In fall 2023, Costco opened its first and only store in Maine. A few months later, value-based retailer Market Basket opened a new location in Topsham. At the time, the buzz among shoppers in the greater Portland area was palpable and left many hopeful this would signal a wave of other food retailers wanting to […]
Author Archives: Carol Radice
Senior Content Creator
Carol joins The Shelby Report with more than 25 years writing for B2B magazines that cover the drugstore and supermarket industries. A Rutgers graduate, she earned her B.A. degree in journalism and mass communications more years ago than she cares to admit. She is thrilled to be working with such an accomplished team and to share her knowledge of the industry with Shelby’s readers.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
At Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly, Understanding Customers’ Needs ‘Part Of What We Do Well’
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Steve Garrett, president and owner of Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly stores in the Lower Alabama town of Troy, about the challenges of operating grocery stores. How did you get started in the grocery industry? My parents opened an 18,000-square-foot store in Troy in 1986, and I […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Food Insecurity, Deserts Remain Issue For Alabama Grocers
Many rural Alabamians lack access to grocery stores, resulting in “food deserts” with limited access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food. In 2024, state leaders hosted two conferences addressing the issue – the National Rural Grocery Initiative and the Feeding Change Conference. Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association, presented at both. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast
Maine’s Bow Street Market Known For Prioritizing Local Products
About 20 minutes from Portland, Maine, on the shores of Casco Bay, is Freeport, home of LL Bean and popular discount retail outlets. For nearly 80 years, this charming coastal town also has been served by Bow Street Market. Established in 1946 as a small, family-run shop, Bow Street Market has become a local institution […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
Piggly Wiggly In Eutaw, AL, Endures As Town’s Only Grocer
For nearly a quarter of a century, Jacky and Sandra Hamilton have been fixtures in the grocery business. In 2001, they purchased the Piggly Wiggly in Eutaw, a rural town of fewer than 3,000 residents in western Alabama. Since 2021, their store has become the sole grocery provider and a vital hub for the community. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Feature, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Retail Media Network Represents Unparalleled Level Of Cooperation
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) wholesalers, along with multiple third-party providers, have teamed up to provide a comprehensive suite of retail media network solutions tailored to members’ needs. This includes targeted advertising opportunities, data-driven insights for campaign optimization and integrated e-commerce and fulfillment with collaborative partnerships that enhance brand visibility. “As a coalition […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Relationships Help Create ‘Community That Thrives On Mutual Success’
The leaders of Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) recognize the power of having access to educational resources and have turned the act of sharing information into an art form. “My peer group is fantastic, and they are readily available to me if I’ve got a situation that I have questions about” said Ray […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
La Montañita Food Co-op Growing Roots In New Mexico
Known locally as the grocery store with a soul, La Montañita Food Co-op is making a name for itself with four locations in New Mexico – two in Albuquerque and one each in Gallup and Santa Fe. The Gallup store is La Montañita’s smallest at just 1,000 square feet, while the largest totals 20,000 square […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
Collaboration Has Been ‘Cornerstone Of ROFDA’s Success’ From Start
It’s impossible to talk to the board of directors for Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) without touching on the topic of collaboration and how it helps the organization stand out. “The old saying ‘two heads are better than one’ is especially true in the industry that we work in,” said Randy Arceneaux, president […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
NMGA Executive: Most Retail Growth In State Coming From Convenience Channel
Economists familiar with New Mexico report that rising inflation, particularly in essential food categories, continues to place a considerable strain on household budgets, making price sensitivity a key consumer driver in the state. For some time, significant portions of the state, particularly rural areas, have lacked easy access to affordable and healthy food options. This […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
‘Co-opetition’ Encourages ROFDA Members To Share Ideas, Resources, Solutions
Operating a business these days is no easy feat. And today’s business climate is even more difficult for independent grocers. Competition, supply chain challenges and tight budgets mean everyone involved in the grocery industry needs to bring their “A” game all the time. Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) is a national cooperative organization […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Maintains Relevance By Adapting To Trends, Technologies, Challenges
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) has been around for more than 60 years, but the group has never been one to sit idle. From growing membership and expanding their conference to adjusting bylaws, ROFDA leaders continue to demonstrate they have independent grocers’ best interests at heart. “Our end goal is helping independent retailers […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Reimagines In-Store Experience Through Remodels, Upgrades
With more than $40 million dedicated to the remodeling and upgrading of more than a dozen supermarkets and fuel stations across its footprint, Tops Friendly Markets has taken substantial steps to modernize its facilities and improve accessibility and convenience for its customers. Recent remodels in key locations such as Baldwinsville, Grand Island and Williamsville, New […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets Thriving As Neighborhood Staple With Timeless Tradition
For over six decades, Tops Friendly Markets has been more than just a grocery store. It’s been a community hub, trusted neighbor and purveyor of quality products. With nearly 150 locations across New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, Tops is woven into the fabric of the community. From fresh produce to everyday essentials, Williamsville, New York-based […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, U.R.M. Stores, West
Culture Of URM Stores Inc. Built On Communication, Fairness, Respect
Having weathered challenging work environments in his career, Ray Sprinkle, CEO and president of URM Stores Inc., was determined to create a different kind of workplace when he joined the Spokane, Washington-based company – one characterized by positivity and support. Instead of micromanaging, Sprinkle prefers a hands-off approach, focusing on hiring highly qualified people, trusting […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Sprinkle Hailed For Visionary Leadership, Strong Commitment To Mentorship
When he was 14, Ray Sprinkle was hired to sort soda bottles in the back of the grocery store his father ran in Kansas. Sprinkle didn’t know it at the time, but he would go on to spend the bulk of his 50-plus-year professional career – and make a name for himself – in that […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southeast
Employee-Owned Food Giant Serves Rural MS By Focusing On Price, Quality
Location, customer service, price and quality are just a few of the attributes that help Food Giant stores in northern Mississippi stand out. The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with David Holcomb, division manager, to learn more about the company’s competitive strategy. How long has Food Giant been operating in Mississippi? Kenneth Storey, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Northeast, Whole Foods
High Per Capita Income Of Maryland Residents Makes For Competitive Grocery Market
It may be the 42nd largest state, but Maryland has consistently ranked among the nation’s top in terms of per capita income over the past few years. Its economy benefits greatly from its proximity to Washington, D.C., where many of its residents work. This higher-than-average income level continues to positively impact spending in the state. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest
There’s More To Kansas-Based Hired Man’s Grocery Than ‘Exceptional’ Meat Department
The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently visited with Jenny Osner, who along with husband Clint owns Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill in Conway Springs, Kansas, to find out how the pair got started in the grocery industry and their strategy for standing out in a competitive market. How did Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Small But Mighty Maryland Making Name For Itself In Supermarket Industry
As the new year approaches, several legislative proposals stand to impact Maryland residents and businesses. The Griffin Report recently visited with Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, to find out more about what’s in store for 2025. Locklair has spent nearly 20 years in state and local politics, advocating on the state budget, […]