Natural Grocers has introduced six new varieties of soups to its collection of Natural Grocers’ brand products. All six varieties are certified organic, non-GMO and crafted with plant-based, gluten- and dairy-free ingredients. Sustainability, premium quality and affordability are principles behind every Natural Grocers’ brand product, including these varieties of organic soups. Each is packaged in BPA-free pouches designed with […]
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 inSouthwest, Albertsons, Corporate Store News
United Supermarkets Launches ’28-Day Challenge’ For New Year Resolutions
United Supermarkets, a Lubbock, Texas-based division of Albertsons Companies Inc., has launched its “28-Day Challenge” campaign to the United Supermarkets, Albertsons Market, Market Street and Amigos banners. The program, first introduced in January 2024, features a series of interactive games and actions linked to customers’ rewards loyalty accounts that the retailer’s registered dietitian designed to help users […]
Posted inMarketing News, Corporate Store News, West
Grocery Outlet Begins ‘Free Groceries For Life’ Sweepstakes
Grocery Outlet has launched a “Free Groceries for Life” sweepstakes, where customers can enter for a chance to win a range of prizes, including a lifetime of free groceries. “This sweepstakes puts the treasure in treasure hunt,” said Eric Lindberg, chairman and interim president and CEO of the California-based company. “We are absolutely thrilled to […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Ask The Experts, Frozen Food, National
How Refrigeration Regulations Are Impacting Retailers And How To Prepare
Sponsored content Hussmann spent the last half of 2024 on the road bringing its traveling roadshow “The Evolve Experience” to retailers’ doorsteps to share education and training on refrigeration regulations impacting how they manage their refrigeration and plan new stores and remodels. The approach has been designed to provide retailers and technicians across North America […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Independent Store News, Industry Leaders Speak, National
Winning the Shrink Battle – How Independent Grocers Can Maximize Their Margins
Sponsored content Shrink silently chips away at profits through outdated product, theft, overstocking, damage and errors. These losses aren’t just missed revenue – they lead to dissatisfied customers and reduced reinvestment opportunities. Reducing shrink isn’t just about cutting losses – it’s about gaining clarity, control and profitability in a competitive industry. Shrink is the difference […]
Posted inBakery News, Ask The Experts, National
How Merchandising To Elevate The Shopper Experience Will Help Retail Win In 2025
Sponsored content Jake Huber, U.S. sales director for St Pierre, discusses how – and where – consumers will be spending their money in 2025, after 12 months marked by rising costs of living, disrupted with an election and five years post the pandemic that changed the world. Whilst value for money is paramount for retailers […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, National
Riedy Joining Ibotta As Chief Revenue Officer
Chris Riedy will join Ibotta as chief revenue officer, effective Jan. 13. He will report to CEO and founder Bryan Leach and will join the company’s senior leadership team. Riedy will oversee all revenue-generating activities of the company. He will be focused on leading Ibotta’s sales team, strengthening ties with Ibotta’s portfolio of premium brand […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks, Cognira Partner To Boost Promotions
St. Louis-based Schnucks Markets Inc. is using Cognira’s AI-powered PromoAI solution to transform promotional planning, optimization and analysis across the grocer’s 114 stores. Schnucks selected Cognira’s PromoAI for its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and promotional workflows. PromoAI will help Schnucks enhance cross-department collaboration, leveraging data-driven insights to drive smarter, more effective promotions. The solution will manage all […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, Produce News
Empower Fresh Co. Names Austin President, CEO
Kansas City, Missouri-based Empower Fresh Co., the only AI-powered produce management solution designed for independent grocers and wholesale operations, has named Robert Austin president and CEO. Created by industry veterans with more than 100 years of combined experience, Empower Fresh helps retailers fight shrink, optimize inventory, streamline ordering and boost profitability. Austin has been with […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS, Kent’s Market Make Holiday Donation To Utah Hospital
Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Kent’s Market, a family-owned grocer with roots in northern Utah, donated $40,000 to Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City during the hospital’s annual patient holiday event Dec. 17. Themed this year as the “Twelve Days of Christmas, the event provided patients and their families with an afternoon of activities, an appearance […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Health & Wellness, Midwest, The Kroger Co.
Forbes Recognizes The Kroger Co. For Workplace Culture, Pharmacy Customer Service
The Kroger Co. has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers and for providing exceptional customer service through its Kroger Family of Pharmacies. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for Tech Workers and for our unparalleled customer service specifically in pharmacy. This recognition […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Fresh Express Launches Fresh Start Challenge For New Year’s Resolutions
Fresh Express is launching the Fresh Start Challenge, aiming to empower consumers to embrace the new year with intention and energy. The 2025 Fresh Start Challenge will encourage participants to focus on holistic well-being through a series of themed weekly challenges designed to help them prioritize their health and lifestyle goals. Fresh Express is offering early access […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
NJFC Promotes Redford To Director Of Public Affairs
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has promoted Delaney Redford to director of public affairs for her work on behalf of food retailers, including supermarkets, independent grocers and convenience stores and their supplier partners. “In just under three years since she joined the NJFC team out of college, Delaney has helped advance our agenda and […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Health & Wellness, National
CaringBridge Adds Instacart Delivery For Family Caregivers
CaringBridge, a nonprofit health platform, and Instacart have partnered to allow easier community-led support for groceries and essentials for family caregivers. Users on the CaringBridge platform will have the option to use Instacart to send and receive groceries and other key household items from local, regional and national retailers across the country. Instacart reaches more than 98 […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southwest, Walmart
Walmart, Feeding America Donates $1M To NTFB
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) has received a $1 million grant from Walmart Foundation and Feeding America. The grant is part of an ongoing, multi-year partnership aimed at strengthening food banks and agency partners in rural and underserved communities affected by food insecurity. The funding supported four NTFB partner pantries, helping them increase their capacity […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Food Lion, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds Awards $3.2M In Disaster Relief Grants
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in disaster relief grants to support 120 organizations and their communities. The organizations were affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation and destruction in September. The grants provide financial assistance to community feeding partners that have played a vital role in helping those impacted by the storm. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, National
The Fresh Market Adds Vusion 360 Tech Solutions To All Locations
VusionGroup has been selected by The Fresh Market, a fresh food and specialty grocery chain, to digitalize both signage and inventory management of its stores. This partnership will bring in a suite of Vusion 360 technology solutions, including digital shelf labels, VusionCloud, Captana’s computer vision and AI technology and Memory Store Analytics to all 166 locations across […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer Surprises Customers With Shopping Sprees During Very Merry Event
As part of the 11th annual Very Merry Meijer event, Meijer surprised a customer at each of its store across the Midwest with a $1,000 shopping spree, while three employees at every site received gift cards. The event, which began in 2014 to help spread holiday cheer in stores, has grown into an annual tradition […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
LeClerc Named Next CGA Board Chairman
Michel LeClerc, chief administrative officer of North State Grocery, was named the 2024-25 California Grocers Association (CGA) chairman of the board of directors at the association’s annual meeting Dec. 6. As chair, LeClerc will lead the board’s strategy regarding CGA’s numerous legislative, educational and industry-related programs. The association is comprised of more than 350 retail […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Harris Teeter, Southeast
Harris Teeter Recognized By Newsweek For Workplace Diversity
Harris Teeter has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” for 2025. “We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek for our workplace culture, which emphasizes inclusion and belonging,” said Lauren Furr, the grocer’s director of learning and development and diversity, equity and inclusion. “Fostering a sense of belonging among our […]