JACKSONVILLE, FL – Southeastern Grocers is making more moves to secure its status amongst consumers with strategic conversions and expansions of its banners of stores. The company simultaneously unveiled five new Fresco y Más stores this morning, to further hone in on the growing Hispanic demographic. 

“Each Fresco y Más store features a wider array of Hispanic items our customers told us is important to them–an expanded product assortment, great low prices and new features, including a full-service Latin Butcher shop and new Cocina,” continued Ian McLeod. 

The five new stores are peppered throughout the Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County areas, and join the banner’s pilot location in South Florida. Southeastern Grocers stated in a press release that the five stores were converted to further the Fresco y Más brand after its initial store marked great success. The first Fresco y Más opened in June earlier this year. 

Customers of Fresco y Más now have access to an expanded fresh produce section, boasting a farmer’s market layout with a wider selection of tropical fruits. The following expansions and features are also a part of the banner: 

• More than 500 new Hispanic items available across several departments.
• A new “Cocina” (kitchen) offering daily specials of freshly prepared family favorites made from scratch
• New Dollar Zone within the store, with over 600 everyday essentials
• Renovated bakery department offering an expanded selection of Hispanic pastries and local baked goods
• An all-new café with expanded seating area serving authentic Hispanic prepared foods
• Wall of Value section featuring weekly specials on popular items customers purchase most
• New custom façade, and vibrant yellow colors with bi-lingual signage throughout the store.
• An all-new, full-service Latin butcher shop (Carniceria)

The Fresco y Más stores will also focus on delivering lower, everyday pricing for its customers, with specialized promotions on items with high demand. The banner also emphasizes Hispanic selections, and offers an expanded offering of these items to allow the demographic greater access to authentic, quality food for less.

“We have been listening to our Fresco y Más customers in Hialeah and have tailored additional stores to reflect our customer’s personality, while providing great value, great prices, and great service,” continued McLeod. 

The company stated that across the six stores now part of the chain, 300 jobs have been created for the South Florida community. The stores were all opened with a simultaneous ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. local time.

As we previously reported, other notable buy-side banners within the industry are also placing more emphasis on the Hispanic demographic and its subsequent opportunities. Retailers such as Walmart, H-E-B, Kroger, Albertsons, Fiesta Mart, and El Rancho Supermercado are also showcasing the possibilities focusing on the demographic presents to the buy-side sector. 

This opening of five new stores is just the latest in a string of strategic decisions handed down by Southeastern Grocers. The company recently converted 73 of its stores to the Harvey banner after releasing a remodeled concept for the chain, and also cultivated a new store format for its Winn-Dixie stores. Southeastern Grocers has stated that consumer demand and feedback has been at the forefront of all of its decisions. 

As retailers refine consumer-oriented strategies, and place more emphasis on certain demographics, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.

Fresco y Más Southeastern Grocers