Country Mart of Searcy, Arkansas Wins Excellence in Merchandising Award

Country Mart supermarket, located in Searcy, Arkansas won the prestigious Excellence in Merchandising Award for having the most outstanding private label merchandising from among over 1,800 supermarkets serviced by Associated Wholesale Grocers.  The award for "Excellence in Private Label Merchandising" is presented to only one supermarket each year.

The award was presented to Bob Hufford of Fredericktown, owner of Country Mart, Searcy, Arkansas at the Associated Wholesale Grocers Annual Shareholder's Meeting in Kansas City, March 21, 2009.

In an interview with the Democrat News, Hufford said he wanted to recognize the Searcy, Arkansas store manager; Floyd Bateman and General Manager Alan Twedell.

The Best Choice and Always Save labels play a major role in the marketing efforts of this store.  Country Mart's sales of private label merchandise are more than double the national average for a store its size.  The store achieves this by offering Best Choice and Always Save products throughout the store, on end aisle displays, and having a complete variety available everyday on its shelves.

Advertising also played a prominent role in choosing Country Mart in Searcy for this award.  This store regularly advertises over sixty (60) Best Choice and Always Save items in its weekly circular.   

The Searcy store is located at 2702 E Race St. The store and has been a part of the chain for about 12 years Hufford said.

Country Mart and Town and Country Groceries have 42 stores in four states including: Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky.