The store Natural Grocers plans to open Feb. 19 at 601 N. Valley Mills Drive in Waco, Texas, will be its 25th in the Lone Star State. The festivities will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a $2,500 donation presentation to the Shepherd’s Heart, the grocer’s local food bank partner, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the store manager, community […]
Author Archives: Sommer Stockton
Digital Content Editor
Sommer joined The Shelby Report in January 2022 after graduating from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA, with a B.A. and M.A. in Communications and Media Studies. As Digital Content Editor, she leverages her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to enhance The Shelby Report’s online presence and engage readers.
Committed to the grocery industry, Sommer also serves on an advisory committee with the National Grocers Association (NGA), advocating for independent grocers. She enjoys exploring emerging trends and delivering actionable insights to the Shelby community.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Weis Markets
Weis Markets Donates $42K To Children’s Cancer Foundation
Weis Markets recently donated $42,000 to The Children’s Cancer Foundation Inc. at its store in Nottingham, Maryland. The funds were generated by customer round-up donations at checkout throughout December, along with a corporate contribution. CCF raises and distributes funds to support local pediatric cancer researchers and programs in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area. Since 1983, it […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Harris Teeter, Southeast
Harris Teeter 2024 Community Impact Tops $6.5M
Harris Teeter’s 2024 philanthropy efforts raised more than $6.5 million in monetary donations, 1,300 employee volunteer hours and 5.3 million meals. “At Harris Teeter, we embrace the opportunity to give back to our communities with open arms,” said Danna Robinson, director of corporate affairs. “We’re grateful to our valued associates, loyal shoppers and trusted vendors […]
Posted inBeverage News, C-Store News, National
Capri Sun Offering Three Flavors In Single-Serve Bottles
For the first time in more than 20 years, The Kraft Heinz Co. is offering three flavors of Capri Sun in single-serve bottles. The bottles allow consumers to enjoy the same taste on the go, meeting the evolving needs of today’s families. Joining Capri Sun’s portfolio of products, the bottles feature 12 ounces of juice […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
SEG Observes American Heart Month With Donation Program
In celebration of American Heart Month, Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) has begun an in-store community donation program benefiting the American Heart Association and its Life is Why campaign. Through Feb. 25, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers across the Southeast can donate $1, $5 or round up their grocery bills to support AHA research, survivor services […]
Posted inSustainability News, Natural Grocers, Southwest
Natural Grocers Shares 2024 Sustainability Report
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s values and practices to human health, animal welfare and the planet. “At Natural Grocers, we see grocery stores as a vital link in the food chain – integral to the health of people and the planet,” said Kemper Isely, co-president. […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Southeast
DeCA Selects NCR Voyix As Maintenance, Operations Services Provider
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), which oversees 240 commissaries, or grocery and household goods stores, has selected NCR Government Systems LLC, a subsidiary of NCR Voyix Corporation, as the maintenance and operations services provider for their point-of-sale (POS) technology assets. NCR Voyix, a global provider of digital commerce solutions, will provide sustainment of current maintenance […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
The J.M. Smucker Co. To Sell Cloverhill, Big Texas Brands To JTM Foods
The J.M. Smucker Co. has reached an agreement to divest its Cloverhill and Big Texas brands, as well as certain private label products, to Ohio-based JTM Foods LLC. The all-cash transaction is valued at about $40 million, subject to a working capital adjustment, and includes relevant trademarks and licenses and the company’s manufacturing facility in Chicago. About 400 employees also will transition […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
FMI, NielsenIQ Report: Shoppers Blend In-Store, Online Experiences
As grocery shopping enters a new era of digital transformation, FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ have released a new report, “Digital Engagement Transforms Grocery Shopping,” which premiered at FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference. The report found that more than 90 percent of shoppers participate in both online and in-store shopping. “Consumers are seamlessly […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
AppCard Introduces Pinky 2.0 For Independent Grocers
