Pricing


 All firms interviewed sell celery by the unit, i.e., stalk or

 package, and have no intentions of changing to selling by the pound.

 Pricing by the pound, which would facilitate packing mixed sizes,

 does not appear to be a viable alternative because of additional

 labor costs involved in weighing.

 Celery was found to be "specialled" quite frequently in all

 three market areas. Several firms expressed a policy of featuring

 celery "when the price was right," but they also mentioned that they

 like to place celery on special in the early spring months when there

 are few produce items in abundant supply. Two firms reported having

 celery on special twice or more per month throughout most of the

 year (Table 18). The greatest number, seven, indicated that they try

 to place celery on special about once per month, and four special

 price it once every two months. Many firms use celery as a featured,

 specially-priced item around major holidays. Most firms estimate

 that specials usually double or triple celery sales volume.


 Table 18.--Frequency of celery price specials by major retailers, all
 market areas

 Frequency of Price Specials Number of Firms

Twice per month or more 2

Once per month 7

Once every two months 4

Major holidays only 1

Not ascertained 5

 Total 19