The Retail Learning Institute has announced the dates for the 2025 Supermarket Management Class. Between April 25 and May 2, 2025 at The Coca-Cola Company headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, aspiring leaders will meet to participate in 22 sessions with industry professionals to learn real-world application on grocery operations, finance, and retail leadership.
Retail Learning Institute President and CEO Paulo Goelzer, PhD said the program is designed to help food retail leaders navigate a dynamic and competitive environment while considering the uniqueness of a people business.
"Effective leaders have to strike a balance between sound management practices and the kind of leadership skills that enables them to motivate team members to provide a superior shopping experience," Goelzer said. "The majority of management training programs use a 'one size fits all' approach, which ignores the particularities of the grocery industry."
The Supermarket Management Class (SMC) differentiates from other management training programs through sessions delivered by a faculty of 20+ industry professionals, creating a network of long-term partnerships to support store managers and retailers in need of leadership development programs.
The week-long class allows students to reflect on their store(s) with other members of the industry. The dedicated time — coupled with no work demands — means attendees can work together to generate innovative solutions to meet the challenges they face.
Students leave with creative ideas to improve customer experience, sales, and the store's bottom line.
Who should attend?
The Supermarket Management Class is perfect for supermarket owners, regional directors, store or assistant store managers, department managers, supervisors and high potentials.
"If you are considering a career in food retail or if you are already in the industry, you can benefit from this learning program," Goelzer said.
The knowledgeable faculty, peer learning, and networking provide a unique multi-level experience.
Class highlights
The first event of the class is the store tour, where the group visits key food retailers in Atlanta representing a variety of formats. Then the highlights keep coming:
- 22 Class Sessions Case Studies
- Real World Application
- Diverse Faculty
- Group Work
- Assessments
- Innovation Plan
- Online Courses
The event culminates with Goelzer and Brad Morris, the event's host from Coca-Cola, presenting class certificates to participants. With certificates in hand, the group celebrated with a graduation happy hour complete with food, drinks, and dancing.
What do students say about the class?
Students agree that the class changes the way they approach their work.
“I found it very insightful," Store Owner Angie Bussinger said. "Well laid out and informative. I took a lot away from this that I can implement with my business.”
Store Manager Austin Crafton agreed, adding “The group activities reel you in and get you thinking, then hook you with the lesson. Very helpful.”
They also say the specialty classes, like those on meat sales and produce, deliver easy-to-implement tactics that they can apply in stores right away.
Want to learn more? Watch the video below and visit the SMC website to register. Early bird registration expires February 28, 2025.
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