For the past year some of the hardest working people in the entire region, and the nation for that matter, have been on the front lines every single day working to keep our kitchens, pantries, tables and stomachs full by doing what they do best — serving the public. Now, Martin’s Super Markets parent company SpartanNash is joining supermarkets and food manufacturers nationwide to celebrate the first-ever Supermarket Employee Day. It is slated for next Monday, February 22nd.
FMI-The Food Industry Association has proclaimed the new holiday to take time out to recognize retail associates at every level for the work they do in feeding families and enriching our lives.
According to FMI, more than 40,000 individual stores sell food and grocery items in the U.S. alone, including 154 SpartanNash retail stores in nine states. Among the SpartanNash sites are the Martin’s Super Markets in St. Joseph and Stevensville.
Executive Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Retail Tom Swanson says, “At SpartanNash, we have nearly 13,000 retail associates who come to work each day, keeping shelves stocked and providing our customers and communities with the essential food, medicine and groceries they need.” He adds, “Our family of retail associates have continued to adapt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and they truly are our frontline heroes. On Supermarket Employee Day – and all year long – we want to honor and celebrate the essential role they play at SpartanNash.”
Despite supply chain disruptions and workforce challenges, SpartanNash retail associates have remained focused on serving their customers and communities. To celebrate and honor their efforts on Supermarket Employee Day, SpartanNash will offer all retail associates an Associate Appreciation discount of 20-percent off at all company-owned stores, in addition to other celebration and recognition initiatives.
Throughout the week, SpartanNash retail associates will also be featured on the company’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, celebrating teams and individuals for their efforts.
Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO of FMI—The Food Industry Association, says, “Supermarket employees have earned our gratitude and respect, which is why we are creating a holiday to celebrate them,” and adds, “The fact is they always have been frontline heroes during periods of crisis. In the face of natural disasters or global pandemics, these brave and dedicated individuals keep communities strong and moving forward.”
Swanson adds, “On behalf of SpartanNash, we invite our customers to stop into their local SpartanNash store on February 22nd to congratulate and thank our local supermarket heroes,” noting, “Our retail associates have tirelessly served our customers throughout the pandemic, and I can’t think of a better day to say, ‘thank you’ for all they have done and continue to do.”
SpartanNash owns and operates 154 retail stores in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Retail banners include Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarket, Dillonvale IGA, Econofoods, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods, Fresh City Market, Martin’s Super Markets, No Frills, Pick’n Save, SunMart, Supermercado Nuestra Familia, ValuLand and VG’s Grocery.
