The Carlisle Group Reports Positive Economic Trends are Evident in the Grocery Retail Industry

CARLISLE, PA, September 01, 2010

Consumer cutbacks in restaurant spending have created a slow-moving but positive economic trend at local supermarkets. In comparison to last year's figures, July 2010 retail industry sales are up 3.1%. Grocery stores have weathered the Great Recession due in part to the increased traffic in their fresh and frozen departments - thanks to a continued stream of consumers choosing their aisles over take-out restaurants.

According to Supermarket News online, "Supermarkets and product suppliers have been able to provide effective solutions for consumers feeling the economic pinch, while at the same time meeting increased demand for lifestyle products that impact health and wellness."

The Carlisle Group (TCG) has noted the continued economic and hiring stability throughout a number of grocery retail organizations they've worked with this year. Recent industry reports show that grocery retail hiring has spiked to an 18% increase compared to one year ago.

"Grocery retail organizations are trending similarly," says Tony Frey, Vice President of the TCG grocery retail team. "We have noted that numerous chains are aggressively searching for talent in merchandising, procurement, process improvement, corporate brands and supply chain. I think many companies are moving forward with cautious optimism. There is a battle for grocery retailers to move from a more product-centric focused industry to a customer-centric focus. They need to find the talent in the market that can help them achieve this major goal."

TCG has focused on recruiting proven performers for our grocery retail clients since 1998, spanning two smaller recessions during those years. Based on his experience, Frey says that our nation is currently following the same pattern for recovery as the previous recessions. Organizations are forced to make changes in personnel in order to achieve their goals. Companies adapt to the new market, change structure and then begin to gain forward momentum. This typically drives a secondary round of changes, ultimately spurring continued growth and creating future hires. "However," he notes, "the 2010 recovery is moving at a slow pace because of the uncertainty surrounding the global economy and several major US industry sectors."

As a global executive search and recruitment firm, the TCG grocery retail specialty team has orchestrated more than $7 million in placement fees to date. In 2010, this market has accounted for more than 50% of the firm's revenue.

From corporate positions in procurement, merchandising, accounting/finance or human resources to field operations managers and supply chain directors - the TCG team brings a wealth of grocery retail recruitment expertise and a strong national candidate database. TCG has the experience needed to recruit talent that matches your position on paper . . . and your culture in person.

The Carlisle Group (TCG) is a premier nationwide executive search and recruitment firm that has specialized in placing top talent nationwide since 1996. Specialties include multiple industry sectors: insurance, manufacturing, grocery, retail, food service, higher education and healthcare and banking/finance. The firm's unique 7-Step Recruiting Process combines innovative search techniques with active sourcing of new talent to find the right fit for each client organization every time. The TCG focus on professional management of each recruiting project and the team's commitment to strong client and candidate partnerships has defined the firm as a leader in the industry. TCG has been recognized in the Top 1% within its global recruitment network since its inception. Learn more online at http://www.TCGrecruit.com.