By: Lucas Darnell, Director, Member Relations & Advocacy, Food Marketing Institute

At a recent share group meeting, one member mentioned to the group that he doesn’t get out of the store regularly to look at competing stores in the area or at other stores in general. Another member of the group shared that not only does he go and visit stores as much as he can, but oftentimes he will take members of his staff with him to do store tours. For example, if there is a store two hours away that does a fantastic job in produce, he will take his produce managers to see that store and empower them to make changes from the things they see and learn. 

FMI share groups are one of the premier member benefits for FMI members, particularly for independent operator members. Share groups provide a confidential forum for the open exchange of ideas, strategies and problem solving techniques among owners, chief executive officers, chief operating officers and senior executives of non-competing member companies.

Information and feedback from share group discussions can help food retail improve efficiencies and profitability, as well as develop relationships with leading food retailers from around the country. The learnings from interactions with peers can be business changing.

Share groups give FMI members an opportunity to receive feedback from their peers on store operations, financials, displays, staffing and myriad other factors to consider in the grocery business. The feedback is real, timely and from other respected members of the retail community. Feedback from other FMI members is a tremendous resource available to you through FMI membership.

Learn more about FMI Share Groups.