Scot Olson, Director of Produce and Floral, Grocery Outlet, joins Sarah Hoxie for this exclusive interview to share the successes of the company. The discount retail chain was started in 1946 by Jim Read. They company is now on its third generation with MacGregor Read and Eric Lindberg taking the helm as Co-CEO's of the company. The stores are independently owned and operated by many husband and wife teams. <hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">An area of growth for Grocery Outlet is produce. The company has only had produce in its stores for about the past 12 years. The company has also added fresh meat and dairy to complete the shopping experience. <hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">For suppliers who are looking to do business with Grocery Outlet, Mr. Olson suggests that they keep Grocery Outlet at the top of its rolodex. The company is always looking for opportunistic buys that Grocery Outlet can help suppliers move.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Mr. Olson has learned this year to keep an eye out for magazines and cooking shows because they are really what are driving customers' purchasing options. For example, sweet potatoes used to be done after Easter, but now customers want them year round and so the company ensures that they are on the shelves the entire year through. Brussels sprouts are another item that have gained popularity with the help of cooking shows that offer creative recipes. The company sells produce in-packages or "by the each."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
