Martin's Asks Loyal Ukrop's Customers to Join Exchange

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Ukrop’s may be gone, but the new owner Martin’s wants to find out what loyal customers want.

Martin’s announced today that it had launched The Shopper’s Idea Exchange, a group of 300 shoppers whose input will be solicited weekly with emails to find out what works, what doesn’t and what shoppers would like to see. The shopper advisory panel is specifically for "direct consumer feedback" in the Williamsburg and Greater Richmond area, where Martin's just completed the purchase of 25 Ukrop's stores.

According to a press release from the grocery chain, Martin's has been talking to Ukrop's customers and associates about what they would like to see change and what should remain the same since the sale was announced in December.

“We continue to reach out to customers and welcome their feedback at any time,” said Rick Herring, president, Giant/Martin's. “This 300-member shopper advisory panel will provide us with in-depth and, importantly on-going, feedback so that we can better serve their shopping needs.”

Martin's invited shoppers who currently subscribe to Ukrop’s email newsletter to participate in the exchange as well as shoppers who recently contacted the company with their input. The 300 demographically and geographically representative members will provide on-line feedback on a weekly basis through surveys, bulletin board postings and contests.

A similar shopper advisory panel has been in place for other regions in the Giant/Martin's market area since 2005.

Among the changes already in store: Martin's will be open on Sundays and sell beer and wine, a shift from the Ukrop's way.