Jim Hiller Invites New Blogger to www.hillers.com

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- “Jimmy’s blog on cigarettes brought this all back . . . youthful adventures I had almost forgotten,” wrote George Feldman, in his new blog on the Hiller’s Markets website, “Ruminations of a Flayed Fox.”

After CEO Jim Hiller wrote a blog about why he won’t sell cigarettes in his seven Southeast Michigan stores, Feldman was compelled to respond in words.

“Maybe, just maybe, if you can’t buy your cigarettes where you buy your groceries, you might stop, too. You could live as long as I have,” said the self-described history nerd who divides his time between Fishers, Indiana and Naples, Florida.

The connection between Hiller and Feldman has nothing to do with groceries. The pair, separated in age by two decades, are connected by Feldman’s daughter Eva, who cared for Hiller’s mother during her battle with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Hiller gave prominent space on his company website to Feldman’s new blog because, he says, the website is a place for conversation and ideas – and Feldman’s got a lot to offer. Flayed Fox gets more play on www.hillers.com than even Hiller’s blog, A Message from the Helm.

Major research groups confirm the lasting and profound impact of blogging on business, politics and public opinion. With this impact comes a shift in the balance of power between consumer and provider – armed with information, consumers are more knowledgeable, savvy and discerning, which makes it essential for companies to put an authentic face forward if they are to have staying power in today’s economy.

“I invited George to join me in conversation on the Hiller’s website because I believe my shoppers are savvy and sophisticated and interested in a whole range of opinion beyond just grocery-focused content,” says Hiller, whose recent blogs about why he buys American cars and why he discontinued selling cigarettes have reached nationwide acclaim.

As for Feldman, “I am honored to be given such prominence beside Jimmy,” he says. Feldman’s career included politics, advertising and national radio broadcasting with a love of history and archeology mixed in. He has authored several books, including Cannibalism, Headhunting and Human Sacrifice in North America.

Based in Southeast Michigan since 1941, Hiller’s is a family-owned chain of seven grocery stores devoted to service, selection and quality. Stores are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and a new 52,000 square-foot store in Union Lake. Many company employees have been with Hiller’s for decades – emblematic of the integrity behind the brand. Hiller is guided by the societal impact of store activities and corporate decisions.

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