Geissler's Wins Connecticut Retailer Of The Year Award

Geissler's Supermarket IGA was recently presented with the Retailer of the Year Award from the Connecticut Food Association (CFA), which represents corporate and independent grocers in the state.

The multi-generational family owned and operated 7-store group has continued to focus on their local differentiation, which has paid off as they increasingly have become known as the community's most reliable source for innovative local products. Geissler’s Supermarket is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

“This was an incredible honor for the whole organization,” said Geissler's President and CEO Bob Rybick. “It's a company-wide award; it's not any one individual. We called up our associates to the stage to help me deliver the speech.”

CFA President Wayne Pesce was thrilled to present the award to the local grocer.

“Geissler's stands out for its remarkable 100-year legacy, a testament to their enduring commitment to excellence in the retail industry,” Pesce said in an interview. “As a family-owned independent business, Geissler's has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of their community's needs, fostering strong connections and trust among their customers.

“The fact that Geissler's is rooted in Connecticut adds another layer of significance to this recognition. Their longstanding presence in the state not only showcases their resilience but also highlights their dedication to contributing to the local economy and being an integral part of the community. Geissler's has truly earned this award through a century of hard work, customer-focused service, and a genuine passion for the retail business. We commend them for their outstanding achievements and look forward to celebrating their continued success in the years to come."

That passion for the retail business is evident in Rybick's leadership. Geissler’s leverages many of IGA's programs to succeed, including the National Digital Ad, digital marketing, in-store décor and signage, and more. Rybick is the chairman of IGA’s National Retailer Advisory Board and has served on the CFA Legislative Committee for over 16 years.

Rybick is dedicated to pushing forward with new technologies, which has been a priority for Geissler's since its inception. He recalls an old newspaper article that said the forefathers of the store were “crazy” for building a 10,000 square foot store with refrigerated produce.

“We're in one of the most competitive environments in the entire country, with everything from big box retailers like Walmart and Costco to Aldi's. We see the adoption of technology as one way that we can compete. And we like to be forthcoming and bring the best technology to our customers. It's really within our roots,” Rybick said.

“I like to remind people here at my company, that every time we bring on something new, and they get a little leery of change that that's the type of attitude that grew this company.”

One of their latest tech ventures will be the use of Instacart's artificial intelligence-powered Caper Carts, which use computer vision and AI to automatically identify items as they're placed in the cart, and Geissler's will deploy them to transform the traditional checkout experience, allowing customers to bag as they shop and pay from wherever they are in the store.

At the awards show, IGA CEO John Ross also presented Rybick with the Spirit of IGA Award for Geissler's 100 years of unwavering dedication to its employees and communities.

"We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Geissler's Supermarket for being honored with the prestigious Connecticut Food Association Retailer of the Year and Spirit of IGA award,” Ross said.

“This achievement is a testament to Geissler's commitment to excellence in the grocery industry. As a valued member of the IGA family, Bob Rybick and his team consistently demonstrate an unparalleled dedication to our programs, showcasing their passion for community engagement, retail innovation, and telling their story as a local grocer. Their proactive adoption of cutting-edge technologies sets them apart as true trailblazers in the ever-evolving landscape of retail, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with them."