![]()
With just 27 locations from San Diego to Santa Barbara, Gelson’s Markets BB #:113119 is recognized as one of the most successful supermarket chains in the United States.
Since its founding in 1951, the chain has been praised for its meat, seafood, and produce departments. Wide aisles and oversized shopping carts also contribute to shopper ease.
Gelson’s president and CEO, Rob McDougall, has been with the company since 2012. He came up through the ranks at Vons and Spartan Stores (now SpartanNash), ultimately in produce executive roles, so naturally the company has an emphasis on presenting lush and extensive produce departments at all its locations.
Since the first Gelson’s was opened in Burbank by brothers Eugene and Bernie Gelson, the company has stayed on top of the supermarket game with its commitment to quality, service, and knowing its customers, store by store.
The strategy has been to open stores in affluent neighborhoods and provide a high level of customer service, not unlike a fine dining experience.
Paul Kneeland, senior director of produce and floral at Gelson’s, explains: “To support that high-end customer service, we function like a family and work together as a team.
“Everyone in every position—from the warehouse to executives to individual store managers—really cares about our customers and is proud of what Gelson’s represents in the marketplace.”
Retail consultant Carol Spieckerman, president of Spieckerman Retail in Bentonville, AR, adds, “Gelson’s enjoys an impressive level of customer loyalty considering its relatively small footprint.”
“The company operates within a narrow, upscale marketspace, yet fully delivers through innovative products, onsite bar and restaurant concepts, and customer-friendly convenience options.”
This an excerpt from the California Supplement to the May/June 2022 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole supplement.
With just 27 locations from San Diego to Santa Barbara, Gelson’s Markets BB #:113119 is recognized as one of the most successful supermarket chains in the United States.
Since its founding in 1951, the chain has been praised for its meat, seafood, and produce departments. Wide aisles and oversized shopping carts also contribute to shopper ease.
Gelson’s president and CEO, Rob McDougall, has been with the company since 2012. He came up through the ranks at Vons and Spartan Stores (now SpartanNash), ultimately in produce executive roles, so naturally the company has an emphasis on presenting lush and extensive produce departments at all its locations.
Since the first Gelson’s was opened in Burbank by brothers Eugene and Bernie Gelson, the company has stayed on top of the supermarket game with its commitment to quality, service, and knowing its customers, store by store.
The strategy has been to open stores in affluent neighborhoods and provide a high level of customer service, not unlike a fine dining experience.
Paul Kneeland, senior director of produce and floral at Gelson’s, explains: “To support that high-end customer service, we function like a family and work together as a team.
“Everyone in every position—from the warehouse to executives to individual store managers—really cares about our customers and is proud of what Gelson’s represents in the marketplace.”
Retail consultant Carol Spieckerman, president of Spieckerman Retail in Bentonville, AR, adds, “Gelson’s enjoys an impressive level of customer loyalty considering its relatively small footprint.”
“The company operates within a narrow, upscale marketspace, yet fully delivers through innovative products, onsite bar and restaurant concepts, and customer-friendly convenience options.”
This an excerpt from the California Supplement to the May/June 2022 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole supplement.
