Raley’s has promoted Michael Schutt, previously the company’s senior category manager of produce and floral, to the role of director of produce and floral.
In his new position, Schutt will be responsible for sales and net margin targets and for continuing to lead the produce merchant and quality control team, according to a statement by the West Sacramento, Calif.-based retailer.
Schutt has been with Raley’s since 1986. After moving from a small town in Nevada to the Bay Area in the early 1990s to be assistant produce manager at the company’s Fremont store, Schutt was promoted to produce manager of the Newark location. He joined the produce buying team in 1997 as a quality control inspector and relief buyer.
In 2004, Raley’s promoted Schutt to produce category merchant, and in 2017 he rose to senior category manager of produce and floral.
“Michael has been instrumental over the years with his valuable contribution to grow our organic produce program that the company began testing in 1997,” the company wrote in its statement. “Michael is well-known and respected across the industry and currently serves on the executive board of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council.”
For insight from Schutt on the company's recent store openings, merchandising and more, check out the following articles.
Behind the scenes: The produce department at Raley’s O-N-E Market — The first Raley’s O-N-E Market made its debut in late June in Truckee, Calif., its produce department filled with organic fruits and vegetables. Roughly 80% of the produce in the store is organic, including more than 90% of the value-added case
Building a culture of creativity in your produce departments — “If you want to encourage out-of-the-box thinking, there can be no wrong answers to merchandising plans, but only to provide continuous analysis, feedback along with some guardrails that align to the overall company goals,” Schutt said. “After that, let the creativity flow.”
Strawberries — They're kind of a big deal — It’s hard to overstate the importance of strawberries to a grocery retailer. These produce leaders at banners around the country put it in perspective.