What's Happening?
Casey’s General Stores has promoted Eric Long to the newly created role of Vice President of Proprietary Brands. Long, who has been with Casey’s for over five years, previously served as Director of Prepared Foods and Dispensed Beverages. In his new position, Long will oversee category management and the private brand program, reporting to Brad Haga, Senior Vice President of Prepared Food and Dispensed Beverages. Casey’s has been expanding its private-label offerings, which have reached significant penetration in its grocery and general-merchandise category.
Why It's Important?
The promotion of Eric Long signifies Casey’s commitment to strengthening its proprietary brands, which are crucial for differentiating its offerings in the competitive convenience store market. By expanding its private-label products, Casey’s aims to enhance customer loyalty and increase profit margins. This strategic focus on proprietary brands aligns with broader industry trends where retailers seek to leverage private labels to offer unique value propositions and drive growth.
What's Next?
Casey’s is expected to continue evolving its private-label assortment with a tiered approach, offering premium, national brand equivalent, and value-oriented products. This strategy aims to cater to diverse consumer preferences and enhance market competitiveness. As Long assumes his new role, Casey’s will likely see further innovation and expansion in its proprietary brand offerings, potentially leading to increased market share and profitability.
