ATLANTA, GA - Honeybear Brands® is set to showcase its innovative apple varieties and announce a unique cause marketing partnership with professional hockey star Taylor Heise at the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show. This initiative aims to deliver fresh fruit to those in need.

“Honeybear Brands grows and distributes some of the best apple varieties grown regionally as well as in Washington State. Our focus of providing great eating varieties at ‘peak of season flavor’ ensures our retail partners are providing consumers with an exceptional eating experience during the big fall apple sales season,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Utilizing multiple growing regions to curate the best eating varieties combined with year-round supply assurance, we take delight in helping our retailers grow the conventional and organic apple category.”

Attendees will have the chance to sample exclusive apple varieties, including the ruby red Pazazz and the crisp Honeymoon apples. The Honeymoon variety, known for its tropical notes and vibrant yellow hue, has gained popularity since its introduction two years ago. According to a press release, Honeybear Brands’ commitment to quality and diverse growing regions ensures a year-round supply of exceptional apples.

In a remarkable effort to combat hunger, Honeybear Brands plans to launch the Assist Second Harvest campaign. This initiative will pledge to donate 600 pounds of apples for every assist made by Heise—referred to as an "apple" in hockey—during her season games.

“Apples help fuel our bodies. And who better than an elite athlete like Taylor Heise to remind health-conscious audiences about the health benefits of apples?” Roper added.

Retailers featuring Pazazz apples are expected to benefit from this partnership through enhanced visibility on social media, public relations, and in-store marketing assets. This collaboration will not only highlight the importance of fresh produce but also support a vital cause in the community, reinforcing Honeybear Brands’ commitment to quality and social responsibility.

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BENTONVILLE, AR - Well-known membership club Sam’s Club announced a reimagined workforce compensation plan aimed at nearly 100,000 frontline associates, designed to accelerate pay and provide a pathway to more predictable financial futures.

“At Sam’s Club, we believe delivering an unparalleled experience for our members starts with investing in our frontline associates,” said Chris Nicholas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sam’s Club. “Until now, retail compensation has largely been about hourly wages, and it’s almost unheard of to talk about frontline associate compensation in terms of a predictable financial future—that changes for Sam’s Club starting today.”

According to a press release, this new approach not only enhances the associate experience but also strengthens customer service, positioning Sam’s Club for continued success in the evolving retail market.

In today’s competitive retail landscape, attracting and retaining quality talent has become essential. With turnover rates averaging 60 percent in retail in 2022, Sam’s Club recognized the need for fulfilling careers that ease the financial pressures faced by hourly associates. The new compensation plan will enable faster progression in hourly wages, offering increases of between three percent and six percent based on years of service.

As a result, the average hourly rate for associates is projected to exceed 19 dollars, with opportunities for substantial annual bonuses. Over the last five years, Sam’s Club has increased its average hourly wage by nearly 30 percent.

“To be truly customer-centric, companies must first be frontline focused,” said Zeynep Ton, Professor of the Practice at MIT Sloan School of Management and Co-Founder of The Good Jobs Institute. “Sam’s Club’s strategic investments in employees and their work have already fueled productivity, increased sales, and built record membership rates. Now, they are continuing to enhance the retail experience for both employees and customers."

Effective November 2, 2024, the new pay plan reflects Sam’s Club’s ongoing commitment to associate development, career growth, and workplace satisfaction. This initiative is part of a multi-year journey to create a supportive environment that emphasizes meaningful work, ensuring Sam’s Club remains a leader in the retail industry.

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