By George Anderson
In a conference call with analysts, the Delhaize Group said it was encouraged by the early performance of its Sweetbay stores in Florida.
Pierre-Olivier Beckers, president and chief executive officer of Delhaize America said, "We have seen significant increases in sales distribution in such fresh departments as meat, seafood, produce and deli."
The latest Sweetbay opening took place earlier this week at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Vanderbilt Road in Naples, Fla.
Store manager Walter Reedy, was understandably excited about opening the new Sweetbay.
"There were around 150 people waiting outside," he told the Naples Sun Times. "I've opened four or five stores in the northeast, including my own in New England, but this one has a special meaning. We have people from seven different cultures, Mexican, Haitians, Caucasians, African Americans, Japanese, Indian...We honor diversity. I'm proud of the associates I have in the management team."
Mr. Reedy said it would be the staff's performance that determined the success of Sweetbay. "We want to create an atmosphere here that makes the associates feel like coming to work everyday," he said.
Moderator's Comment: Has Delhaize found a winner with the Sweetbay format? How, if in any way, is Sweetbay run differently than other Delhaize chains in the states? - George Anderson - Moderator