Upgraded website helps customers keep up with emerging foodie trends
 
Schipul developed Rice Epicurean's websiteHOUSTON, November 22, 2010 – Rice Epicurean Markets, the only Houston area grocery store to offer online grocery shopping and delivery, has upgraded its website with the help of Schipul – The Web Marketing Company (www.schipul.com). Powered by Tendenci® online management software (www.tendenci.com), the new www.riceepicurean.com features a cleaner, crisper look and a content management system (CMS) that makes it possible to easily update the grocery store’s promotions, coupons and events.
 
With approximately 40,000 different items in its stores, Rice Epicurean had its hands full trying to keep the neighborhoods it serves up-to-date on specials, featured items and exciting new food discoveries. Prior to the upgrade, the Rice Epicurean website was difficult to keep current and its outdated look and feel did not do justice to the modernization the stores have undergone in recent years. Now, the website is just as modern as the stores.
 
“We have a long history of technology innovation, having adopted online grocery shopping and home delivery back in 2002, and this website upgrade again jumps us ahead of the pack,” said Bruce Levy, chief financial officer and an owner of Rice Epicurean. “The team at Schipul understands what makes Rice Epicurean unique and did a great job of presenting a lot of information in a way that is pleasing and inviting – just like our in-store experience.”
 
With Tendenci’s easy-to-use CMS, Rice Epicurean’s marketing team can add and edit content without going through a third party. Featured items on the home page can be updated quickly and easily, and weekly advertised specials can be posted with just a few mouse clicks. Tendenci also enables Rice Epicurean customers to subscribe to be alerted to updates through the integrated Really Simple Syndication (RSS).
 
Tendenci’s online calendar and event management capabilities make it easy for Rice Epicurean to schedule upcoming cooking school classes, such as the Gingerbread House Decorating classes following Thanksgiving. With a few mouse clicks, Rice Epicurean staffers can post and promote the classes, and allow customers to register and pay online. 
 
“The Rice Epicurean Markets brand is a Houston institution and we are very pleased to be able to help them to use the Web to connect with their customer community,” said Schipul – The Web Marketing Company founder and President Ed Schipul.
 
About Rice Epicurean Markets
Founded in 1937, Rice Epicurean Markets is the oldest family-owned supermarket chain in Houston. Each of the five locations are merchandised to be in tune with its particular neighborhood and feature high quality gourmet products, personalized service and exclusive lines like Logan Farms Honey Glazed Ham™, See's Candy and Killer Brownies®. Rice Epicurean Markets can be found in River Oaks, West University/Med Center area, Tanglewood, Briargrove, Memorial and online at http://www.RiceEpicurean.com where customers can shop for groceries and have their orders delivered to their home or office or made available for pick-up at one of the stores.
 
About Schipul - The Web Marketing Company
Schipul – The Web Marketing Company developed and builds on the Tendenci Web marketing application, a powerful online tool with over a half million people logging in during the past year and millions of users overall. Schipul is based in Houston, and provides marketing services on the Internet to more than 300 organizations from a variety of service industries in local, national and international markets. Schipul’s business clients include the Brennan’s of Houston, Safety Vision and MGM MIRAGE Mississippi Operations among many others. Additional information about Schipul is available at www.schipul.com and www.tendenci.com.