Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market has launched a new shoppable version of its magazine, previously available in print and online, in a exclusive digital-only format as another anchor to its digital transformation and retail media network strategy. Vendor advertising supported, the magazine features an interactive shoppable experience with similar content to the print version and provides inspiration […]
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.
Meijer Supports Artists Through Women’s History Month Collection
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer has introduced a special collection of products featuring the art of three Midwestern women artists – Abeer Abo-Shihata, Judy Mintze and Misty Russian – in every Meijer supercenter. The retailer will donate 5 percent of sales from the collection to the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” Campaign to help support initiatives […]
Albertsons Cos. Begins ‘Sincerely, Food’ Marketing Campaign
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies has launched “Sincerely, Food,” an omnichannel marketing campaign celebrating the company’s purpose. The campaign – told from the perspective of what food sees – is designed to boost awareness and drive positive perception of the grocer’s strengths in high-quality fresh produce, meats and seasonal ingredients, and to build a deeper connection between […]
Inline Plastics Adds Seven Options To Essentials Platter Line
Shelton, Connecticut-based Inline Plastics has added seven new rectangular products to its Essentials Platters line. The all-clear, rectangle-shaped platters are also made with 10 percent post-consumer content. “We wanted to offer a packaging solution for any event – from birthday parties to holiday gatherings to neighborhood cookouts,” said Tom Orkisz, chairman and CEO. “Just like our current […]
How To Adapt To The Changing Grocery Industry
Sponsored content By Stephen Midgley, VP of marketing, Invafresh As VP of marketing at Invafresh, Midgley is recognized as an award-winning industry veteran with a track record of developing world-class marketing teams. With more than 20 years of marketing leadership experience, he is focused on marketing innovative technology that positively impacts people every day – […]
Why Brands Are Driving Bakery In 2023
Sponsored content As U.S. shoppers battle inflation, value for money is paramount for retailers competing for custom in a market fiercer than ever before. We sat down with Neil Pittman, director of sales USA for St Pierre Bakery, to talk about why today’s challenges create opportunity for brands able to help retailers balance demand for […]
Haaf Named President, CEO Of IDDBA
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s executive committee has appointed David Haaf as its new president and CEO. Haaf brings more than 30 years of retail food service and culinary experience to the association. His most recent position was VP of foodservice and Starbucks operations for Abingdon, Virginia-based K-VA-T Food Stores Inc. “After a nationwide […]
E-Commerce At Core Of Hy-Vee’s Expansion Southward
Jeremy Gosch was named sole CEO of Hy-Vee, The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s 2022 Retailer of the Year, at the beginning of 2023 following a six-month shuffle. In July 2022, the company announced that he and Aaron Wiese would serve as co-CEOs. That changed when Wiese was named president of Hy-Vee Healthcare. Another longtime […]
Central Market Celebrates Women’s History Month
Dallas, Texas-based Central Market is featuring a diverse collection of top-rated women-owned products from around the world in celebration of Women’s History Month. These items will be showcased at all Central Market locations throughout March. Central Market’s offerings include everything from women-owned wines, skin and hair products and additional grocery items. Featured women-owned products at Central Market […]
Publix Holds Inaugural Hunger Summit In Lakeland, FL
Publix hosted its inaugural hunger summit Feb. 23 at its headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, bringing together executives from 35 Feeding America member food banks in the company’s operating area, as well as state and federal officials. Publix leaders shared best practices in talent acquisition, sourcing, warehousing and distribution. “Our summit provided an opportunity to build […]
Isom IGA Owner Christon Honored As WGA Woman Of The Year
Women Grocers of America presented its Woman of the Year Award to Gwen Christon, owner and operator of Isom IGA in Isom, Kentucky. Presented Feb. 27 during the 2023 NGA Show in Las Vegas, the award is given annually to a female grocer who displays strong leadership, a passion for the grocery industry and a commitment […]
NGA, RangeMe Partner To Streamline Product Discovery
The National Grocers Association has partnered with online product discovery platform RangeMe to help independent grocers discover brands and products that are not distributed at national chains. RangeMe has launched a special collection of suppliers, called The NGA Collection of Emerging Brands, that will showcase thousands of suppliers of food and beverage, health and beauty […]
Tops Markets Announces $2.5M Store Renovation In New York
Tops Friendly Markets plans to celebrate the grand reopening of its store at 301 Meadow Drive in North Tonawanda, New York. This renovation marks the 30th location recently updated with a new look and a renewed focus on fresh departments. Tops will cut the ribbon on this multi-million-dollar renovation project at 11 a.m. on Feb. […]
The NGA Show Welcomes Independent Grocers To Conference
With attendee registrations exceeding the pre-pandemic 2020 event, the 2023 NGA Show opened Feb. 26, offering about 60 educational sessions and workshops presented by more than 150 speakers during the three-day conference at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. “A huge thank you goes out to the members of our show planning committee, […]
Business Analysts, Observers Offer Overview Of State’s Economy
Recession may become self-fulfilling prophecy if worried consumers lower spending While Nevada economist Stephen Miller is not predicting a recession in 2023, he said that doesn’t mean there is no risk of one. Miller, research director at the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Center for Business and Economic Research, presented a fall economic outlook report […]
AWG, Givex Celebrate Partnership Renewal
Givex Corp. and Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers have announced the renewal of their 15-year relationship, supporting more than 600 independently-owned supermarkets. In 2015, AWG debuted the Shopper Engagement Platform, its in-house loyalty, digital coupon and data marketing program. Originally powered by Loyalty Lane, which became Givex in 2022, SEP is used by more […]
OPN Shares ‘State of Organic Produce’ Report
The performance of organic produce categories ranged widely last year, according to the “State of Organic Produce 2022,” a report released Feb. 22 by the Organic Produce Network. The 72-page report provides an overall view of organic produce retail performance in 2022, as well as insights into the top 20 organic produce categories. While total organic […]
Pacific Trellis Fruit Introduces Specialty Imported Plums
Los Angeles, California-based Pacific Trellis Fruit has unveiled four new imported specialty plum varieties. The company is gearing up for the arrivals from Chile and South Africa beginning next month. The plums will be unveiled in two-pound clamshells under the Dulcinea brand. “Our imported specialty plums are shaking up the category,” said Dan Carapella Jr., director […]
Harpak-ULMA Announces New Tight-Bag Solutions
Taunton, Massachusetts-based Harpak-ULMA has announced the North American availability of ULMA’s Tight-Bag machines for poultry products. The technology combines vertical bagging with a patented air extraction process to automate vacuum bagging for food products. The Tight-Bag machine produces leakproof bags without perforations and includes HMI-adjustable air volume, a process that can facilitate up to 15 percent […]
California Avocado Commission Shares Marketing Plans, Forecast
The California Avocado Commission has announced its marketing plans for 2023, along with the early season California crop forecast for its fiscal year. The harvest estimate is 257 million pounds of avocados, which is a slight decrease compared to the 2021-22 season crop volume of 276 million pounds. “The recent California rainfall has been welcomed […]
