TORONTO, CANADA - We often speak of the art and science of merchandising, that blend of analytical thought and visual creativity—that ability to see the optical aesthetic and its financial promises. Such a feat is one we admire and one that will be fully supported by one of our friends in his new role. Please help me congratulate Mimmo Franzone as he recently assumed the role of Vice President of Merchandising for Longo Brothers Fruit Markets.

“We are extremely excited about this arena and looking forward to continue pushing boundaries through innovative programs throughout the center store,” Mimmo shared. “We will be taking some learnings from what the team has done in our produce department and work with all departments, holistically, to create a better guest experience.”

Previously Senior Director, Produce, Floral, and Merchandising Services, in this new position, Mimmo will be strategizing and executing merchandising programs across his current departments, produce and floral, with new responsibilities which include overseeing grocery, dairy, and frozen foods, along with Merchandising Services—in-store Merchandising and pricing.

“We will be sourcing new products and brands that are unique to our market and will allow us to differentiate ourselves and make our center store a destination,” Mimmo expresses. “Longo’s is glad to have George Maia, our new Director of Grocery, Dairy, and Frozen, working with the team as they focus on sourcing and execution as well.”

As Mimmo settles into his new role, he tells me that two initiatives which will be critical to the success of transforming Longo’s center store and overall guest experience will be the focus on accelerating the growth of our Private Brand offering and Meal Solution-based merchandising that will create a guest-centric shopping experience.

With such a promising road ahead and the potential of this great leader guiding it, we are positive the outcome will encompass both the beauty of art and the exactness of science.

Longo Brothers Fruit Markets