AppCard has introduced Pinky 2.0, an innovation that aims to boost the relevance of coupons and optimize consumer behavior tracking by using artificial intelligence for independent grocers. The advancements are designed to enhance grocery shopping experiences, driving higher customer retention and stronger coupon redemption rates. Pinky 2.0’s new capabilities are grounded in personalized, data-driven insights, […]
Posted inBakery News, National
St Pierre To Make TV Debut In The U.S. Market
St Pierre Bakery has revealed its first above-the-line campaign for the U.S. market with a tongue-in-cheek take on French superiority, highlighting the brand’s quality credentials. The “Eat Avec Respect” campaign, which launches Feb. 3, will appear across retailer online channels, social and digital brand channels and on TV screens through Connected TV. The Connected TV […]
Posted inCenter Store, National
McCormick Shares 2025 Flavor Of The Year
McCormick has released the 25th edition of the Flavor Forecast, its annual report on the latest culinary trends, naming Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year. Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow chile pepper” in English, is native to South America, where it is a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. The pepper has fruity, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Badge Wins 2025 FMItech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association announced Badge as the champion of the fourth-annual FMItech Pitch Competition held during the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference Jan. 30-Feb. 2 on Marco Island, Florida. Three finalists presented food industry technology solutions, with conference attendees casting votes to determine the winner. “I’m thrilled to see how the FMItech Pitch Competition continues […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Ask The Experts, National
Candy And Snacks: A Winning Formula For Independent Retailers
Sponsored content A Q&A with Anne-Marie Roerink, principal of 210 Analytics 2024 Trends: Balancing Value and Indulgence Q: What were the major trends shaping the retail, candy and snacks landscape in 2024? The dominant story of 2024 was the “value balancing act,” as consumers skillfully navigated between indulgence and practicality. This year saw a surge […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northgate Market, West
Northgate Gonzalez Market Unveils New-Look La Puente Store
Customers lined up early in the morning Jan. 29 to visit the newly redesigned Northgate González Market at 831 N. Hacienda Blvd. in La Puente, California. The new-look store highlights more of the fresh and prepared Mexican foods customers want, along with easy-to-navigate check stands for those on the go. “Today marks a special milestone […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Southwest, Walmart
Walmart Expands Pharmacy Delivery Across The U.S.
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has expanded its same-day pharmacy delivery to customers in 49 states across the U.S., becoming the first retailer to integrate pharmacy, general merchandise and grocery in a single online order. According to Walmart, same-day pharmacy delivery uses a combination of in-store and cloud-based technology platforms, artificial intelligence capabilities and a new geospatial […]
Posted inExecutive News, Hy-Vee, Marketing News, Midwest
Mazza Promoted At Hy-Vee, Will Oversee RedMedia
Kathryn Mazza has been promoted to SVP and CMO for Hy-Vee and president of RedMedia, the grocer’s retail media network. Mazza, who joined Hy-Vee last February and previously served as SVP of RedMedia, will oversee the continued growth and development of the RMN, which was launched in 2023. In its first months of operation, RedMedia […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
CGA Elevates 3 Executives To New Positions
As the first step in a multi-pronged plan to ensure long-term growth and stability, the California Grocers Association (CGA) has promoted three executives. Jennifer Gold is now VP of people operations and administration, while Nate Rose has become VP of communications and public affairs and Beth Wright is executive director of events and sponsorship. Gold, […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Hails 2025 Executive Leadership Award Recipients
FMI – The Food Industry Association has honored eight executives with the 2025 Executive Leadership Award for embodying the core values of the food industry through their community engagement, innovation and exceptional customer service The awards, which were presented during FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida, went to: SPAR International’s Tobias Wasmuht; H-E-B’s James Harris; […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Big Y Foods, Northeast
Big Y Donates 1M Meals During Sack Hunger Campaign
Big Y shared that it has donated 1 million meals through the annual Sack Hunger campaign, providing support for four regional food banks within its two-state marketing area. The recipients – Connecticut Foodshare, The Greater Boston Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Worcester County Food Bank – work with soup kitchens, food […]