Weis Markets Slates $92M for Cap-Ex Purse

Weis Markets plans to invest $92 million in the growth and upgrade of its five-state store base, information technology systems and supply chain, as revealed at the Sunbury, Pa.-based retailer's annual shareholders meeting by its chairman Jonathan H. Weis.

Noting the regional retailer's continued investments in the upgrade of its stores and IT infrastructure, Weis told shareholders: "In 2015, we plan to invest approximately $92 million in our growth and currently have twelve store projects under way and another 23 in active planning stages. We have also begun work on a major expansion of our distribution center, which will allow us to improve efficiencies and increase our fresh department variety. In recent years," Weis continued, "we have steadily upgraded our supply chain which has helped us drive costs out of the system while maintaining our in-stock conditions.”

The grocer also opened two new stores in 2014 and completed 16 remodels and three gas stations.

While discussing the company’s evolving strategies "to continue our sales momentum in 2015," Weis reported to shareholders about the company's successful strides with reinforcing its "pricing image through our lowest price guarantee program, which offers a market low price on four weekly items and our longer term everyday lower price program on nearly 2,000 every-day items.”

Weis also spoke of his company’s efforts to upgrade the in-store customer experience. “Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to providing standout customer service. Today, we compete against channels of trade that are indifferent to the concept or are online and devoid of any real human connection. We strongly believe in reaching out to customers – and looking for ways to serve them," Weis said, adding: "This will help us build long term relationships that benefit our business.”

Weis additionally reviewed the retailer's online shopping service with curbside pick-up, which he said is now available in 26 stores and which will increase to 31 locations by summer.

“We offer on-line shopping with personal shoppers that helps us to replicate the in-store experience in terms of quality and service,” said Weis. “This is a segment of our business that has enormous potential in the years ahead.”

Weis Markets operates 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.