GREENSBORO, NC – The Fresh Market has hired long-time retail executive Pamela Kohn as its new Chief Merchandising Officer.
Most recognized for previously overseeing Walmart’s perishable business and its Neighborhood Market program in various roles relating to supply chain, merchandising, store operations, real estate, sourcing, and merchandising operations over 12 years, Kohn has made quite the name for herself in the supermarket industry.
In her 30-year retail tenure, Kohn also led the merchandising program at Stop & Shop and was formerly the Merchandising and Marketing Officer for Food Lion.
In a statement, she said that she was thrilled to join The Fresh Market and that she looks forward to “helping further build upon this company’s unique and compelling value equation, which includes a combination of freshness, flavors, service, experience, and price.”
While reporting to President and CEO Rick Anicetti, Kohn will be responsible for improving merchandise selection and the overall in-store experience as she oversees merchandising, marketing, and supply chain functions.
Anicetti said that he is excited to welcome Kohn to the team, complimenting her on her strong ability to select the right products, at appropriate prices, delivered to stores efficiently, and merchandised effectively.
“She is a highly innovative and experienced leader in food retail merchandising, succeeding as a proven change agent for go-to-market strategy, value creation, and supply chain,” he said. “Implementing a fully integrated approach to branding and re-imagining our stores to further enhance the extraordinary food experience our customers expect is one of our key growth drivers, and Pam’s food merchandising and operations experience at Walmart, Stop & Shop, and Food Lion will be a huge asset.”
As we reported in November last year, Anicetti promised to implement a four-part turnaround plan that would involve further improvements in fresh foods, reduction in shrink, and investment in store format changes. Kohn’s hire looks to be a step in the right direction for the chain as it looks to revamp the brand.
