RICHMOND, Va. — GPM Investments LLC said drugstore and dollar-store veteran Michael Bloom will join the convenience-store company's executive team in the newly created role of executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer.
In his new role with GPM, Bloom will be responsible for the company’s entire merchandising and marketing team, as well as their proprietary food, franchise and dispensed beverage programs. He will also oversee the continued growth, development and implementation of GPM’s customer loyalty program, fas Rewards.
Bloom has an array of merchandising and marketing experience from working in the retail industry for more than 38 years. Prior to joining GPM, Bloom was CEO of Memphis, Tenn.-based Fred’s Inc., an operator of drug and general merchandise stores. Before his time at Fred’s, he was president and chief operating officer of Family Dollar, which operates more than 8,400 stores. He also held executive positions for more than 20 years at CVS Pharmacy. Before joining CVS, Bloom spent 10 years in merchandising and operations management with Peoples Drug Stores and Shoppers Drug Mart Corp.
During his time at CVS, Bloom was essential in leading the development of CVS’ store model, which overhauled the store layout and product assortment to improve the overall customer experience. He then assisted in overseeing the integration of the CVS loyalty platform into the joint business plans. Bloom spearheaded the launching of CVS’ private-label brand, gold emblem, a premier line of snacks, candy, beverages and more.
"We hired Mike because of his tremendous leadership, merchandising and marketing experience, as well as a proven track record of success in small-format retail stores,” said Arie Kotler, president and CEO of GPM. “As GPM continues to grow through acquisitions, we are increasing our focus on the expansion of the products, programs and services we offer our customers. Mike brings years of experience in marketing strategy, merchandising, private brands, loyalty, acquisitions and much more. His addition to our company is essential to help further develop GPM’s portfolio of c-stores as we continue to be one of the largest privately owned companies in the industry.”
Bloom is also familiar with growing a business through acquisition as that was a main tenet of CVS’ business model, said GPM, which is known for its acquisition prowess.
- GPM is No. 6 in the Top 40 update to CSP's2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of retail outlets.
Based in Richmond, Va., GPM operates or supplies fuel to stores in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. With recent acquisitions, GPM has widened its reach to about 1,400 stores, which offer a large selection of grocery items, such as fresh fruit, an exclusive (e)vapors line, a proprietary fas Snacks line and other convenience products. It also offers a variety of proprietary food offerings ranging from fresh-made salads and sandwiches to healthy, grab-and-go meals.
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