H-E-B recently celebrated the reopening of its historic site at 2400 S. Congress Ave. in Austin, Texas, following a complete rebuild that more than doubled its size. At more than 145,000 square feet, the multi-level store includes a True Texas BBQ at ground level, a second level with a large assortment of products and three […]
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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS, ShipStation Complete E-Commerce Integration
ECRS has completed a requested integration with ShipStation, a web-based shipping software from Auctane. The collaboration brings together ECRS’ native e-commerce solution, CATAPULT WebCart, with ShipStation’s shipping capabilities, creating an efficient, user-friendly platform for retailers of all sizes. The integration offers a host of features designed to simplify and optimize the way ECRS retailers can […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, National
RJW Logistics Group Gets Investment From Berkshire Partners
RJW Logistics Group, a Woodridge, Illinois-based provider of retail logistics solutions for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, has received a strategic investment from Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners. “[This] will enable us to continue providing industry-leading performance and customer service, drive future innovations, and expand our geographic reach,” said RJW CEO Kevin Williamson. “We […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Midwest, Produce News, West
Lakeside Foods Acquires Vegetable Manufacturer Smith Frozen Foods
Lakeside Foods has announced its intent to purchase the business assets of Smith Frozen Foods – including its Weston, Oregon, production facility and Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton-Freewater, Oregon – to produce frozen vegetables. “Smith Frozen Foods is well-regarded in the industry for its strong legacy of growing and processing vegetables and its unwavering commitment […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Deli News, National
Picadeli, Digimarc Partner To Reduce Retail Shrink, Combat Food Fraud
Picadeli and Digimarc Corp. are partnering to tackle retail shrink and food fraud in the fresh and prepared foods market. The partnership integrates Digimarc’s advanced digital watermarks into Picadeli’s branded packaging, enabling retailers to implement secure, automated product verification and ensure pricing accuracy at self-checkout. The innovation reduces shrinkage while maintaining a seamless customer experience. Retailers […]
Posted inRaley's, Independent Store News, West
Raley’s Food For Families Welcomes Three To Board Of Directors
Raley’s nonprofit, Food For Families, has appointed three new members to its board of directors – Robin Gutridge, Brad Poalillo and Bahar Abullarade. Food For Families was founded by Joyce Raley Teel and CEO Emeritus Chuck Collings in 1986 as a holiday food drive. Since its inception, the organization has grown to serve Feeding America […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Honors 12 Employees With Company’s Highest Awards
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix Super Markets has named the recipients of its 2024 George W. Jenkins Award and 2024 President’s Award. These retail and support leaders were recognized at this year’s annual Publix retail operations conference in Orlando, Florida. George W. Jenkins Award The George W. Jenkins Award is named after Publix’s founder. Recipients of this […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Shares Topic For Student Case Study Competition
The NGA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has shared the topic for the 2025 Student Case Study Competition, which will be held during the 2025 NGA Show. For “A Path to Sustainable Success,” student teams will develop action plans for how the participating retailer, Colorado-based Clark’s Market, can minimize its environmental […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Big Y Foods, Corporate Store News, Guest Contributors, Harris Teeter, Northeast, The Kroger Co.
Opportunity For Independent Grocers Abounds In Urban, Diverse Northeast
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The grocery retail landscape in the Northeast United States is dynamic and multifaceted, characterized by a complex mix of regional players and national competitors. From the bustling urban centers of Boston, New York and Philadelphia to the quaint coastal towns of Maine and Maryland, the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Distributes Gift Cards To Rewards Members
Southeastern Grocers Inc. distributed $50,000 in gift cards, as well as free private label products, at five stores in the Southeast to thank customers for participating in its rewards program. The first 100 customers who arrived at each of the designated Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie locations received a $100 gift card and reusable tote bag […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, ShopRite
Cingari Family Markets To Celebrate Remodeled ShopRite In Brookfield, CT
Cingari Family Markets has debuted its renovated ShopRite at 143 Federal Road in Brookfield, Connecticut. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Dec. 9 will mark the culmination of months of work on the store, which remained open during the remodeling. The public is invited to join the celebration – which will include local officials, community […]
Posted inFood Lion, Executive News, Southeast
Food Lion President Meg Ham To Retire In May
Ahold Delhaize USA has shared that Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, plans to retire May 2 after more than a decade at the helm of the North Carolina-based grocer and 35-plus years with the organization. Ahold Delhaize USA credited Ham for helping drive Food Lion’s growth, grounded in the brand’s heritage of customer service […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Celebrates New Location In Louisville, KY
The Fresh Market held a grand opening Dec. 5 for its second store in Louisville, Kentucky. The location, the fresh-food specialty retailer’s 165th overall, offers an elevated shopping environment featuring an extensive selection of fresh, local, organic and specialty items. The celebration kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., with the first 500 customers […]
Posted inExecutive News, Associated Grocers of New England, Northeast
AGNE Names Conley, Aguiar To New Company Positions
Associated Grocers of New England has promoted two executives – Joe Conley and Eric Aguiar – to new positions in the company. Joe Conley has been named VP of category management and procurement. In this role, Conley will lead the company’s efforts in optimizing product assortment, strengthening vendor partnerships and driving strategic procurement initiatives. His […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Foxtrot Café & Market Prepares To Reopen Store In Chicago
Foxtrot Café & Market, an upscale modern corner store, will reopen its fifth location Dec. 5 at 401 N Wells St. in Chicago. To celebrate the grand opening, the café will offer free drip coffee to all visitors from 6-10 a.m. on Dec. 5 and a free Barbet premium sparkling water with any purchase Dec. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Weis Markets
Weis Markets Promotes Several Executives
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets has promoted several executives to new positions in the company. Doug Becker, previously director of meat merchandising, has been promoted to VP of fresh merchandising, while Angela Charnosky, senior director of enterprise services, has been named VP of enterprise services. Becker has more than 40 years of store-level and merchandising management experience. […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE Distributors Releases 2025 Macro Trends
KeHE Distributors has identified five macro trends in the food and beverage industry for 2025, set to influence consumer shopping preferences and inform retailers’ product selections in the coming year. “The unifying theme across the five projected trends for 2025 is a proactive consumer approach to health, resulting in a preference for food products that […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Walmart
Walmart Begins Pilot Program With Aira To Help Blind Customers
Walmart has begun a partnership with Aira, a mobile application that connects members of the blind and low vision community with sighted interpreters, who communicate visual information. Using remote access to a phone camera or piece of wearable technology, Aira interpreters act as eyes inside the store. Walmart is offering the way-finding service free to […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Executive News, Midwest
KeHE Distributors Adds Uzzell To Board Of Directors
KeHE has added G. Scott Uzzell to its board of directors, effective immediately. Uzzell served as corporate VP and general manager of Nike North America and a member of the Nike Inc. executive operating team from June 2023 until November. Nike North America generates more than $21 billion in revenue, with 30,000 employees across all […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Foodtown, Northeast
Allegiance Retail Services Launches Scan. Pay. Go Service At Foodtown Locations
Allegiance Retail Services, a supermarket grocery services co-op, has launched “Scan. Pay. Go,” a mobile shopping solution, at Ferreira Foodtown at Jackson Heights in Queens, New York. “The initiative marks a significant milestone in grocery retail innovation, aiming to redefine the shopping experience through advanced mobile solutions,” said Donna Zambo, VP and CMO of Allegiance […]