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 […]
Category: Midwest
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 inMarket Profile, Midwest, News, UNFI
Minnesota Grocery Industry Faces Expansion, Closures, Federal Funding Uncertainty
Minnesota’s grocery industry navigated significant challenges and changes in 2025, with new leadership at major chains, a cyberattack disrupting operations, federal SNAP funding uncertainty threatening rural stores and continued pressure from state labor mandates. United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) appointed David Best as president and CEO of retail effective Aug. 17, leading the company’s two […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Midwest, News
RSA America Expands Support Team, Previews AI Platform At The NGA Show
RSA America has strengthened its retail customer support operations, introduced new artificial intelligence-driven capabilities and will debut a fully integrated in-store kiosk at The NGA Show Feb. 1-3 in Las Vegas. The Chicago-based digital marketing solutions provider also promoted Mark Osborne from VP to SVP of retail execution. Osborne leads customer launch strategy, ad planning, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Taylor Bros. Construction Builds Business Through Meijer GROW Program
Taylor Bros. Construction Co., a Columbus, Indiana-based construction company, has expanded its operations through participation in the Meijer GROW program, which supports local businesses within the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer’s footprint. Taylor Bros., established in 1933, previously worked on Meijer stores through other general contractors. “We were part of the team, just not working with […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Minnesota Retailers Face Mounting Pressures Despite Strength Of Independent Network
Minnesota maintains one of the nation’s strongest independent grocery networks, but increased government mandates driving up costs, stagnant population growth and a shrinking workforce are creating significant headwinds for retailers across the state, according to Patrick Garofalo, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association. “There’s a lot of pressure on those individual stores,” he said. “We’re […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers, News
Natural Grocers Celebrates Kansas Day With Free Tote, Coupon
Natural Grocers will celebrate Kansas Day Jan. 29-31 at its eight stores in the state with a free limited-edition reusable tote bag and a $5-off coupon for {N}power members while supplies last. The promotion, which honors Kansas Statehood Day, is available to all members of Natural Grocers’ free {N}power rewards program. The coupon is valid […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Beverage News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks To Hold St. Louis Food & Wine Event Feb. 6-7
Schnuck Markets Inc. will hold its annual St. Louis Food & Wine event Feb. 6-7 at Union Station, with the event benefiting Operation Food Search and the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. This year’s festivities will feature hundreds of wines, a selection of craft beers and culinary offerings. Attendees can purchase wine as they taste […]