KENT, CT — The Davis IGA supermarket, here, has experienced a big jump in produce sales since it completed a major renovation and remodeling project that touched all areas of the store, especially the fresh produce department, according to one of the company’s owners.

The Davis IGA supermarket began the project back in July 2012 and finished in April 2013. The produce department was the first section completed, and “produce sales are up 10-15 percent on a weekly basis,” Dan McAllister of Bozzuto’s Inc. with Audrey Davis and Gary Davis of the Davis IGA supermarket.Gary Davis, one of the owners, told The Produce News.

One of the key components of the project was installing a rack system that controls refrigeration throughout the store. Another key component was replacing all the three-deck cases with new five-deck cases in the produce department.

The new five-deck system, along with extending the length of the produce aisle to 40 feet from 36 feet, has allowed the retailer to display an amazing number of items. “The variety we were able to put in was phenomenal,” said Mr. Davis. “There is so much more to offer.”

Another by-product of the remodeling: The department is able to offer an organic produce section with many items to its customers. In addition, the office space located over the entrance to the store was enlarged. And new murals on the walls throughout the store offer a nice finish to the clean, modern look at this upscale retailer. As Mr. Davis put it, “You want the place to look good all the way through.”

There also is now room for an attractive and colorful floral area, which draws shoppers into the rest of the produce department. “Floral has done well for us,” stated Mr. Davis. “It’s eye-catching. It’s the first thing you see when you come in the door.”

The Davis IGA store, located here in northwestern Connecticut, a few miles from the New York state border, was founded May 30, 1974, by Charlie and Anne Davis. Their three children — Gary Davis, Marie Roze and Audrey Davis — are now the owners.

John Grant, produce manager, has been at the Davis IGA for about eight years.

Bozzuto’s Inc., the wholesale grocer headquartered in Cheshire, CT, is the primary supplier of all items, including produce of course, to the Davis IGA supermarket. The two organizations have been working together since the Davis IGA store opened.

In fact, Bozzuto’s “helped with some of the financing for the remodeling project,” said Mr. Davis. “Bozzuto’s also helped with the set-up and moving of departments and laying out the shelves.”

He added, “Bozzuto’s has been outstanding for us. Whenever we need them, they’re there. They and Dan go above and beyond with their help. They’ve been great to us.” Mr. Davis was referring to Dan McAllister, a produce merchandiser at Bozzuto’s who works closely with the Davis IGA store.