Harps Food Stores Inc. is planning two new stores in Arkansas – one each in Conway and Fort Smith – that are set to open next year. The first store, whose opening is slated for spring, will be at 3200 Dave Ward Drive in Conway. The second, at 6400 Veterans Ave. in Fort Smith, has […]
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, Corporate Store News, National
Acosta Group Makes Consumer Predictions For 2025
Acosta Group has shared its 2025 consumer predictions, highlighting a redefined focus on value, offerings and shopper connections and experiences. Compiled by retail experts and industry thought leaders, the forecast is based on comprehensive research, as well as studies conducted throughout the year, providing a view of evolving consumer behaviors for brands, retailers and foodservice […]
Posted inExecutive News, Food Lion, Southeast
Ahold Delhaize USA Names Next Food Lion President
Ahold Delhaize USA has announced that Greg Finchum, Food Lion’s EVP of retail operations, will become president of the North Carolina-based grocer in May, following the retirement of longtime leader Meg Ham. Finchum, who joined Food Lion in 1989, has been in his current role for more than a decade. The company described him as […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Ends Albertsons Merger, Initiates Share Buyback Program
The Kroger Co. announced Dec. 11 that it had terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons – the same day the latter announced it would also end the arrangement – after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction to block the proposed deal. After reviewing options, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, National
NGA Commends FTC’s Enforcement Of Robinson-Patman Act
In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action Dec. 12 to restore enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, an antitrust law that will level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses. The FTC sued the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits – Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits LLC (Southern) – contending […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
The Fresh Market Opens Two Locations In Massachusetts
On Dec. 11, The Fresh Market marked the grand opening of two new Massachusetts stores – at 280 School St. in Mansfield and 84 Worcester Road in Framingham. “The Fresh Market really shines during the holiday season, and we are thrilled to bring The Fresh Market experience to Mansfield and Framingham, Massachusetts,” said Jason Potter, […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Continues Southeast Expansion With New Stores
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix Super Markets has continued its expansion in recent weeks by opening several new stores across the Southeast, including four in the Sunshine State and one each in Georgia and Virginia. St. Cloud, Florida Publix opened a new location Dec. 12 at 2895 N. Narcoossee Road, offering departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, […]
Posted inExecutive News, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
JOH Promotes O’Hare To CEO, Names Saidnawey Executive Chairman
Billerica, Massachusetts-based JOH has shared some executive leadership changes. Effective Jan. 1, John Saidnawey will become executive chairman of the board, and Matt O’Hare will serve as president and CEO. These changes mark the next chapter in JOH’s history as it charts a path for growth in the CPG industry. O’Hare will become the fourth […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
Brookshire Brothers Adds Birdzi To Provide Personalized Shopping Experiences
Brookshire Brothers, an employee-owned regional grocery chain based in Texas, will use Birdzi’s personalization and analytics capabilities to deliver tailored shopping experiences and promotions to shoppers while gathering customer insights. Brookshire Brothers, operating seven retail brands from contemporary grocery stores and convenience-supermarket hybrids to traditional convenience stores, will implement Birdzi’s VISPER solution to deliver personalized […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast, Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop Adds Savings Station Kiosks For Digital Coupon Access
Stop & Shop is conducting a 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 half of Stop & Shop’s store locations in time for the upcoming holiday season. The rollout will continue afterward, with all 350-plus Stop […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee Partners With Grocery TV To Elevate Retail Media Network
Hy-Vee has partnered with Grocery TV, an in-store retail media platform, to use its in-house technology to power more than 10,000 screens at key shopper touchpoints including entrance, checkout, service departments, aisles and end caps. Grocery TV will connect Hy-Vee’s screens to The Trade Desk, enabling RedMedia, Hy-Vee’s retail media network, to manage their off-site […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, National, The Kroger Co.
Albertsons Suing Kroger For Breach Of Merger Agreement
Albertsons has terminated its merger agreement with The Kroger Co. and filed suit against the grocer for breaching its agreement following a Dec. 10 ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The court granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction to prevent The Kroger Co. from acquiring Albertsons Companies. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS DemandFill 3.0 Adds Weather-Integrated Predictive AI Functionality
ECRS has added a new weather functionality for DemandFill 3.0, the third-generation forecasting solution within the CATAPULT Cognition platform. This machine learning artificial intelligence (AI) model integrates historical and forecasted weather data to analyze and anticipate shopper behavior, providing ECRS retailers with precise recommendations to meet future weather-driven demand. The VP of purchasing at a three-store […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Markets Promotes Henry To Chief Data, Information Officer
Schnucks Markets’ is promoting Tom Henry to chief data and information officer, effective Dec. 20. The move follows the retirement announcement of Chief Information and Supply Chain Officer Bob Hardester, who since 2014 has helmed the company’s information technology, cyber security and digital experience, as well as supply chain, transportation and logistics areas. Henry, who […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National
Grocers, Supermarkets Celebrate Holidays With Community Initiatives
Grocers and supermarkets across the nation are embracing the holiday spirit by holding a variety of charitable giving initiatives. From food and toy drives to partnering with local organizations, these retailers are spreading cheer and making an impact on their communities. Some also are offering a variety of special deals and promotions on holiday essentials. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
November Online Grocery Sales Reach $9.6B, Climb 18% From 2023
The U.S. online grocery market ended November with $9.6 billion in monthly sales, a 17.8 percent increase over last year, as all three fulfillment methods posted year-over-year sales gains, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey fielded Nov. 29-30. The survey found the uptick was powered by strong expansion of the monthly active […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
IGIA Recognizes Industry Leaders During Hall Of Fame Dinner
The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) recently recognized its 2024 Hall of Fame winners for their commitment to advancing the grocery, convenience and food industries. “Each year, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional companies and individuals whose dedication and leadership continue to shape the future of the grocery and food industry,” said Michelle Hurd, […]
Posted inProduce News, Corporate Store News, National
Ahold Delhaize USA, Campbell’s Begin Potato Program To Reduce Emissions
In collaboration with The Campbell’s Co., Ahold Delhaize USA has begun a pilot program that will help potato farms implement regenerative farming techniques to create more resilient agricultural systems and reduce carbon emissions through soil health practices and other opportunities. The initiative covers 1,000 acres across three farms in Michigan, New York and North Carolina, […]
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Acquires Inmar’s Scanner Applications Co.
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has acquired Inmar’s Scanner Applications, a performance-based media company that sets up scanned-based retail promotions, adjudicates claims and provides analytics and fraud control. According to IGA, the goal of the acquisition is to make it easier, less expensive and more efficient for independent retailers to execute promotions in their stores. […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Expands Home Delivery Range To Hour Radius Of Stores
Meijer has expanded its home delivery service area, tripling its range from an approximate 20-minute radius of stores to an hour. The extended delivery zone makes the service available to nearly four million additional households in rural and urban areas across the Midwest, with items delivered in about three hours. “We heard from many customers […]