Scott Moses, the Head of Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants at Solomon Partners
Scott Moses, the Head of Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants at Solomon Partners, a distinguished financial advisory firm, has announced the release of his latest book, A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Supermarkets Future. Drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, Moses offers a compelling exploration of the dramatic evolution within the American grocery landscape.
His book delves into the trajectory from Supermarkets Past—highlighting the explosive growth over the past two decades of national and discount giants like Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, Aldi, and Dollar General—to the complex dynamics shaping Supermarkets Present. Through this narrative, he examines the critical role of scale, the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the grocery sector, and the implications of regulatory efforts aimed at limiting consolidation.
Moses paints a vivid picture of the grocery industry’s historical roots, reminiscent of Dickens’ portrayal of bustling London markets in the 1840s. This nostalgic reflection serves as a tribute to the enduring role supermarket grocers have played in nurturing communities, supporting families, and creating employment opportunities for over a century. However, beneath this sentimental homage lies a cautionary tale. Moses warns of the existential threats facing America’s supermarket grocers today, driven by fierce competition from large-scale national and discount retailers and the shifting tides of consumer shopping behaviors that are moving away from traditional one-stop shopping experiences.
In A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Supermarkets Future, Moses aims to equip industry leaders, business students, market analysts, and everyday grocery consumers with the insights needed to navigate the challenges confronting the supermarket sector. More importantly, he sheds light on the opportunities available for these essential institutions to thrive in the future. His work serves as both an informative guide and a call to action, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptability in the face of industry disruption.
“Supermarket grocers have been the backbone of countless American communities for generations, providing not just food, but also stable employment and a sense of community,” Moses stated. “The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role local supermarkets play in our lives. We saw firsthand how indispensable they are.
Yet, despite their importance, these grocers face existential threats from the dominance of national and discount chains. I wrote this book to present a comprehensive dashboard of grocery industry facts, to highlight the sweeping changes our sector has undergone, and to draw attention to the risks posed by regulatory environments that hinder supermarket grocers from achieving the scale necessary to remain competitive. Without the ability to scale, these businesses risk following the same downward trajectory we’ve seen with department stores.”
At Solomon Partners, Moses brings his extensive expertise to the forefront of grocery industry financial advisory, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, sales, and divestitures. His work often focuses on family-owned grocery businesses, reflecting his deep appreciation for the role these enterprises play in the fabric of American commerce. Since joining Solomon Partners in 2016, Moses has been an integral member of the firm’s Operating Committee, contributing to strategic decisions that shape the firm’s approach to the evolving marketplace.
With a career spanning over two decades, Moses has advised on some of the grocery sector’s most significant M&A transactions, collectively valued at more than $50 billion. His impressive track record has earned him recognition within the industry, including being named to the “Top 50: Americas M&A Dealmakers” list by Global M&A Network in 2013. He was also featured in the “40 Under 40” lists of emerging finance leaders by Investment Dealers’ Digest (IDD) in 2011 and The M&A Advisor in 2015. These accolades reflect not only his professional achievements but also his influence as a thought leader in the financial and grocery sectors.
Moses’ client portfolio is equally impressive, having worked with a diverse array of grocery companies and private equity firms. His notable clients include industry giants like Kroger, Albertsons, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Southeastern Grocers, as well as niche and regional players such as New Seasons, Roche Bros., Cardenas Markets (KKR), El Rancho, and Mi Pueblo. His advisory roles have extended to innovative food retailers like FreshDirect, Mercatus, Boxed, and Imperfect Foods, reflecting his keen understanding of both traditional and emerging grocery business models.
Throughout his career, Moses has been a sought-after voice in business and grocery media outlets. His insights have been featured in prestigious publications and platforms including Bloomberg, CNN, Forbes, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Food Dive, Progressive Grocer, The Shelby Report, Supermarket News, and Winsight Grocery. These appearances underscore his reputation as a leading expert on grocery industry trends, mergers, and market dynamics.
In A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Supermarkets Future, Moses synthesizes his extensive industry knowledge into an accessible and thought-provoking narrative. The book has garnered praise from esteemed grocery executives and industry insiders for its insightful analysis and timely commentary. Moses doesn’t just recount the past and present of grocery retail; he challenges readers to consider the future, posing critical questions about sustainability, competitive strategy, and the role of regulation in shaping industry outcomes.
The book is now available for purchase through major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as other booksellers. In a testament to Moses’ commitment to social responsibility, all profits from the sale of A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol will be donated to Feeding America and Nourishing Neighbors, organizations dedicated to combating food insecurity and supporting local communities across the United States.
Through his book, Moses not only celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of supermarkets but also advocates for proactive measures to ensure their continued relevance and success. His work is a clarion call for industry stakeholders to embrace change, foster innovation, and advocate for policies that support growth and competitiveness. As America’s grocery landscape continues to evolve, A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Supermarkets Future stands as both a reflection on the past and a roadmap for the future.
