We’d like to welcome the following new FRF members who joined in the month of October - welcome to the FRF family! Thank you for your financial commitment towards our mission of working to support your business and the entire Florida retail industry.
- Little Lotus, LLC | Sari Maharani
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245 E Flagler St
Miami, FL 33131
- Jackies Market, Inc. | Tommy Thomas
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329 N Market Blvd.
Webster, FL 33597
- E’Capri | Alain Ramos
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905 SW 87 St
Miami, FL 33174
ecaprigallery.com
- Home Care Of Tampa Bay | Melissa Kemick
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3626 US Hwy 301 N
Ellenton, FL 34222
- Maruti Package Store, Inc. | Hetal B. Patel
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1027 East Wade St
Trenton, FL 32693
- LaReina Furniture | Frank Cabezas
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1732 SW 8 St
Miami, FL 33135
- Bay Supermarket | Karina Rodriguez
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909 Normandy Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Friction Zone | Janet Regalado
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4275 NW 77 Ave
Miami, FL 33166
www.thefrictionzone.com
- Sunny Hobbies | Lucas T. Kusijanovic
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2905 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL 34104
www.sunnyhobbies.com
- Prime Machining | Ken Ballentine
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1402 Yorktown St.
Deland , FL 32724
www.primemachininginc.com
- Policastro Law Group | Samantha J. Silber
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28100 US Highway 19 N, Suite 311
Clearwater, FL 33761
- MassMutual Retirement Services | Michael A. Reilly
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100 Bright Meadow Blvd
Enfield, CT 06082-1981
- Member Benefits, Inc. | Chip Trefry
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7645 Gate Parkway, Suite 101
Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Loving Hut | George Le
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1905 E Fletcher Ave
Tampa FL 33612
www.lovinghut.us/tampa_01
- Uno LawnCare, LLC | Ivan Rodriguez
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4314 Harborwatch Ln
Lutz, FL 33558
- Throne Seating, LLC | Charles Courter
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701 S Howard Ave Ste 106-410
Tampa, FL 33606
- Laredo's of Macclenny, Inc. | Jose Ramirez
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698 W Macclenny Ave Ste F
Macclenny, FL 32063
- US Lawns of Ft. Myers | Stefano Ghirimoldi
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2664 Crag St
Fort Myers, FL 33901
- SOS Landscaping, Inc. | William Church
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660 Central Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
- The Behr Snyder Group, Inc. | Pam Behr
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379 Pine Ranch Trl
Osprey, FL 34229
www.behrsnydergroup.com
- SG Tile Masters LLC | Veaceslav Tirsina
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437 Twin Lakes Ln
Destin, FL 32541
- Tucker Building Corp | Brian Tucker
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204 Lonnie Raker Ln
Crawfordville, FL 32327
LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 29, 2015 ⎯ Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) announced today that it would donate $4 million to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Southeast. The donation will provide funding to build 40 new houses in 2016 as well as increase support to more than 60 affiliates whom the Foundation currently funds. This generous donation continues the Foundation’s commitment to meeting the basic needs of the communities it serves through additional financial support for housing. The average price to sponsor a house is $77,000.
“Every family deserves an opportunity to have a roof over their heads and food on their table,” said Carol Jenkins Barnett president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “My father established our foundation in 1966 with a strong desire to see our communities thrive.
Forty-nine years later, we are continuing his legacy. As we honor my father’s memory and celebrate what would have been his 108th birthday today, we are delighted to continue our 26-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity by giving $4 million to Habitat affiliates across Publix’s footprint.”
The Habitat for Humanity affiliates who will be receiving funding for new houses include:
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Alabama
- Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County
- Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Alabama
- Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity
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Florida
- Beaches Habitat for Humanity
- Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity
- Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County
- Habitat for Humanity of Broward
- Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
- Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami
- Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville
- Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys
- Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
- Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys
- Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County
- Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County
- Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
- Habitat for Humanity of St Lucie County
- Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys
- Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
- Lakeland Habitat for Humanity
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
- Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity
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Georgia
- Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity
- Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta
- Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia
- Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity
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North Carolina
- Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte
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South Carolina
- Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity
- Charleston Habitat for Humanity
- Dorchester Habitat for Humanity
- Habitat for Humanity of Anderson
- Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
- Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg
- Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
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Tennessee
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville – Dickson Division
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville – Wilson Division
- Habitat for Humanity – Williamson-Maury
- Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
“Publix Super Markets Charities and Publix have been strong supporters of our local Habitat and the entire Lakeland community,” said Claire Twomey CEO Lakeland Habitat for Humanity.“It’s difficult to imagine how differently our community would look without the generosity of Mr. George and the great company he started. This significant donation of $4 million by the Foundation to Habitat affiliates will provide new homes to more than 200 low-income people and provide essential funding for our work across Publix’s operating areas.”
In related efforts, Publix Super Markets associates will invest the sweat equity, where possible, in building the Habitat for Humanity houses in 2016 during its Publix Serves campaign. Publix Serves was established as a way for Publix associates across the company to gather together to make an impactful difference in the communities they serve. Publix will donate groceries to fill the pantries of the new homes being sponsored by PSMC.
