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$100,000 renovation gives Akron store spacious new look; pharmacy removed
By Marilyn Miller Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Saturday, Sep 22, 2007
Henry's Acme has a new look, inside and out.
The walls are freshly painted with vibrant colors at the Vernon Odom Boulevard grocery store and more space has been created by removing the pharmacy and knocking out walls to enhance customer service.
A grand opening to show off the $100,000 worth of improvements and renovations is slated for next Saturday.
''As you enter the building, the front is more user-friendly,'' said franchise owner Henry Johnson Sr., who took over the store in 2000. ''There are no obstacles, the shopping carts have been moved outside.''
The carts are located near the front in a roofed open area.
''The building has 27,000 square feet. The additional space in the front has opened up to the 'hot points,' a better display of mass merchandise items on sale and a more inviting produce section,'' he said. ''It has a better look. It's also more open and easier to see the fruits and vegetables. People are trying to watch their diets and eat better to stay healthy.''
The customer service desk provides Western Union, money orders and Ohio Lottery services, but there is no longer a pharmacy next to it.
''The pharmacy business is very competitive,'' Johnson said. ''It was a tough call because it was another tool in the toolbox, but we felt our customers would be better served by expanding other key departments. Our job is to focus and target on what our customers want.''
Johnson said with a Walgreens and Ritzman's pharmacy down the street and Rite Aid around the corner, the store thought it could better serve its customers in other areas.
The former pharmacy area is now stacked with bulk items such as water and ready-to-drink teas. ''This is what customers have asked for. Trends change,'' he said.
Other changes include an organic foods section, vegetarian food items, more turkey products, a value aisle with low-cost health and beauty products and more grab-and-go deli food items.
Soy milk was also added to stocked items because of its popularity. Popular items are displayed at the end of aisles for quick access.
The aisles have been renamed after streets in the community. ''We are very community oriented,'' Johnson said. ''There is also a community room off to the side of the first aisle, which is open to the public for small private meetings or to place upcoming events or news items on the community board.''
The redesign of the deli section has improved customer access. Removing walls allowed employees to see customers at
the counter and offer immediate help rather than relying on a buzzer system where customers had to ring for service.
The meat counter has two full-time butchers. Customers can see the butchers at work and ask questions. The store has 55 employees overall.
''We are famous for our delicious sweet potato pies but now we have expanded our specialty cake selection in a self-service case,'' Johnson said, adding that the prepared food section now features the Ruth's Southern Fried Chicken brand.
Ruth Johnson, his wife and co-owner, is very involved in the business but works behind the scenes. But Henry Johnson said he enjoys greeting and talking to customers.
''It's a family business, my son Henry Jr. is my right-hand guy. He's the field manager and my daughter, Stephanie McCoy, is in charge of general merchandise and assists in the office,'' Johnson said.
Jim Trout, vice president of sales for Fred W. Albrecht Grocery Co., said Acme is supportive of the store and tries to help keep items priced competitively.
''Single-store market owners have a tough time remaining competitive,'' Trout said, noting that Acme helps offer ''buying power.''
The outside was repainted and has new signs noting weekly specials in large lettering.
Advertising also will change as Henry's will have its own special ad section with weekly specials and bonus buys exclusive to the store.
The Henry's interior renovation is the first since the store opened in 2000.
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or 800-777-7232 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
Henry's Acme has a new look, inside and out.
Get the full article here.
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