Meijer Media, the retailer’s retail media network, has introduced new advertising tactics – Pinterest and Online Video (OLV) and Connected TV (CTV) – to advance its capabilities in the digital advertising industry. The offerings are designed to help brands connect with shoppers in more personalized, impactful ways that support product discovery. “By combining creative storytelling, […]
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 inCorporate Store News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta To Open First Store Of 2025 In Modesto, CA
Vallarta Supermarkets will hold a grand opening Feb. 5 for a new store – its first of 2025 – at 3900 Pelandale Ave., No. 200, in Modesto, California. The store has taken over a 45,099-square-foot space, bringing 227 new jobs to the area. It has nine more employees than the grocer’s recently opened Clovis store, which […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Seeking ELDP Nominations
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation is accepting nominations for grocery industry leaders to participate in its Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), which is set for June 1-5 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the ELDP is reserved for employees of retailer and wholesaler members of NGA. Participants should be mid- […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, New Seasons Market, West
New Seasons Market, Zero Foodprint Open Restore NW Grant Application Process
In partnership with New Seasons Market, Zero Foodprint has opened the application process for its Restore NW Grant, representing a joint commitment to environmental stewardship and advancing a sustainable food economy. The Restore NW program provides funding for a range of climate-smart agricultural practices, including compost applications, cover crops, managed grazing and hedgerow plantings. Oregon and Washington farmers and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Corporate Store News, Northeast, Private Label Brands
Giant Eagle Achieves Fair Trade Certification For Nature’s Basket Shrimp Line
Giant Eagle has become the first U.S. retailer to achieve Fair Trade certification for an entire private label seafood product line. “The journey to achieve Fair Trade Certification for our Nature’s Basket shrimp has been years in the making,” said Adam Branin, the grocer’s senior director of meat and seafood. “[This achievement] is a testament […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southeast
ARG Begins Restructuring, Appoints 2 Executives
Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Alliance Retail Group (ARG) is restructuring its organization to better support its retailers and vendor partners. This includes the appointment of two industry veterans – Steve Massie and Jeff Pedersen – to leadership positions. By providing a more focused approach, the company aims to enhance engagement, education and the delivery of business solutions […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Markets To Remodel Seven Hills Store In O’Fallon, IL
Schnuck Markets soon will begin a total store remodel of its Seven Hills location at 970 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon, Illinois. Highlights of the remodel, which is expected to be complete by late fall 2025, include new decor throughout the store, a fresh sushi area, specialty cheese shop, Picadeli salad bar and Starbucks with […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, Southeast
Houchens Food Group Upgrades In-Store Digital Commerce With eGrowcery
Houchens Food Group is working with eGrowcery to deploy its technology to select IGA, Price Less and Food Giant stores. “Our shoppers require and deserve better experiences online and in-store. Additionally, our retail operations team needs a platform that makes it easier for both our banner and store-level staff to digitally support our shoppers. We found answers to […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest, Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market Introduces New Seafood Code Of Conduct
Whole Foods Market has shared its new Seafood Code of Conduct, reinforcing its commitment to safeguard the human rights and welfare of workers throughout its global seafood supply chain. Building on the company’s quality standards, the new policy strengthens protections for fishers and vessel crew and sets a higher bar for ethical labor practices and supply […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest
Fareway’s Toys For Tots Campaign Raises More Than $275K
Fareway presented a check for $275,173.70 on Jan. 27 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in support its 2024 Toys for Tots campaign, which provides toys to children during the holiday season. Monetary and toy donations were accepted at all Fareway store locations from Nov. 24-Dec. 24. “Each year our customers […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Sprouts Farmers Market To Expand Footprint To Florida
Sprouts Farmers Market has shared plans for significant expansion in 2025, with a focus on Florida. This growth will bring more than seven new stores to the state, reinforcing Sprouts’ commitment to providing fresh and healthy food options to communities across the Sunshine State. The expansion is expected to have a substantial impact on local […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Promotes Key Leaders In Three Departments
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced three promotions – Peter Collins to VP of business development and membership; Ashley Eisenbeiser to VP of food and product safety programs; and Deborah Stewart to director of registration services. “Our members appreciate that FMI’s core strength resides in the dedication and expertise of its talented staff,” said […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Produce News, Stater Bros. Markets, West
Stater Bros. Adds Afresh Technology To All Produce Departments
After a successful pilot, Southern California-based Stater Bros. Markets is rolling out Afresh’s store ordering solution across produce departments at all 169 of its stores. Stater Bros., which is replacing its previous manual ordering processes with Afresh’s artificial intelligence-powered solution, measured significant improvements during the pilot. Notably, produce teams reduced overstock, prevented excess inventory from […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, Midwest
BJ’s Wholesale Club Building Distribution Center In Ohio
BJ’s Wholesale Club’s fourth ambient distribution center, which is under construction in Commercial Point, Ohio, is expected to open in early 2027, joining eight BJ’s stores in the state. The center will expand the company’s supply chain capacity to support its growing footprint. Over the past five years, BJ’s has opened more than 30 stores. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Foodtown, Northeast
ARS President, COO Named 2025 CIFI Person Of Year
Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph Fantozzi has been named the 2025 Person of the Year by the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry (CIFI). The recognition was celebrated at a dinner that drew 235 industry professionals to the Garden City Hotel on Long Island, New York. CIFI, established in 1946, recognizes […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Raley's, West
The Raley’s Companies Promotes 2 Executives
The Raley’s Companies has made two leadership appointments to continue accelerating its strategic vision and growth trajectory. Jen Warner has been promoted to The Raley’s Companies’ chief growth and transformation officer, while Levi Wingo has become SVP of product and merchandising innovation. In her new role, Warner will focus on propelling the long-range plan to […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Names 2025 Golden, Silver Candy Dish Award Recipients
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the recipients of the 2025 Golden and Silver Candy Dish Awards. Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, will receive the Golden Candy Dish Award, while the Silver Candy Dish Award will go to Mike Farley, VP of sales at Goetze’s Candy Co. The awards will be […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southeast
FreshTake Grocery Debuts Flagship Location In Augusta, GA
Ten days after opening to the public, FreshTake Grocery in Augusta, Georgia, will hold its grand opening celebration Jan. 30. Located at 2907 Washington Road, FreshTake’s shopping experience includes amenities such as a sushi bar, pizza and pasta counter, barbecue smokehouse, hot food stations and a full-service Starbucks. Customers can visit Jackson’s Beer and Wine […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Equipment, Northeast, Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop Rolls Out Savings Station Kiosks To All Stores
Stop & Shop is completing the brand-wide rollout of its Savings Station, an in-store kiosk designed to make digital coupons more accessible for all customers. The Savings Station will be installed in all 223 stores across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut by Feb. 1. With the completion of the rollout, all 350-plus Stop & […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Food Lion, Southeast
Food Lion To Open New Store Jan. 29 In Troutman, NC
Food Lion is preparing to open a new store Jan. 29 at 155 Crosstie Lane in Troutman, North Carolina. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 7:45 a.m. Afterward, the first 100 customers will receive a mystery gift card valued up to $200 and a free reusable shopping bag. “I’ve had the pleasure of serving […]