Big Y in the News
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates 84 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 70 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 12,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".
Big Y in the News contains excerpts from press releases that have been sent to local media.
Big Y Invests in Store Teams with Pay Increases
SPRINGFIELD, MA [June 9, 2022] – Over their 86 year history, Big Y has been proud of their culture of caring for their employees and their families. Big Y Foods, Inc. is once again investing in their store teams in order to show appreciation for their hard work, loyalty and unwavering customer service. This multi-million dollar investment will increase starting pay rates for all clerks, customer service, fresh food and center store specialists, and assistant department managers as of June 26, 2022.
As a result of these rate changes, almost 7,600 or close to three fourths of the company’s retail work force will receive a pay increase which will assist them with the rising cost of living. These hourly store operations teams work in the Big Y Markets as well as Table & Vine and Big Y Express Gas and Convenience Stores. Once implemented, all retail Big Y employees will be paid above minimum wage in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. An average Big Y supermarket is supported by employees working both full-time and part-time hours, including specialized positions such as cake decorators, floral specialists and varying levels of management. Members of upper management are not included in this increase.
“We are proud to be investing in our hard-working store teams who have been on the front lines these past 2 years to support our customers and our community. We know that household budgets are being squeezed by inflation. We hope that by boosting their hourly rates, we will help them to weather these tough times as we recognize and appreciate their efforts and their loyalty” says Charles L. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO.
Recent employee feedback indicates that Big Y’s store teams have a high level of appreciation for the teamwork and cooperation they experience with their peers. And they appreciate being valued for their voice and input regarding company initiatives. Big Y held 3 successful on-the-spot hiring events this past year. Currently, 3,282 employees have more than 10 years of service and 7,409 have over 5 years.
Big Y’s culture of caring includes countless opportunities for growth and advancement. They recently held one-on-one career pathing meetings at all locations for over 3,000 individual employees. They continuously review and update all of their benefit packages. They have 3 established Employee Resource Groups to focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership Development for Women and a Multi-generational Workforce. They are piloting additional college internship programs with local colleges. With new store locations planned in new regions, Big Y recognizes the importance of developing their teams in all areas of the company.
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 71 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 11,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the past 3 years, as well as Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".