06/16/2024
Why Can’t I find DogGurt at my Hy-Vee?
Well, friends, it’s been a frustrating road, to say the least. Here’s a rundown of what’s been going on with Hy-Vee and DogGurt.
Last October, I was told my sales needed to improve or I wouldn’t be carried in the warehouse anymore. I put out a social media plea, and YOU guys cleared out the warehouse, as well as sold two stores out.
In February of this year, Hy-Vee decided to recall DogGurt due to noncompliant labeling. All of a sudden, I was being told the size, ingredients, nutritional analysis and where it was made needed to be listed on my containers. As many of you know, I updated my containers for this account so I wouldn’t be hand sticking a million containers. I sent them images of the new containers, without any issues on their end. This was well over a year ago, even before the first purchase order was received.
This came as the biggest surprise to me. I had been in a dozen stores for over 2 years, and this was the FORTH purchase order to get to the warehouse. Why now is all of a sudden not compliant??
I was able to get everything I needed to be compliant with them within 48 hours. Now, how was I going to get over 2,000 containers labeled? The amazing Jen Christensen went to the warehouse in Des Moines with me to attempt to stick labels on frozen product. It didn’t work. I remade the 60 cases and Hy-Vee assured me they would help get my sales back to where they were.I’ve had zero luck getting response from the marketing department to do samplings and giveaways, hardly any of the managers know what DogGurt even is, so they aren’t ordering any to restock their stores. Corporate has done nothing to help me gain any recognition or credibility with any of the stores. I’m supposed to be carried in 110 stores. There are currently 38 cases sitting at the warehouse in Des Moines….I’m at a total loss as to what to even do anymore with them. How does ONE person get the attention of 110 managers to let them know what they’re missing? Emails and phone calls aren’t cutting it!
I received an email last Friday regarding how low sales were again. I responded with pretty much what I wrote above. I have yet to receive an email back.
Since I believe in full transparency in my business, I figured I would post an update so my amazing customers know why they can’t get their favorite treat while grocery shopping.
With all of that being said, PLEASE continue to support the heck out of all of the amazing small businesses that have continued to support DogGurt from day one. And don’t forget I deliver, the shop is open Wed-Sunday from 2-6 and I’m at the Omaha Farmers Market, fully stocked, every Sunday in Aksarben from 9-1!
Thank you all for reading and for being so amazing to me and my business ❤️