Hy-Vee recently released a statement concerning upcoming changes in its stores hours of operation and staffing changes. The company says it recently initiated a major companywide effort called Helpful Smile 2020, “with the goal of keeping Hy-Vee the best place to work and shop in America.”
“Today, the retail grocery industry continues to evolve and be incredibly competitive. Therefore, our local stores are making some changes to become more efficient while continuing to elevate our customers’ experience,” the company says.
To follow are some key updates:
- Strengthening the training and succession planning within the store management career path. Starting this week, some store directors now will be known as district store directors and will oversee several stores as well as mentor store managers. With this change, some store directors will become store managers. The store manager position will help better prepare those who want to become store directors/district store directors in the future. The store manager also will have oversight of the day-to-day operations at his/her store. This is part of the company’s effort to remain the best place to build a career in retail and ensure all store directors have the training they need before being selected for the role.
- The decision to no longer remain open 24 hours a day and move business hours to align with consumer shopping trends created an opportunity to reorganize both Hy-Vee’s overnight and daytime stocking procedures. This will make a difference to our customers as the majority of our stocking will be done during times when customers are not shopping, helping to keep aisles clear of clutter so customers can have a more pleasant shopping experience in our stores. This move also allowed Hy-Vee to reevaluate how it operates its stores so that the company can become more efficient. Because of this, store directors will be making staffing changes over the upcoming weeks—which could include promotions, reallocations or reductions—to reflect the needs of their individual store.
- To strengthen Hy-Vee’s nationally recognized dietitian program, 30 of its in-store dietitians will join the corporate team to support its health and wellness programs across the company. Hy-Vee still will allow its store directors to implement dietetic programs locally.
“We value our employees and customers and want to be the best place to work and shop,” the company says. “Our industry is continually evolving, which is why it’s imperative that we evolve with it.”
In January, longtime Hy-Vee executive Jay Marshall was promoted to vice chairman for the grocery chain, the latest step in his 38-year career with the company. Marshall is serving as vice chairman of Hy-Vee, while also continuing to oversee the operations of Hy-Vee’s supply chain and subsidiaries. Marshall is assisting Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker, alongside Hy-Vee’s board of directors, with leading the company through today’s rapidly changing retail climate.
“While Jay will oversee key areas of our company, he will also work on the larger challenges facing the retail industry today,” Edeker said. “Jay has worked in and led virtually every area of Hy-Vee throughout his career, and he is a great and trusted leader. I am confident that he will do an excellent job in this new role.”
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