How UNFI’s Merchandising Solutions Can Help Retailers Differentiate and Grow

February 10, 2026           5 minute read

In today’s grocery landscape, retailers – especially independent grocers – face the challenge of meeting evolving shopper expectations while standing out from the competition. Differentiation is the key to delivering compelling shopping experiences, long-lasting customer loyalty, and profitable growth.  

Retailers that provide the right products, at the right time, at the right price points, are bringing more shoppers into stores and earning lasting shopper loyalty. 

Through UNFI’s longstanding relationships with retailers of all sizes, account teams are focused on understanding each retailer’s specific strategy and designing tailored solutions to help meet their goals.  

Shop ‘n Save – New Items and Innovation That Help Drive Value 

To increase retailer profitability and speed-to-shelf for new items, UNFI offers a New Item Auto Distribution (NIAD) program. Shop ‘n Save uses NIAD to consistently introduce relevant, innovative, and competitively priced products that attract shoppers.  

“Using UNFI’s merchandising expertise has been a key driver in growing our Brands+ portfolio. Their approach helped us bring new items to shelf faster and deliver strong, double-digit sales growth across the category.”  - Jarret Safran, Independent Shop ‘n Save Owner 

Karns Foods – Private Brands That Meet Customer Needs and Price Expectations 

UNFI’s Brands+ (private brand) program offers retailers products with a variety of attributes and price points, along with merchandising solutions that help retailers create elevated experiences for their shoppers.  

Karns Foods has seen strong performance using Wild Harvest, UNFI’s organic private label brand, to attract customers seeking trending natural and organic products at accessible price points.  

"UNFI’s merchandising services provide flexible planograms that support a diverse product mix – from natural and specialty items to value-priced options and local offerings. This allows us to meet the needs of shoppers across a range of budgets."  - Chad Lighty, Vice President of Center Store Sales & Category Management, Karns Foods 

Want to learn how UNFI can support your business? Explore our full range of products and services.