Associated Wholesale Grocers-Gulf Coast located in Pearl River, La., recently recognized its members who achieved superior results in 12 categories of grocery store merchandising. From among over 250 supermarkets serviced by Associated Wholesale Grocers Gulf Coast these Excellence in Merchandising Awards are presented to only one supermarket each year.  

    Vowell’s Cash Saver Meridian received recognition for Outstanding Deli Merchandising Vowell’s Cash Saver serves as a model for Best Demonstrated Practices in Deli merchandising.  

    Deli supervisor, Rose Welch, Deli manager Gail Colston and Store Director Cathy Jones have created the “go-to” location in Meridian for hot meals, quick dinner options and traditional deli offerings, a press release states.

    “Many customers start their day with a hearty country breakfast. By 10:30 the department is ready when customers begin lining up for a traditional southern lunch of favorites like pork chops, meat loaf and fried chicken along with sides of black eyed peas, butter beans, lima beans, turnip greens, mashed potatoes and corn bread,” according to the press release. “In keeping with the low cost concept, Cash Saver makes it simple with a price point that includes the lunch, drink and tax. With over 2,000 plates served per week, it’s imperative to maintain high standards and portion control. The management team excels at both.

    “The 50 seat dining area is one of the most popular lunch spots in Meridian. Gail and team capitalize on the fast pace of today’s world by providing grab and go options for dinner. Some of the options are smoked ribs, rotisserie chicken or if you missed it at lunch, fried chicken.

    “Pre-packaged sides such as vegetables, salads and desserts complete the meal and many types of bread is on prominent display, then there is everyones favorite, Pizza

    “Vowell’s deli staff does a superior job of keeping all items fresh and attractive. The Vowell’s Family label is used to distinguish in-store made products from pre-packaged items.  As word has spread throughout the Meridian trade area about the value and quality of the deli at Cash Saver, more and more customers are finding Cash Saver is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Congratulations to Vowells Cash Saver winner of the 2014 Excellence in Deli merchandising Award.”

    Established in 1926, AWG is an 89-year old retailer-owned grocery cooperative, headquartered in Kansas City, Kans.  With annual sales of $8.38 billion, AWG provides independent retailers with quality merchandise at the lowest known cost of goods in the industry.  AWG’s existing full-line distribution centers are located in Kansas City, KS; Springfield, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Fort Worth, TX; and Pearl River, LA.  AWG currently has over 600 member-owners and services over 3,000 retail outlets in 33 states.