The president of H-E-B stores was the guest speaker at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce Leadership Brazos Alumni Association’s annual luncheon.
Among comments from Scott McClelland:
His top two concerns are millenials and Amazon, adding that millenials make up the largest population segment in Texas at 9.8 million.
He says while Wal Mart and Kroger are each planning to add 50 brick and mortar stores this year, H-E-B will build nine stores in the Houston division, which includes B/CS.
He says H-E-B’s strategy is “sell stuff they don’t”, which are products that generate a higher profit margin that in part goes towards competitive pricing of similar products.
Never estimate the laziness of the American public.
McClelland brought up “the magic of the word “My” and how people are emotional about “their” floor plans at “their” H-E-B.
Asked about bringing a Central Market to B/CS, he said to ask his successor after he leaves in five years.
Asked about expanding H-E-B convenience stores, he says “that’s a hobby.”
He talked about the process of releasing a store brand has to meet the quality of a national brand, noting he was on the team that took three years to introduce H-E-B Creamy Creations ice cream.
Sausage used to be the biggest regional product. Now it’s beer.
Click below for comments from Scott McClelland:
