Another time factor (was is the lack of price scanners at the registers?)

Uncle Paul's has been on the corner of M–46 and Crystal Road in Vestaburg, Michigan, since the beginning of time (or so it seems). Uncle Paul's is a grocery story and was the only grocer in town forever. Suddenly, though, a few years ago, the shelves began to stay empty and the cereal was still holding a Christmas theme in July. Things just didn't seem to be going right.

Rumors circulated that Sav–a–Lot had a bid in to purchase the store, but it never happened. Then, a Family Dollar moved in next door. More cars hang out at FD in a day, it seems, than at UP's in a week.

Now, UP's has been sold. Or bought. I think the store can be successful if they find a niche, like the greatest selection of meats by the best butcher or the world's best selection of beverages. The new owners don't necessarily have to market their niche, they have to create it. Can they do it?

Even grocers have to change with the times to compete in today's market. You have to sell a lot of milk and bread to the milk & bread customers to make the ends meet. Mr. Meijer knew it years ago when he expanded his grocery store to include a department store feel. Sam Walton knew it, too.

What do you know today that will help you be successful tomorrow?