Business & Tech

Supervalu Issues an Apology to IGH Days Fans

Cub Foods' attempt to combine parade festivities with marketing for its pharmacy wound up striking the wrong chord for some Inver Grove Heights parents.

While candy distribution is expected at any good parade, sometimes marketing can take things a bit too far. 

Take, for example, Cub Foods' manner of distribution at the Inver Grove Heights Days Grand Parade last Saturday. 

Cub used the weekend to promote its pharmacy, tossing out pill bottles filled with sweets. 

But some IGH parents thought that was sending a bad message. 

According to a report filed by KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos, several IGH Days attendees were concerned after seeing kids gobble up candy from the bottles. The idea, they said, could lead to them finding pills at home and mistaking the prescriptions issued inside for, well, more sweets. 

Dr. Jeff Cole of the Hennepin County Medical Center told KARE 11 kids often confuse candy and medicine because they look much alike, both are small and colorful. He suggests that you keep medications up high and locked up if possible.

Facing criticism, Cub's parent company, Supervalu, issued this apology:

"First and foremost, we want to apologize to those who were upset by this action. The intention was to raise awareness about our local store's pharmacy services, including flu shots, as well as provide savings to area residents. Additionally, we wanted to offer wrapped candy for parade attendees. Choosing to combine the two was an error in judgment and we fully understand the concerns some attendees have expressed. This was an isolated incident that we regret and we've taken steps to ensure this doesn't happen in the future."



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