The Winter Springs, Florida-based National Watermelon Promotion Board has named winners in its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, which garnered more than 120 entries from various retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries. This year’s contest utilized mixed media marketing efforts in addition to in-store displays. It began in July to honor National Watermelon Month and ran throughout […]
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 inProduce News, Southeast
SEPC Announces Next Generation Leadership Academy
The Southeast Produce Council is expanding its education portfolio with a program designed for up-and-coming leaders. The year-long leadership development program will provide participants an approach to conscious leadership ideals and methodologies. Participants will develop leadership skills and prepare to navigate industry challenges with a growth mindset. The academy will feature quarterly modules that will […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Southwest
Walmart Participates In Payback Program For Cardholders
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart is joining Jacksonville, Florida-based FIS’s Premium Payback, a real-time rewards redemption network. The addition of Walmart to the Premium Payment network will give millions of consumers the opportunity to redeem their credit card rewards points for discounts at more than 4,700 Walmart stores across the U.S. Customers using eligible cards will be prompted […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Foundation To Launch Fundraiser For Food Pantries
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash will launch its annual in-store fundraiser this week through Nov. 6 in support of local food banks in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. All company-owned stores under the banners of Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarkets, Martin’s Super Markets, Supermercado, VG’s Grocery, Forest Hill […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
RangeMe Reports Buyers Seeking Supplier Diversity, Wellness
Supplier diversity, wellness and product discovery were all top-of-mind among buyers as retailers seek new ways to entice consumers in the face of inflationary pressures, according to research uncovered in RangeMe’s “Retail Roundup: Q3 2022” report. The report highlights trends among the activity of U.S. and international buyers on the platform, including keywords and certification […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, Executive News, West
Associated Food Stores Names New Executive Vice Presidents
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores has named two new EVPs, following the recent appointment of David Rice as president and CEO of the 82-year-old company. Justin Atwater, who also serves as general counsel, and Travis Boman, who serves as CFO, have added EVP to their titles. “Justin and Travis are incredibly important parts of […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B’s Orsak Recognized For Raising $1M For MS Society
After more than a decade fundraising, H-E-B Chief Operating Officer Roxanne Orsak is the first person in South Texas to raise $1 million in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its mission to help create a world free of MS. To achieve the milestone, Orsak raised $150,000 for the Bike MS Valero Ride […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Winn-Dixie Donates $40K To Ochsner Cancer Institute
Winn-Dixie has presented $40,000 to the Ochsner Cancer Institute. Customers made donations at store locations throughout Louisiana to benefit crucial treatments offered by the healthcare institution. This contribution was made in support of the health system and its mission to provide personalized care and treatment for cancer patients in the Gulf Coast region. Winn-Dixie activated […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Northeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club To Open Location In White Plains, NY
BJ’s Wholesale Club will open a new store Oct. 28 at 399 Tarrytown Road in White Plains, New York. It will be the company’s 232nd store in the U.S. “Our team can’t wait to open our doors on Friday and welcome both new and existing members into our brand-new club,” said Jorge Cedeno, club manager of […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Side Delights To Showcase New Potato Packaging At IFPA’s Show
Newport Beach, California-based Side Delights will showcase its package refresh Oct. 27-29 at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida. Fresh Solutions Network, the exclusive farmers and suppliers of the Side Delights brand of fresh potatoes and onions, invites retailers who want to see the new packaging line in person to join the company […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
C&S Wholesale Grocers, RELEX Partner For Forecasting Solutions
Keene, New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers has selected RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and planning solutions to further strengthen its planning processes. RELEX will help streamline C&S’s technical landscape for demand forecasting and automatic replenishment, which will not only enhance the customer experience but also drive C&S’s long-term growth plans with a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest, Supply Chain News
Schnucks Launches 30-Minute Delivery With Instacart
St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets, in partnership with Instacart, is introducing “Schnucks Now” delivery. An online grocery shopping method, it is ideal for smaller orders, focused on fulfilling convenience orders. The service allows customers to shop from the grocer’s assortment of fresh groceries, pantry and household essentials for delivery in as fast as 30 minutes with no priority […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Study Finds Consumers Are Modifying Holiday Grocery Budgets
FMI – The Food Industry Association released part five of its “U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2022” series, titled “Holiday Shopping.” The final release from consumer surveys explores the sentiment and behaviors of consumers as they head into the holiday season. This year, typical holiday stress is increased by inflationary concerns, with 62 percent of shoppers reporting their […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southeast
Novolex Receives BPI Compostable Certifications
Duro, a Hartsville, South Carolina-based Novolex brand, has received the Biodegradable Products Institute certification for several products in its Dubl Life line of paper bags and sacks. The products are among the first on the market to receive this certification, expanding the company’s portfolio of certified compostable items. In another first, the bags will also feature the […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
Produce Alliance Announces Partnership With Copia
Chicago-based Produce Alliance has announced its partnership with Copia, a technology solution connecting surplus food to nonprofits in need. This partnership enables Produce Alliance to donate pallets of fresh produce and prepared food to community members in need. Food is the single largest component taking up space inside U.S. landfills, making up 24 percent of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Hy-Vee Offers Free Medicare Comparisons Through December
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee Medicare Aisle is providing free Medicare plan comparisons through Dec. 7 during its Annual Open Enrollment Period. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend all Medicare participants review their coverage each year to make sure their current plan is the best fit based on current health conditions, doctors and specialists who […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Survey Reveals Price Volatility Is Biggest Produce Growth Hurdle
Los Angeles-based ProducePay has released findings from a national survey that examined the day-to-day challenges of U.S. produce growers and buyers. Survey findings highlight the immediate needs around improving efficiency and profitability in the produce supply chain, particularly as the industry contends with record inflation, rising production costs, supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events. These […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Do Good Chicken Saves 10M Pounds Of Food From Landfills
Bedminster, New Jersey-based Do Good Chicken reports it has diverted more than 10 million pounds of surplus grocery food from landfills, after community donations are made, to upcycle into nutritious chicken feed. The milestone comes six months since Do Good Chicken’s spring retail launch and equates to saving surplus grocery food weighing approximately three times the […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Barilla Adds QR Codes To Assist Visually Impaired Customers
Northbrook, Illinois-based Barilla is expanding its partnership with Be My Eyes, a platform that provides live audio and visual support for blind and visually impaired consumers, by incorporating QR codes on the packaging of 10 of Barilla’s most popular classic pasta offerings. In 2021, Barilla became the first food company to partner with Be My Eyes, […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest, Nonfood Items
Meijer Begins Administering COVID-19 Boosters to 5-11 Age Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is administering updated COVID-19 boosters to patients ages 5-11 at the retailer’s pharmacies across the Midwest. The retailer took action following the CDC’s approval for pediatric boosters to help protect its local communities. “While life has returned to normal for many, it’s important to remain vigilant and continue to protect your […]