Page 12 - Volume 13 Number 8

Rouses Markets sells more Louisiana seafood than any other company in the state. Here, the seafood display at Rouses’ newest location in Covington, Louisiana.
(Photo credit: Romney Caruso)
Competing with corporate chains and discount stores
Competition has changed dramatically since the first generation of Rouses opened that first market. Today, Rouses Markets are fighting to remain competitive as independent grocers against pressure from corporate chains like Albertsons and Walmart Supercenters, discount stores like dollar stores and online giant Amazon.
Donny said they compete by offering services like online ordering, same day delivery, curbside pickup and digital coupons, and set themselves apart by operating each store as a local community partner better than anyone else.
10 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
“The roots of the company come from farmers, and we’ve always taken care of farmers, supported local and that’s still true today,” he said.
Supporting local, he said, is different for each location and ranges from décor to what’s on the shelves. A Rouses store fits into its neighborhood rather than forcing a cookie­cutter supermarket model into a community.
You’ll find a New Orleans Saints theme at the Baronne store in the Warehouse District in New Orleans, which is near the Saints’ home field at Mercedes­Benz Superdome, and shelves stocked for urban shopper habits versus what you’ll find at suburban locations.
No matter the location, there will be food from area farmers, fishermen, chefs and food manufacturers that highlight that area’s tastes. Donny said Rouses sells more Louisiana seafood than any other company in the state of Louisiana, and it makes more than 500,000 king cakes every year.
AUGUST 2019