Get the details you need to run your store smoothly. I’ve organized key grocery store operation info to help you manage staff, stock, and sales efficiently.
When bad storms come through, the power will inevitably go out. So what do supermarkets do when the power goes out? Do supermarkets have backup generators? Most larger supermarkets and grocery stores have backup generators to operate basic systems, cash registers & emergency lighting. They are usually not capable of running large refrigeration equipment. In … Read more
If you’ve ever considered owning a grocery store, work in one, or are just curious, you may have wondered how do grocery stores make money? As a general rule, grocery stores operate on a profit margin as low as 1-3%. So they make money by selling large quantities. They also try to minimize shrink (theft … Read more
Nothing quite beats the convenience of having a delivery service like Instacart bring you your groceries right to your doorstep. But what about alcohol? Can Instacart deliver alcohol? Instacart currently delivers alcohol in 14 states, both from grocery stores, where allowed, but from liquor stores too. Beer, wine, & liquor are available in those areas, … Read more
Grocery store departments and aisles are organized to make it easier for shoppers to find what they need. While some chains have some unique aspects or categories, most grocery stores have similar layouts, so what are the different sections of a grocery store? Almost all grocery stores start with the Produce department and then line … Read more
If you enjoy a good cocktail but find it inconvenient to buy liquor at a liquor store, you may wonder why don’t grocery stores sell liquor? After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales themselves. But it resulted in a wide variety of laws from state to state. However, … Read more
I was a grocery store manager for many years, but in my early days of working in grocery stores, I still remember wondering what does a grocery store manager do. Here’s what I learned from doing that job for over 15 years: A grocery store manager is responsible for the store’s financial performance, handles hiring … Read more
One of the worst parts about being in a supervisory position is having to let an employee go. But sometimes newer managers wonder can you fire an employee over the phone? As a general rule, legally, a manager can fire an employee over the phone or by email. But unless they are not showing up … Read more
Are you looking to be a manager of a grocery store? Perhaps you’ve just been promoted to store manager and you’re not entirely sure what it takes to be successful at management? Don’t worry. Many have wondered how to run a successful grocery store. Here’s what I know having done that for many years: A … Read more
After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales themselves. But it resulted in a wide variety of laws from state to state. So many have wondered what states allow grocery stores to sell liquor? I decided to investigate and here’s what I learned: The states listed below allow sales … Read more
Grocery store sales often seem like a great deal. But sometimes when we look a little closer, we might realize it’s not quite as good a deal as we thought. So why do grocery stores have sales? Manufacturers give stores discounts which temporarily lower the price on well-known items as well & newly introduced items. … Read more
Love it or hate it, we all go grocery shopping. But if you know grocery stores, you know they frequently move stuff around. For most shoppers, these changes are confusing and often leads to the question, why do grocery stores change the layout? Driven by lower profit margins & high competition, grocery stores are desperate … Read more
As a GM for 2+ decades, employees calling out sick was just a way of life. But many new managers wonder can you fire an employee for being sick. No. You cannot fire an employee for being sick. But most employers have an attendance policy and instead would document unexcused absences over a period of … Read more
Grocery stores are everywhere: from the small, family-owned market on the corner to the grocery store giants with locations all over the world. It’s clear that the grocery store business can be profitable and sustainable, but what is the profit margin for grocery stores? Conventional grocery stores have a profit margin of about 2.2%, making … Read more
When you work in a place with a lot of other people, gossip is a natural by-product of that. While sometimes harmless, many wonder can you fire an employee for gossiping? In at-will states, employers can fire anyone for any reason. But even in other states, gossip can be considered “creating a hostile work environment” … Read more
As a store manager for years, I someday dreamed of opening my own store. But I always wondered, is owning a grocery store profitable? Conventional grocery stores make 1-2% bottom-line profit, but stores like Whole Foods Market may generate 5-12% profit. However, for small independent grocery stores, 1 to 4% is more typical. There are … Read more