“Publix associates are the best in the industry,” said Maria Brous Publix director of media and community relations. “Our associates serve our customers with stellar customer service, and serve their communities generously by giving of their time and talents to support many nonprofit organizations. Our associates are always there to give of themselves when our communities are in need. Giving back is what we do. It is our culture of service.”
PSMC began its support of Habitat for Humanity in 1989 with its first contribution to Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County (Winter Haven, Fla.). The Foundation has continued its support of Habitat for Humanity, donating more than $1.1 million to Habitat affiliates in 2014. This year’s $4 million contribution to Habitat for Humanity affiliates is over three times the amount previously given in any year and will support more than 80 Habitat affiliates across the Southeast.
George Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets and affectionately known as “Mr. George” believed in giving. From the day he opened his first Publix, he made sure his associates, customers and community were taken care of. In 1966, Mr. George established the Foundation with the vision that it would continue giving long after he was gone. Under the leadership of Carol Jenkins Barnett, Mr. George’s daughter, Publix Super Markets Charities remains committed to serving the communities in which Publix operates.
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 176,500 employees, with 2014 sales of $30.6 billion. Currently Publix has 1,103 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 18 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com
Smartphones are transforming so many aspects of marketing. Brick and mortar retail is no exception. Many retailers started taking mobile seriously when consumers began using phones to compare prices and get product information right in store aisles. At first, stores feared the phone, thinking it would send customers en masse to pure-play internet sellers that had lower overhead -- and lower prices.
Nowadays, though, many retailers view mobile as a massive opportunity for growing sales and customer loyalty. But whether friend or foe, it's clear that mobile has driven massive changes in how retailers go to market.
Here are five of the most important changes.
Prioritizing loyalty over acquisition
More and more of the world's most sophisticated retailers are upending their fundamental marketing strategies -- shifting from an approach aimed primarily at acquisition to one more focused on getting current shoppers to buy more. It's long been known that driving incremental purchases from buyers is 80-90 percent cheaper than finding a new first-time buyer. Even so, most retailers spent vastly more money on acquiring new customers than creating richer and more personal experiences for their loyalists.
As far as loyalty marketing goes, most retailers used to operate from the perspective that once won, customers should be easy to keep. Many also believed that investing resources on existing customers would lead to subsidizing purchases the retailer would get anyway.
As a result, acquisition program budgets were often 9-10 times as large as retention or continuity marketing budgets. Broad door-buster sales were designed to attract the promiscuous shopper that didn't choose a retailer out of preference or habit. TV and print schedules focused on attracting broad demographics instead of focusing in on the people that bought regularly with a certain retailer. In fact, many retailers used one-size-fits-all email and print blasts as the alpha and omega of their customer marketing efforts.
That's changed in a big way. Some progressive retailers have completely flipped those dynamics, recognizing that mobile and to a lesser extent online can enable more personal and effective customer communications that drive strong incremental sales. If you want a great example, look no further than Macy's -- those folks are masters at this.
Phones have become the center of loyalty points programs, personalized discount offers, virtual and personalized roto ads, and the like. They can enrich a buyer's experiences both inside and outside the store. They can also make consumers feel appreciated and valued. And because the phone is almost always with the consumer, they are far more trackable and accountable than old-school retail tactics. READ MORE
By: Jim Nichols
www.imediaconnection.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850) 701-3015
Improving economy means families are looking to splurge for moms this year as spending is expected to set records; flowers, clothing, meals and smartphones/e-readers are the most popular options.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says Florida mothers are in for a nice treat this year as families expect to spend $172.63 on Mother’s Day gifts this year, up nearly $10 from last year. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Mother’s Day Spending Survey, total spending nationwide is expected to reach $21.2 billion, the highest amount in the survey’s 12-year history.
“Mother’s do so many wonderful things for their families, and it’s great to see that husbands and children are going to spoil mom this Mother’s Day weekend,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “From jewelry and apparel to spa packages and a nice evening out at dinner, there are thousands of different gifts to give from local retailers who are able to help customers find the perfect choice.”
When it comes to gifts, the majority of consumers will pick up a greeting card for mom (80%), spending more than $786 million, and more than two-thirds (67.2%) of those celebrating will buy flowers, to the tune of $2.4 billion. Shoppers also plan on gifting apparel and clothing items (35.8%), spending more than $1.9 billion, up from $1.7 billion last year.
Families will also surprise mom with a special brunch or activity ($3.8 billion), electronic items like a new smartphone or e-reader ($1.8 billion), personal services such as a spa day ($1.5 billion), housewares or gardening tools ($890 million) and books and CDs ($480 million).
Looking for a ‘wow’ from mom, 34.2 percent of Mother’s Day shoppers are planning to splurge on jewelry, spending a survey high of $4.3 billion for the special day, up from 31.7 percent and $3.6 billion last year.
