Apollo Retail's merchandising team recently had the pleasure of executing the launch of a brand-new store for The Fresh Market in Seminole, Florida. The Apollo team worked diligently to ensure that every shelf and display was meticulously built out, and all products were expertly merchandised on the sales floor. The store opening was practically in Apollo Retail's own backyard and marked a proud moment for both The Fresh Market and Apollo with the unveiling of a key retail innovation that sets this Fresh Market apart from others: electronic shelf labels (ESLs).
Electronic Shelf Label Installation
This is such a notable new feature and Apollo was thrilled at the opportunity to help enhance efficiency at the store-level with this new technology. The labels or digital price tags represent a shift toward smarter, more efficient retail management. Gone are the days of manually replacing paper tags—ESLs allow for instant price updates across the store with a few clicks. This not only reduces labor costs and human error but also ensures that pricing remains accurate and up-to-date. In a fast-paced retail environment, where product promotions and inventory fluctuate, ESLs offer unparalleled flexibility and accuracy. "The ESL project represents an exciting new opportunity for Apollo! As more companies transition to digital tagging, they’re not only reducing labor time and costs but also optimizing workforce allocation. With stores often understaffed, digital tags allow businesses to redirect personnel to other critical areas, improving overall efficiency. This capability opens new doors for Apollo, and we’re all eager to leverage it!" said Apollo's Project Manager, Kay Peper, who oversaw the dedicated team that performed the label installation. In addition to being excited for Apollo, Kay is also excited for customers since the easy-to-read digital tags provide a more streamlined shopping experience, helping customers quickly locate deals, compare prices, and make informed buying decisions. In addition, the labels are also eco-friendly, reducing the waste that comes from constant paper tag replacements which aligns with a new sustainability initiative Apollo is focused on for the coming years. Overall, ESLs enhance the operational efficiency of the store while improving the customer experience while doing better for the planet—a true win-win.
Community Support and Celebration
Since the store was only thirty minutes from Apollo's corporate headquarters, our VP of Operations, Tammy Alemazkour, and our Head of Talent Acquisition and Marketing, Heather Petrone, had the pleasure of attending. In addition to our Apollo representatives, to help celebrate this exciting grand opening, the Pinellas Chamber of Commerce joined in the festivities, underscoring the importance of the new store to the local economy and community. Furthermore, Feeding Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization committed to addressing hunger in the region, was present to accept a generous donation. The Fresh Market presented Feeding Tampa Bay with a $2,000 check as part of their ongoing partnership to help feed those in need. This donation is just one aspect of The Fresh Market's commitment to giving back, reflecting their continued dedication to supporting local communities. “The Fresh Market is not only a top-notch company, but also a powerful force for good in the community,” said Apollo Project Manager, JP Jaris. “Their commitment to giving back and supporting underserved populations truly sets them apart. We were really excited about this opportunity and thrilled to collaborate with our former colleague, Crystal Knight, now serving as The Fresh Market’s Development Project Manager.”
Looking Ahead
Apollo Retail is proud to have played a key role in bringing this innovative new store to life. “The Fresh Market has an aggressive new store opening schedule that we’re supporting with three different teams,” said Beverly Ruyle, our Vice President of Business Development who sold this solution to The Fresh Market team. “This is an exciting opportunity, as we continue to work with other retailers to develop a streamlined playbook that optimizes collaboration across all teams involved in a store setup."
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue delivering high-quality merchandising solutions that help retailers meet the evolving needs of today's shoppers.
The Seminole store is a shining example of how new technology such as electronic shelf labels and effective merchandising can come together to create a standout shopping experience. We can’t wait to see what’s next for The Fresh Market and for Apollo Retail as we continue to help retailers across the country innovate and grow.
