Tom Yarrows: combining experience, intuition and a little risk taking to build successful candy sets at Big Y Foods.(2003 Professional Candy Buyer Of The Year Awards)

Professional Candy Buyer, September, 2003

BEING PREPARED WHEN making buying decisions is undoubtedly important. However, some believe taking risks is the best way to rise above your competitors. One such person is Big Y Foods, Inc. Merchandising Manager Tom Yarrows, one of this year's PROFESSIONAL CANDY BUYER OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recipients.

In charge of the sales, profits, negotiating, merchandising and planning for more than 10 categories, he says: "You have to be willing to try new things constantly. You can't be a good candy buyer without taking risks because you will never grow the category."

While he says it takes about three years to learn the category well, Yarrows points out the importance of taking chances and going with your gut.

"Don't be afraid to take chances,...

Read the rest of this article with a Free Trial at HighBeam Research.

Premium Content Partnership | HighBeam Research provides an in-depth online archive library of reference works.