DISPLAYS & MERCHANDISING
Why the change in how end caps are built and managed?
Sell Through, Continuity and Vendor Support
Why has Sprout’s not opened its own DCs like our competitors?
Overall expense of running our own DC is cost prohibitive compared to our current contract with KeHE/UNFI
Why do we change schematics so much? Why are items or shelving so tight in our sets?
Innovation/trends. Our point of difference.
As other retailers get more aggressive with produce retails how will Sprouts evolve to continue to be different in the eyes of the customer?
Our Team Members, Social/digital engagement, sales initiatives, store layout/size, innovation, authoritative resource
How many people are here this year at SproutsFest?
725 Team Members
1,200 Vendors
275 New Grocery and VMS Managers 36%
150 New Grocery Managers 53%
In stores with small sales floors can we have flexibility in what displays we get?
We are currently working with John Gibson to identify criteria and display planning process to accommodate smaller stores.
How does the Support Office manage KeHE when it comes to the high number of out of stocks.
Weekly meetings, vendor communication and forecast management. Holiday and Q1 readiness planning - 6 months out
How do we improve communication on new products and upcoming trends to our customers?
Explore and discover program, new website and new item tagging in store
How many stores are we going to open in 2019 and for the foreseeable future, any new states that can be disclosed?
30 new stores and 3 new states - NJ, VA and LA
When will Sprouts go to an automated ordering system for the Grocery departments?
We are currently in the process of rolling out Fresh Item Management in Bakery. The other Fresh departments will be next with Non Perishables being last. Hopefully within the next 18-24 months, but more to come.
Why do we get so many shippers? How can we use them effectively?
Quantity, Quality and Execution
Out of stocks are our biggest issue how do we reduce the number of holes on the shelf? What are some best practices?
Safety stock program, top 50 chips and secondary (UNFI) distributor, good order, good schedule.
How do we ensure that we have proper inventory on hand to support new items after they launch?
We have many stop gaps in place to ensure that all new items ship on time. We will make it a priority to work with KeHE on improving forecasts going into the new item launch.
When will we launch click and collect?
We are currently in the process of building out our home delivery program to all states. We are currently working on next steps and timeline to for a click and collect program. More to come.
What is Sprouts doing to improve the Team Member experience?
SproutsFest
Improved wages and benefits
Investing in Technology
People Powered, Purpose Driven
What is the process in which we pick items for displays?
Ad location, sales volume and overall promotional themes
Can we get KeHE promo deliveries separated?
Continually working with KeHE to minimize combined deliveries where we can
What are we doing to improve holding power on top sellers?
We review pack out with every schematic that we review. We have made several holding power improvements in high volume sets like water and chips. Innovation and product assortment remain the #1 reason customers tell us they shop our Grocery departments - it is our differentiator.
What is our overall sales penetration goals for Sprouts Brand?
Current penetration is 19%. Our goal for 2019 is 22%. Stretch goal is 25%.
How will we ensure that we stay ahead of trends?
Trade shows, strategic vendor partnerships, market/competition tours, rangeme tool, full category management staff with a focus on innovation - we see over 2,000 new items a month
How many end caps are stores expected to support?
Two less than your total end cap count
What are the major changes with the new KeHE contract?
Best in class cost structure. Full transparency model improving partnership and communication. Improved audit/swell allowance program, penalties for service level and on time performance
Why don't we do more speed to shelf cut-ins instead of full resets?
We do speed to shelf on innovative trending items as they are identified. Full resets are more strategic in nature.
What is Sprouts doing to improve the in store training experience?
We can do better here. Grocery Camp, Update E&E, Stocking Standards Test, New Item Newsletter
What are we doing from a Marketing/Digital/Social perspective to engage customers?
New resources dedicated to building out our digital/social platform specifically catering to our customer. New website launch with a focus on product and what makes us different. Vendor partnerships with a focus on story telling and item attribute communication.