The current pandemic has drastically impacted how we normally do business. As operating procedures shift, reliable, fast information has become critical. To meet the need and supplement our FMI Coronavirus Resource page, FMI has launched a knowledge sharing forum tailored for all subsets of food retail called FMI Jam, powered by SAP.

Pre-COVID-19, FMI partnered with grocery industry specialist Harold Lloyd to debut a new webinar education series for store directors and store managers designed to help stores and teams operate at their greatest. The first webinar took place on March 3rd and focused on time management—a timely topic as the U.S. was hurtling towards a pandemic and grocery stores and their associates were suddenly on the frontline juggling numerous demands.

Normal is a comforting word; even saying it aloud offers context and sets expectations. When it comes to the business of food and our greater marketplace, the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly upended the ordinary. Today, the meaning of normal seems to be like a goal post that keeps moving down the field, and I’m often asked what needs to happen for our supply chain to stabilize and regain some sense of familiarity in terms of operations – but the answer isn’t that simple.

We are surveying our industry during a particularly challenge-riddled time, where COVID-19 has caused our day-to-day store operations and business plans to change dramatically in a very short period. That is why participation in this year’s Speaks survey is so important. FMI’s flagship state of the industry report provides the industry with important benchmarks, facts and figures frequently used in our advocacy work on Capitol Hill, in conversations with the media and by our members desiring to make informed business decisions.