Ukrop's-Press Releases

UKROP’S UTILIZES SYNERGY DSD VENDOR PROGRAM

RICHMOND, Va.– April 25, 2006 - Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc. announced today that it has partnered with Synergy Systems to utilize their DSD Vendor Program to enhance and improve vendor service in-store. The Synergy DSD Vendor Program focuses on getting product to the store and on the shelf by increasing the efficiency of communication, tracking, monitoring, and scoring distributor activities in each store location.The program has two key components:

Vendor Service Tracking – Vendors check into the system via a PC or Symbol 9060 hand-held scanner upon arriving in-store and check out once all of their work has been completed. With the check-in/check-out process, store leadership can determine how much time a vendor is spending in their store, and can also track service on a weekly basis. The tool not only provides a benefit to the retailer, but also to the vendor, as they receive timely, crucial feedback regarding their level of service.

Service Concerns Reporting Feature – Should a store have service concerns, store leadership can call a 1-800 number or logon to the program website to report an issue. Synergy contacts the vendor regarding the service issue, which expedites problem solving and closure.

“Ukrop’s is excited about the opportunities the new Synergy Systems program will afford us as we take the customer shopping experience to the next level,” says David Taylor, Ukrop’s Director of Merchandising. “The DSD Vendor Program will allow us to ensure that our shelves contain the products that our customers want when they are shopping in our stores because we can measure the level of support we are receiving from the DSD vendor community.”

Another component of the program is a scheduling module. Vendors schedule a time to service the store and are held accountable for arriving at that time. This allows retailers to make sure their store is being serviced, and also allows them to control how many DSD vendors are in their store at any given time. Implementation of these program components and the resulting increase in DSD sales provide a benefit to both vendors and retailers.

To learn more about the program, visit the Synergy Systems website at www.synergies4u.com or contact them for an on-site demonstration. Appointments are also available at the FMI Show 2006 in Chicago May 6-8. Contact: VP-Sales, 804-726-1467 X115.

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About Ukrop’s
Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc., founded and headquartered in Richmond, Va., with more than 5,500 associates now operates 28 retail food stores, Joe's Market, a central bakery and kitchen, and a distribution center. Since 1937, the privately held business remains dedicated to its version of the Golden Rule: "treating customers, associates and suppliers as they personally want to be treated." Each year, Ukrop's gives a minimum of 10 percent of its pre-tax profits back to the community. Ukrop's was a pioneer in both loyalty marketing and meal solutions when it launched its Valued Customer® program in 1987 and its chilled prepared foods in 1989. In 1997, Ukrop's established a unique partnership with National Commerce Financial Corporation in which it co-owns 24 First Market Bank branches in Ukrop's locations and 10 free-standing branches. www.ukrops.com

Contacts:
Mandy Burnette
Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc.
(804) 340-3094 - Mandy.Burnette@ukrops.com