Brent Stewart recently assumed the role of president at QFC, a Kroger-owned supermarket chain with 59 stores in Washington state and Oregon. This appointment came after a period of uncertainty, as Kroger had intended to divest QFC to C&S Wholesale Grocers as part of a merger with Albertsons. However, with the dissolution of the merger at the end of last year, QFC remains under Kroger’s ownership, and Stewart is now leading the banner through this transition.
Stewart, who took on the role of president in December, has expressed his admiration for Kroger’s management throughout this process. Despite the potential sale to a rival grocery company, Stewart’s respect for Kroger’s leadership grew as he experienced their support and communication firsthand. With a career in the grocery industry dating back to 1980, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having held various management roles in different grocery chains over the years.
In a recent interview with Grocery Dive, Stewart shared his insights on the competitive Seattle grocery market where QFC operates. He emphasized the importance of evolving and meeting customer needs, whether it’s through offering more organic and natural products or expanding Asian food selections. Stewart highlighted the flexibility of QFC’s merchandising team, who continuously seek out new products and tailor offerings to each store’s unique customer base.
When asked about expansion plans, Stewart mentioned that QFC is always on the lookout for opportunities in the right locations. He also discussed ongoing store remodels, with nine planned for this year and nine more for next year. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential sale to C&S, Stewart emphasized that QFC’s remodeling projects were not put on hold, as the team continued to plan and execute these updates regardless of the outcome.
One notable feature of QFC’s store in Kirkland, Washington, is its restaurant, showcasing the chain’s commitment to providing a unique shopping experience for customers. Stewart’s focus on customer satisfaction and store enhancement reflects QFC’s dedication to staying competitive in the ever-evolving grocery industry.
As QFC navigates the changing landscape of the grocery sector, Stewart’s leadership and experience will be instrumental in guiding the chain through this period of transition and growth. With a strong team and a commitment to meeting customer needs, QFC under Stewart’s leadership is poised to continue serving the communities of Washington and Oregon with excellence and innovation. Stewart, the spokesperson for QFC, discussed the success of a store in the Kirkland community and their partnership with a local restaurant, Tutta Bella. While there are no current plans to build another store, they have seen significant success with this location. He emphasized the importance of understanding customer preferences and providing value through their merchandising plans and weekly ads. Stewart also addressed the challenge of high egg prices, highlighting the efforts to educate associates and monitor pricing to remain competitive.
QFC has found success in the Kirkland community with a store that has been well-received by customers. Stewart mentioned their partnership with a local restaurant, Tutta Bella, which has been a key factor in the store’s success. While there are no immediate plans to expand to other locations, the Kirkland store has been a significant win for QFC.
When asked about their strategy for demonstrating a focus on keeping prices down, Stewart emphasized the importance of their merchandising plans and weekly ads. QFC customizes their ads to cater to the preferences of their customers and ensure that they are offering competitive prices. Stewart expressed confidence in the value provided to customers through their promotions and highlighted the quality of their ads compared to competitors.
The challenge of high egg prices was also addressed by Stewart, who emphasized the importance of educating associates and monitoring pricing to remain competitive. He assured customers that QFC is not profiting from the increase in egg prices and that their margins have actually decreased as a result. By staying informed and actively managing pricing, QFC strives to provide affordable options for customers despite market fluctuations.
In conclusion, Stewart’s insights shed light on QFC’s commitment to providing value to customers through strategic merchandising, competitive pricing, and partnerships with local businesses. The success of the Kirkland store and the efforts to address challenges such as high egg prices reflect QFC’s dedication to meeting customer needs and maintaining a strong presence in the grocery market.
