet #CommunityGrocery #HealthyLiving

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How Knowing Customer Names Beats Big Box Convenience With Christina Melillo Of Buehler's Fresh Foods