Climbing the Supermarket Ladder:
Ten years ago, Alexis walked into Food City as a 16-year-old cashier at a store in our District 4 Region . What began as a part-time job during high school has evolved into a thriving career built on curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for learning.
Her journey through Food City is a testament to versatility and perseverance. Alexis has worn many hats: Front-End Cashier, Floral Lead Assistant, Third Shift Scanning Deputy, Curbside Pickup Lead, Starbucks Manager, Procurement Buyer, and JCS Sales Business Manager. Each role added a new layer of knowledge and skill, preparing her for her current position as Category Manager.
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Alexis’s success. She credits her growth to leaders who didn’t just teach her the “how” but explained the “why.” That approach built her confidence and gave her the tools to thrive. Cross-training in both store operations and corporate functions further expanded her perspective, a strategy she recommends to anyone looking to grow within the company.
As a leader, Alexis has learned that people want to feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether working with associates or customers, she strives to build trust through empathy and collaboration. In her current role, Alexis enjoys the creativity and teamwork that come with managing categories, designing displays, planning ads, and working closely with vendors and departments to achieve shared goals.
Her proudest accomplishment? Building and maintaining strong partnerships with vendors and brokers since stepping into her role in September. These relationships are the backbone of her success and a reflection of her commitment to excellence. The road hasn’t been without challenges. Alexis had to overcome the temptation to stay comfortable. Change can be intimidating, but she learned that growth begins outside your comfort zone. Her advice to others: “Be patient, speak up, and explore every opportunity, even the ones that don’t seem like a perfect fit. Hard work and strong relationships will lead you to where you belong.”
Food City has shaped Alexis both professionally and personally. Starting at 16 and now thriving at 26, she’s grown up with the company, gaining confidence and capabilities that extend beyond the workplace. Her future goals are clear: continue learning, keep growing, and contribute to the evolution of the grocery business by staying ahead of trends and adapting to change.
For Alexis, the climb up the supermarket ladder has been more than a career, it’s been a journey of discovery, resilience, and leadership. And for every associate wondering what’s possible at Food City, her story is proof that the opportunities are endless.
