Another attention-grabbing headline, I know.  A new pricing change has been in the works for quite some time – Store Directors attended meetings in Minnesota a couple of weeks ago but since the store personnel have now been briefed, it’s okay to say more.

Starting this upcoming week, Jewel will be moving to a discount pricing policy on name brands – they are shooting for 10% higher than Walmart (which they can’t match because Jewel overhead is much higher) prices.  And Super-valu is serious this time because they’ve allocated (as in $$ already set aside) $250 million (that’s the figure I was quoted) to Jewel to implement these changes.  The actual changes are going to be set off in waves or rounds as it were, with the first ones beginning at Chef’s Kitchen, the deli section near it (like where the OM packs are sold,) and the Bake Shop.  These prices will be adjusted in time for next week’s sale beginning Thursday.  I believe the liquor department goes with these departments, but could be mistaken.

Second set of cuts will affect cold cereal, frozen foods and dairy, and are currently scheduled for that week-end.  Again, just because they have it scheduled, doesn’t mean they’ll be able to implement everything as scheduled.

Do I feel like this will work?  I’m torn between wanting to believe and wondering if it’s even possible.  As one management person remarked, they have to believe in this plan because otherwise, there won’t be a Jewel five years down the road.  And with that sentiment I heartily concur.