Buehler’s Seeks Community Input for New Store

Buehler’s Fresh Foods is renewing its commitment to its local community of Wooster, Ohio, with plans for a major upgrade at its Milltown store.

“We are looking forward to re-commit and re-invest in the local economy, quality of life and the community at large,” said Dan Shanahan, COO of the family owned regional grocer that operates13 Buehler’s Fresh Foods locations and nine ACE hardware locations in Ohio.

“We want Wooster to have the type of grocery store its residents desire with the amenities and pricing that are important to them,” according to Bob Buehler, VP of marketing and merchandising. “There will be an unprecedented effort to involve community groups, existing and new customers in the planning of the New Milltown store. Small groups, panels and community representation are all being planned and organized as a way to get fresh input and perspective into the process,” said Buehler, noting that the upgraded Milltown store “is not just about the facility and outstanding customer service. Pricing and product will also play an important role. Many projects are underway in our existing stores to lower prices, improve products, test new types of departments and improve our offerings to customers.”

Customer and community panels have begun forming and the first meetings are scheduled in May.

“Our legacy and success in Wooster has always been directly related to our closeness to and involvement with the community,” explained Buehler, adding: “What better way to design a new store than to include the community and our customers into the process?”