EPISODE · Aug 1, 2025 · 7 MIN
Discover Why An Employee-Owned Grocer In Indiana Ditched Print Ads & Isn't Looking Back
from Omni Talk Retail
Meet Josh Kuhbander, VP of Neighborhood Fresh, an employee-owned (ESOP) grocery chain in northern Indiana that made a bold move by eliminating print ads in 2024. Discover how they're achieving an impressive 86% loyalty program participation rate through customer service, meat cutters, baggers, and strategic digital engagement while competing against big box retailers.🕒 TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Josh's grocery industry background and family connections1:26 - What makes Neighborhood Fresh unique: employee ownership2:03 - Bold move: eliminating print ads in 20242:56 - Competing against big retailers through service and loyalty4:18 - "Control the controllables" philosophy during challenges5:49 - E-commerce considerations and pandemic lessons6:26 - Why timing matters for digital transformationThanks to Simbe for making our SpartanNash Conference coverage possible!#EmployeeOwned #ESOP #NeighborhoodFresh #IndependentGrocer #LoyaltyPrograms #DigitalMarketing #CustomerService #GroceryInnovation #SmallTownGrocery #RetailStrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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Discover Why An Employee-Owned Grocer In Indiana Ditched Print Ads & Isn't Looking Back
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