<p>By: Dan Ratner, Senior Director, Member Services, FMI</p><div class="mg-image–circular" style="float:right;margin:10px;"><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fun-employees.jpg?sfvrsn=c0113cfd_1" sf-size="100" width="600" alt="Joyful Employees" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></div><p>Supermarket Employee Day isn’t just a chance to thank grocery workers — it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds within your store and the wider community. By creating meaningful interactions among employees, customers and local partners, you can transform Feb. 22, 2025, into a day that builds pride and lasting relationships. Here’s how.</p><h5>Empower Employee Voices</h5><p>The best way to celebrate your team is to let their voices be heard. Invite employees to share their experiences and ideas leading up to the day. What makes them proud to work in grocery retail? What’s their funniest or most memorable moment with customers? Publish these stories in an internal newsletter or share them on social media to humanize your brand and give employees a sense of ownership in the celebration.</p><h5>Engage Customers in the Celebration</h5><p>Customers are a vital part of the grocery store ecosystem and their participation adds depth to the festivities. Set up a "Thank You Station" near the store entrance where customers can write notes or record short video messages for employees. Consider hosting a contest where customers nominate their favorite employees and share why they’re appreciated. The most compelling entries can be featured in a special newsletter or social media post.</p><h5>Make It Fun — Partner with Local Talent</h5><p>Bring in local musicians, artists or performers to add a festive touch to the day. Imagine a string quartet setting the tone as employees enter the break room or a local chef preparing a special lunch for the team. Picture a dad band, fresh from garage practice, bringing live music to your store. Or invite a local violin teacher to host student recitals in your store on Sat., Feb. 22, 2025. These partnerships elevate your celebration and highlight your store’s connection to the community.</p><h5>Add Some Games and Competition</h5><p>Bring energy to the day with team-building activities or friendly competitions. Try a "Grocer Games" challenge, where departments compete in fun tasks like speed-stocking or creating the best display design. Winners earn small prizes or bragging rights, while the camaraderie lasts far beyond the event.</p><p>Supermarket Employee Day is a chance to celebrate the individual contributions of your employees and the relationships that make your store a cornerstone of the community. By fostering connections and involving everyone — from employees to customers to local partners — you can create a celebration that leaves a lasting impact well beyond Feb. 22. Download the free <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/supermarket-employee-day" target="_blank">Supermarket Employee Day Toolkit</a> for more ideas, graphics and templates.</p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/supermarket-employee-day" class="button">Access the Toolkit</a></p>
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