When you shop for food, you want the freshest product available, right?
Grocers must maintain an inventory of fresh products and make sure they are
properly stored.
They plan ways to market their store and products. This includes planning
weekly sales and in-store displays.
Part of a grocer's job is to hire necessary staff and to assign them duties.
Mary Courteau is a grocer in Minnesota.
"From buying the right stuff; pricing it for appeal and profit; displaying;
financial management; dealing with the health department, equipment companies,
lenders and vendors -- just to name a very few [duties],...there is never
a dull moment."
Someone in this field may work for a large supermarket chain or for an
independent grocer. They may even own their own store.
Courtney Lawrence is the marketing coordinator for a produce store. She
says that this is typically a 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday job for employees
at chain stores.
"For an independent grocer, they are usually required to work six-day,
12-hour shifts. Some travel is involved to see your suppliers or to purchase
fresh meats or produce."
While grocers have administrative work to do in the office, they may also
have to "work the floors." This means lifting objects to shelves, building
displays and helping customers find products.