Wegmans Introduces Summer ‘Freeze’
Wegmans is placing a freeze on prices for more than 60 of the most popular products – 254 SKUs in all, counting flavors and varieties -- purchased during the summer, from April 29 through Aug. 25. Even if costs go up for these products, the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer won’t increase their retail prices during this period. The move comes on the heels of the expiration of Wegmans’ winter list, which rolled out in January, with prices guaranteed through April 28.
“People are more hopeful about the economy, but gas prices remain a huge concern,” says Colleen Wegman, president of family-owned Wegmans, which operates 79 in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts, with new locations in King of Prussia, Pa., and Columbia, Md., due to open in May and June, respectively. “Customers have told us that it gives them peace of mind to know that prices won’t change for an extended period of time. It helps with planning and budgeting, and they are saving enough on groceries to more than offset the extra they are paying at the fuel pump.”
The summer list includes 62 products, including condiments, hot dog and hamburger rolls, marinated chicken breast, Italian sausage, littleneck clams, fresh salad greens, sunscreen, and over-the-counter allergy medications. The list is almost exclusively features Wegmans brand products, because the company can be more aggressive with pricing for its own brand.
On April 29, the complete list, including prices, will be available online. Some specific examples are as follows: 40-ounce Wegmans Ketchup, $1.59; 30-ounce Wegmans Mayo, $2.49; Chicken Breast club pack, $1.99 a pound; 11-ounce Wegmans Organic Spinach and Field Mix, $3.99; 3-pack Seedless Cucumbers, $3.99; 6-ounce Wegmans Greek Yogurt, 89cents; and 10-milligram 30-count Topcare 24-Hour Allergy Relief, $3.49.
“We can’t freeze prices on every product we sell, but it’s important to say that beyond this list, we will keep prices low,” added Wegman. “Our prices on the products families buy week in and out are 10 percent to 15 percent lower than other supermarkets’.”