Here are Giant Eagle Chief Executive Officer Laura Shapira Karet’s responses to questions on a variety of topics:
Store remodeling
Asked whether two Fairlawn/Montrose locations are too many, Karet said they are “probably closer than ideal, but they both do fine. We’re very happy with what we’ve got.” A free-standing GetGo gas station recently opened in Fairlawn.
A shuffle of stores at the Fairlawn Town Centre in 2011 and 2012 was precipitated by Giant Eagle wanting to expand its location near Target. The stores have all moved, but the expansion project was halted. Karet said it will still happen, but there’s no time frame yet.
In Green, an old store has gotten a major remodeling with many new features. “We’re so happy with what Green has done,” she said.
Competing with Walmart
Giant Eagle has been the target of Walmart advertising comparing prices on receipts. “We have had the real joy and blessing of being very strong in these markets for a long time. For Walmart to come after us like they go after Kroger and Publix and many of the chains that are like us in other parts of the country, you know what that says. They’re trying to take our business, which means we have business to take ... which I guess is a compliment.”
Woman in male field
“I’ve never let the fact that I’m a woman, or young, or whatever it is [affect me]. My view is if you’re really good at your job, good things happen,” Karet said. “When I walk into a room, which happens to be frequently, and it’s all men and me, I don’t really think about it. I’m there for a reason.”
On changing competition
Each market is different, she noted. In some markets, such as Columbus, where the retailer competes with Kroger, it has the smaller market share. In Northeast Ohio, in recent figures compiled by Nielsen, it had a 53.5 percent food-market share.
“To be really good retailers, you have to think about it at the store level,” she said.
In Northeast Ohio, Giant Eagle is competing against much smaller, privately held regional companies, she said.
“We have very tough competition in this area. They are really invested in their businesses and are really good merchants and we have nothing but the highest respect for all of them.
“We like competing against really good competitors because it keeps us on our toes and makes us better.”
On pricing
“Our prices are a little bit higher. We care about people and treat people right. Our quality of food is better. Sometimes you pay for that,” Karet said. “We invest in a really wonderful store and there are products on the shelf all the time.
“We run special programs and loyalty programs that are second to none. When you put all of that together, we represent a much better value than other places.” The retailer often advertises its “lower prices on hundreds of items” and “low price-lock” programs.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3688 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com.