Many people know that a gift card could go a long way: Two in five (44.2%) will give mom a gift card, spending more than $2.2 billion. The majority of shoppers plan to buy for their mother or stepmother (62.5%), while 23.2 percent will shop for their wife, 9.8 percent will shop for their daughter, 8.9 percent will shop for their sister and 7.4 percent plan to splurge on their grandmother.
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CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / (850)701-3015
Sunshineexpo.com – the official Sunshine Food, Fuel & Beverage EXPO website – allows the 3,000+ attendees and 400+ exhibitors to register for one of the biggest industry retailing events in the Southeast
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, and the Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association announce today the official launch of the Sunshine Food, Fuel & Beverage EXPO website, available at www.sunshinenexpo.com. Taking place August 28-31 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, the EXPO is the most comprehensive food, beverage, fuel and convenience retailing event in Florida.
“I am excited to see the Sunshine EXPO continue to grow each year, and our enhanced partnerships with the Asian American Store Owners Association and our own Retail Beverage Council ensure this will be the biggest and best EXPO yet,” FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “I encourage interested attendees and exhibitors to go online and register before we’re sold out.”
This year’s event is expected to feature a record 3,000 attendees and 400 exhibits. The EXPO continues to serve as one of the nation’s premier convenience and fuel retailing events that is designed to support the industry, including educational programs, renowned speakers and networking opportunities. For more information, please visit www.sunshineexpo.com.
Convenience continues to resonate with consumers, with record in-store sales of nearly $215 billion and overall industry sales closing in on $700 billion in 2014.
April 16, 2015
CHICAGO – Buoyed in part by low fuel prices, the U.S. convenience store industry had record in-store sales of $214.9 billion in 2014, higher than overall industry sales in 1998, according to figures released today by NACS. Overall industry sales for 2014 reached $697.5 billion, evidence that the value of convenience continues to resonate with consumers.
The industry’s 2014 numbers were announced at the NACS State of the Industry Summit, a two-day conference that reviews and analyzes the industry’s key economic indicators.
CONTACT: James Miller
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
One of Florida’s leading retailers celebrates 100 years of success; recognized by Governor Scott during today’s Cabinet meeting
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers, congratulates Bealls, Inc. for their 100th anniversary of successfully providing quality merchandise to Floridians. As part of the celebration of their centennial anniversary, Bealls was recognized this morning by Governor Rick Scott and members of Florida’s cabinet during a cabinet meeting, where Chairman Bob Beall received a proclamation from the Governor.
“I want to congratulate the Beall family and team members for reaching such an incredible milestone and for being such a valuable asset to retail in Florida,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “With their corporate office headquartered in Bradenton, Bealls has been one of the industry leaders in Florida and nationwide for more than a century, and shows no signs of slowing down. We are proud to have had them as members for the past 50 years and we look forward to continuing to support their future success.”
Governor Rick Scott said, “We are excited to recognize the achievement of the Beall family and their associates for a century of outstanding success. Bealls was founded in Florida and has continued to create opportunities for our families for a century, including the 8,000 Floridians they employ today. We are working every day to help businesses like Bealls succeed in our state, so Florida can become the global destination for jobs.”
With more than 530 stores across the southern and eastern United States and sales exceeding $1 billion annually, Bealls has continued to stay fresh and relevant by continually reinventing itself, growing key markets and listening to its customers. Bealls joined FRF in May of 1965 and will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of membership next month.
“Bealls has been serving and creating opportunities for Floridians for 100 years, and we are grateful to Governor Scott for recognizing this momentous accomplishment,” said Bealls CEO Steve Knopik. “We are proud to be a family-operated, Florida-based business and we look forward to another century of success.”
The Florida Retail Federation will honor Bealls' 100th anniversary in business and their 50th anniversary as an FRF member during a ceremony in June.
MANATEE COUNTY - Bealls Outlet is all about the “treasure hunt.”
Unlike what you'd find in its sister department stores, the dress or pair of shoes a shopper sees one day in an outlet store might not be there the next.
That's the beauty of the hunt, says Dave Alves, president of the Bradenton company's outlet store division.
“It's that sense of urgency, that this is too good of a deal to pass up,” said Alves, whose spent the last two and a half years reinventing Bealls Inc.'s already-healthy outlet arm. “It's taking everything we know about retail and turning it on its head. Off-price stores like Bealls Outlet are about giving the shopper a reason to come back every day.”
This year, Bealls, a retail company known for selling apparel and home goods in department and outlet stores in Florida and across the country, is celebrating 100 years of business. Staying in business for a century has been no small feat. It has meant continuing to grow several key markets, and revamping the look and merchandise in its outlet division to prepare to roll out an all-new, upscale boutique format, Bunulu, this year.
But the hometown retail company has managed to reinvent itself and find new avenues to grow over the years.
“The outlet stores continue to do well because Bealls has kept a strong regional focus,” said Steve Kirn, executive director of the David F. Miller Retailing Education and Research Center at the University of Florida. “With that kind of focus, Bealls Outlet has been able to create assortments that speak typically to a Florida customer.” read more
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