By George Anderson
The Post-Standard reports Mary Higgins Clark, author of numerous best selling suspense novels, will be at a Wegmans store in Syracuse this weekend for a book signing.
Ms. Clark explained why she agreed to do a book signing in a supermarket. "They (Wegmans) have a marvelous book department. It's as professional as any only-book store, anywhere."
This is not the first time Ms. Clark has gone to Wegmans for a book signing. She has previously visited stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Moderator's Comment: What lessons can other retailers take from the Mary Higgins Clark book signing at Wegmans?
The first response of many may be that Wegmans can do this but most other supermarkets could not.
Most other supermarkets would not even try, just as they wouldn't attempt to bring in a celebrity chef for an on-site appearance. The idea of creating an environment that people want to go to is as foreign to some grocers as it is to the shoppers who visit their stores.
The reason Wegmans succeeds in book sales where others in the industry do not can be summarized in a single word - commitment.
Danny and company, have made a commitment to grow the category and the manufacturer (in this case publisher and author) is working cooperatively with the chain to help it achieve their shared objectives. [George Anderson - Moderator]