The United States-Mexico border stretches for more than 1,254 miles, the longest international border in the continental U.S. But it’s not just a physical line – it’s a vital economic artery, pumping billions of dollars in trade between Texas and Mexico. While binational trade relations between the two countries have historically been strong, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement […]
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 inProduce News, Association News, Feature, Meijer, National
Driving Produce Sales As Parents Prepare For 2024-25 School Year
A new study by The Foundation for Fresh Produce reveals most children are not eating enough fruits and vegetables every day. To boost consumption, the foundation has launched a month-long campaign, “Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits.” Designed to promote simple and engaging food, cooking and meal prep “hacks,” the effort aims to instill healthy eating […]
Posted inFeature, Home Page Latest News, Meijer, National, The Kroger Co.
Back-To-School Spending Shifts As Parents Sacrifice Loyalty To Stay Within Budget
It may be the dog days of summer, but many families have already made a dent in their back-to-school shopping. With about two months of spending under their belts, some interesting trends are beginning to emerge. Chief among them is that increasing economic pressure is pushing consumers to adjust spending patterns, from how much they […]
Posted inBakery News, National
In-Store Bakeries Offer More Than Just Flavor For Consumers
Part two of a series of articles highlighting in-store bakery trends that The Shelby Report will be covering throughout the year. More than just flavor With in-store bakery purchases taste is a top driver but industry experts say retailers should not underestimate the role indulgence plays with in-store bakery purchases. As one expert noted, in-store bakeries […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Cosentino's Food Stores, Midwest, Retailer of the Year
Cosentino’s Cultivating Community Through Giving, Local Partnerships
Being a part of the community is one of the core missions at Cosentino’s. From schools and sports teams to town holiday events, the Cosentino Charity Foundation helps support many groups and causes. The company also is a key supporter of local businesses, featuring many of their products in-store. As most philanthropic groups tend to […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Aldi, Meijer, Midwest, SpartanNash
Via ‘Infrastructure For Innovation,’ Michigan Leaders Plan To Foster Economic Growth
Michigan’s economy is expected to grow by 1.8 percent in 2024 – slightly higher than 2023 but lower than the national economy – according to Comerica Bank. But state leaders are not sitting still; growth plans are in place. On May 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, delivering the keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, announced […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Cosentino's Food Stores, Independent Store News, Midwest
Relationships, Customer Service Remain Cosentino’s Hallmarks
The first Cosentino’s Market was on the east side of Kansas City. Brothers Jerry and Jim Cosentino had recently returned to Kansas City from serving their country during World War II and were trying to determine what to do next. They took a gamble and bought a small grocery store in Blue Ridge. With no […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Cosentino's Food Stores, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Generations Strong, Cosentino’s Food Stores Building Success On Old-Time Values
Many retailers believe that to succeed in business they need to focus on future-forward goals and distance themselves from the old ways of doing things. For family-run Cosentino’s Food Stores, The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s 2024 Retailer of the Year, leveraging how business was done in the past has played a central role in […]
Posted inBig Y Foods, Market Profile, Northeast
Local Grocers Dominate Market, Embrace Innovation Across Massachusetts
Massachusetts shoppers have a diverse selection of grocery stores to choose from, thanks to a strong presence of regional chains alongside new entrants. This fragmented market offers a variety of shopping experiences but also presents challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthy food options. When looking for a grocery store in Massachusetts, shoppers are likely […]
Posted inH-E-B, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
H-E-B Still King, But New Grocers Spicing Up Region’s Landscape
Spanning nearly 38,000 miles, some 2.4 million people live in South Texas. While San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Brownsville are among the largest cities, most of the towns located within this expansive region are much smaller. Grocery powerhouse H-E-B dominates the region, with a nearly 50 percent market share, according to Shelby Report data. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast
Sunshine Brings Out Customers For Pump & Pantry, Wings Market
Sam Adams, owner of the Pump & Pantry and Wings Market in Vermont, attributes his ability to stay in business for more than 25 years to being adaptable and finding unique ways to grow. Through store expansions and increasing assortments, the changes Adams made to his stores over the years has meant the difference between […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, Midwest
Seaboard Foods Exec: Quality, Value Expected To Drive Pork Sales This Year
With 2023 well in the rearview, manufacturers and retailers are looking forward to this spring’s grilling season kicking off renewed demand for meat. The last 12 months were a bit turbulent for the meat industry, with escalating feed costs, inflation and lower demand in the U.S. affecting sales. But industry experts are optimistic that these […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, IGA, Market Profile, Southeast
Reigning U.S. Retailer of the Year Pocahontas IGA Mixes It Up In Marlinton, WV
Pocahontas IGA in Marlinton, West Virginia, has been named one of the 2024 U.S. Retailers of the Year by the Independent Grocers Alliance, the highest honor the organization bestows upon its retail members. Owner Rob Hilleary and his team were nominated by their wholesaler, Merchant Distributors Inc., for their innovative store operations and for moving […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Grocery Industry In Ohio Both Prosperous, Challenging
Ohio’s grocers have grappled with several significant challenges in recent months, according to Kristin Mullins, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. Describing the complexity of the market as “a mixed bag of issues and successes,” Mullins noted that factors such as inflation, labor challenges and escalating competition – combined with the rising cost […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, Shelby Content
Andover Sparkle Market Shines As OGA 2024 Pinnacle Award Recipient
The Ohio Grocers Association has named Andover Sparkle Market as the winner of its 2024 Pinnacle Award, small operator. The awards recognize overall excellence in retail operations and are the highest honors given by the group. Winners are selected based on several criteria, including creativity, merchandising, innovation, human resources, community relations and successful operation. Owner […]
Posted inBakery News, National
Growing In-Store Bakery Sales
Part one of a series of articles highlighting in-store bakery trends that The Shelby Report will be covering throughout the year Over the years, the in-store bakery department has undergone numerous transformations, often reflecting larger trends within grocery and society at large. While trends come and go, there has been one constant which is that consumers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Grocers In West Virginia Prove Resilient
West Virginia’s grocery landscape continues to shift in 2024, reflecting both national trends and unique state-specific factors. Growth, as reflected in the number of new store openings, has signaled a cautiously optimistic outlook, even as economic and demographic challenges persist. While national chains including Kroger and Food Lion have dominated West Virginia’s supermarket scene, this […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Northeast, Whole Foods
Independent Grocers Building Strong Customer Relationships In Connecticut
One expert recently dubbed Connecticut’s grocery industry “a battleground of competition,” referring to the number of retailers in this market brandishing competitive pricing strategies to attract shoppers and online retail giants that are leveraging convenience with click-and-collect options. Price and convenience are valid drivers, especially given the economic pressure facing residents. But as independent retailers […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Home Page Latest News, Meijer, National, The Kroger Co.
Best In Class: Maximizing Memorial Day Sales
Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military, also marks the unofficial start of summer, synonymous with backyard barbecues, family gatherings and festive picnics. It’s also a prime opportunity for supermarkets to maximize Memorial Day sales by focusing on customer experience, value and community spirit. Firing Up Customer Engagement Interactive Grilling Demonstrations: Host in-store […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Food City, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
New Stores Emerge As Demographics Drive Change Across Houston Metro Area
Houston’s urban core is seeing residents shift outward. Seeking a lower cost of living, many are choosing to relocate to towns within a 30-mile radius, which still affords them easy access to the city. Retailers appear to be following suit and selecting locations well outside city limits to build new stores. One of the fastest […]