Independent grocers operate in one of the most demanding areas of retail. Margins are tight, labor is unpredictable and vendor costs can change without warning. Yet many store leaders still rely on month-end reports or spreadsheets that arrive long after the moment to adjust has passed. That delay makes it harder to lead with confidence. […]
Category: Store News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Festival Foods, Midwest, News
Festival Foods’ Munns Retiring, Whitney Promoted To Chief Merchant
Festival Foods shared two personnel moves Jan. 30, including the upcoming retirement of Randy Munns, EVP and COO, and the promotion of Adam Whitney to chief merchant. Munns will retire Feb. 13 after a 40-year career in the grocery industry, including 35 years with the Wisconsin-based chain. Munns joined Festival in 1991 as a third-shift […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
IGA Debuts Community Development Program To Address Food Desert Crisis
The Independent Grocers Alliance has launched IGA Community Development, a new initiative designed to expand access to fresh, affordable food in underserved urban and rural communities across the U.S. The new area of focus for IGA is designed to expand access to fresh, affordable food in underserved areas by matching funding from communities, non-profits and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, News
Lidl U.S. Opening New Store Feb. 4 In Totowa, NJ
Lidl U.S. will open a new store Feb. 4 at 545 US-46 in Totowa, New Jersey, expanding the discount grocer’s growing presence in the state. The store will welcome customers at sunrise with a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 7:40 a.m. The grand opening will feature freshly baked croissants and coffee. The Totowa location will feature […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Costco Wholesale, National, News
Costco Launches Same-Day Instacart Delivery Websites In France, Spain
Costco members in France and Spain can shop online and receive same-day delivery through Costco’s first European websites powered by Instacart’s Storefront Pro commerce platform and fulfillment solutions services, the companies announced Jan. 30. The initial rollout includes delivery from all Costco locations in France and Spain, including stores in the Paris metropolitan area and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Expands Simple Truth Protein Line With 24 New Products
Kroger added 24 new Simple Truth Protein products to shelves this month, expanding the line to more than 110 items as customers focus on wellness goals in the new year, the Cincinnati-based retailer announced Jan. 29. The expanded line features protein-packed options designed to support nutrition goals from establishing everyday habits to building strength. All […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Retailer of the Year, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
SoCal-Based Vallarta Supermarkets Charts Path Of Growth, Change
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Adds South Miami Store To Florida Footprint
The Fresh Market opened its first store of 2026 in South Miami on Jan. 28, marking the grocer’s eighth location in the Miami-Dade area and 172nd store overall. The ribbon-cutting welcomed guests and local officials to a store featuring premium meats and seafood, fresh seasonal produce, local offerings and international products. The Fresh Market team […]