Heather Hampton has admired Associated Food Stores for years, first as a customer and retail partner, and now as a valued member of the team. Her path to AFS has been anything but ordinary, beginning at retail and moving through roles that touched nearly every part of store operations.
“The customer service level and overall culture have always stood out to me. The people are top tier and genuinely supportive,” Heather said.
Her career has been diverse. Each position offered unique challenges and insights, from managing teams to understanding what makes store operations run smoothly. Heather credits her time as a floral merchandiser and trainer as particularly formative, allowing her to support multiple stores, coach managers, analyze sales and build relationships with vendors.
In her current role, Heather oversees the floral category. She coordinates programs, manages orders and ensures product flow from planning to store delivery. Her goal is to make sure every store has the holiday and everyday floral items customers want, presented in ways that are exciting, consistent and easy for store teams to execute. She emphasizes fresh, seasonal must-haves and programs that enhance the customer experience.
Heather is especially proud of the vendor relationships she has cultivated over the years. Many of these partnerships now play a key role in AFS’s new foliage program with Topco, bringing innovative products to stores and supporting category growth. “Watching relationships evolve and continue to create value at a broader level is something I’m especially proud of,” she said.
The grocery industry has changed dramatically since Heather started in the industry, from a rise in online shopping to a stronger focus on data and convenience. She has adapted by leveraging vendor partnerships, using data to make informed decisions and prioritizing consistent execution in stores.
“What motivates me most, especially in floral, is the impact the category has on people’s lives. Flowers mark celebrations, milestones, holidays and even moments when words aren’t enough. Being part of something that brings beauty and connection into stores every day is incredibly meaningful,” Heather said.
Heather’s passion for people extends beyond work. She is married with four children and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Gardening, planting and wandering through nurseries are her ways to recharge, while live music adds energy and variety to her downtime. Her first job as a cashier at Heart’s gas station in American Fork taught her early lessons in customer service, efficiency and care.
Heather’s goals are ambitious but grounded. She wants to continue building clear, consistent floral programs that stores can execute confidently, enhance seasonal execution, bring in fresh ideas and collaborate with vendors and retailers to keep the category relevant and inspiring.
“Heather is such a valuable part of our team. She really knows the business, but she also brings energy and heart to everything she does,” said Leigh Vaughn, director of produce. “She’s great at building relationships with vendors, supporting stores and helping managers grow, and you can see how much she cares about the people and the work. We’re lucky to have her leading the way in our floral programs.”