Safeway Admits Messing Up Genuardi’s
By George Anderson
Safeway has taken the highly unusual step of advertising an apology to long-time shoppers of Genuardi’s.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania News (NEPA News) reports that retailer is running television, radio and newspaper ads telling consumers, “Despite our best intentions, not all of the changes we’ve made recently have gone smoothly, and we’re sorry if your Genuardi’s experience was affected.”
Customers that have left the chain are being invited back to see for themselves that Safeway is now letting Genuardi’s be Genuardi’s.
Food Trade News reports that Genuardi’s share of the Philadelphia area grocery market declined by approximately a quarter of a point despite adding three stores. Acme Markets (Albertson’s) increased its market share more than half a point while reducing its store count by eight.
Moderator’s Comment: What do you think of Safeway’s
“apology” advertising strategy for Genuardi’s?
We hope for Genuardi’s sake that Safeway is backing its
promises with actions. If not, well, we all remember what happened to Albertson’s
in Memphis with Seessels. [George
Anderson – Moderator]